While working on my Cat 257b (1st series ASV tracks) with torsion axles, I decided to test their flexibility by jacking them up. I observed that they still twist, but only to a limited extent - around 5 degrees at most when one side of the loader is fully loaded compared to when it is not. I am now wondering if this level of movement is normal, or if it indicates that the axles are worn out.
One common way to determine if your machine is worn out is by observing how much it sags off the ground when loaded compared to when it is unloaded (e.g. when placed on jack stands). This can be a key indicator of wear and tear on the equipment.
From my experience, torsion axles are not prone to wearing out over time. Instead, they have a tendency to suddenly break, leaving scattered shards reminiscent of shattered glass on the ground.
Answer: You can test the flexibility by jacking up the loader and observing the degree of twist in the axles when one side is fully loaded compared to when it is not.
Answer: A normal level of movement may vary, but observing around 5 degrees of twist at most when one side is fully loaded is mentioned in the thread.
Answer: Limited flexibility in torsion axles may not necessarily indicate that they are worn out. It is recommended to compare the observed movement to the expected range and consult with a professional if unsure about the condition of the axles.
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