Troubleshooting Mclaren Hybrid Steel Tracks on Yanmar Mini Excavator: Idler Engagement and Roller Condition Check

Question:

Recently acquired a set of Mclaren Hybrid steel tracks with bolt-on rubber pads for my Yanmar Mini Excavater VIO 35-2, but I'm concerned that the idler is not fully engaging the track chain. Take a look at the images and let me know your thoughts. I can fit the tip of my index finger between the chain and the bottom of the idler. Additionally, check out the roller images to see if they seem to be in good condition. The tracks I received were too short, but Mclaren is sending me an extra master link as a solution. Their customer service has been excellent throughout this process. Thank you for your assistance.

Top Replies

Could it be possible that the incorrect parts were sent, or that Yanmar made changes during the model year? Just a theory to consider.

I wanted to provide an update on the forum regarding my recent maintenance work. I have replaced the idler pulley, which has resulted in a much tighter clearance between the chain and the idler. It seems that the original idler pulley had worn significantly at the shoulder. This improvement has greatly enhanced the performance of my machinery.

Hello Jim, I spend my days working with tracks and I have noticed that the master pin and master bushing are usually the first parts to wear out. It is important for the bottom of the links to ride on the idler properly. Unfortunately, I cannot clearly see the picture of your roller to give my opinion. As undercarriage parts can be costly, it is crucial to ensure that you receive the correct chain and link count. They may be sending you two links with a master bushing pressed in and two master pins to simply extend the chains, which is a quick fix on their part. I recommend asking if you can return the chains and have the correct ones with the appropriate link count sent to you instead. While I have no personal experience with McLaren, I believe this is not the best way to address the issue. In the past, we have made the same mistake and had to travel 5 hours with a portable press to extend the chains correctly, without using master pins and master bushings. This is just my opinion. Thank you, QuickTrax.

Thank you Quicktrax for the helpful information. Yesterday, I removed the idler and fully removed the grease fitting to collapse the cylinder by an additional 2 inches. This allowed me to successfully install the tracks. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. How can I ensure proper engagement of the idler with the track chain on my Yanmar Mini Excavator when using McLaren Hybrid steel tracks?

Answer: Answer: To ensure proper engagement of the idler with the track chain, make sure there is minimal to no gap between the chain and the bottom of the idler. If there is a gap, it may indicate improper installation or adjustment.

FAQ: 2. What should I do if the tracks I received for my Yanmar Mini Excavator are too short?

Answer: Answer: If the tracks you received are too short, you can contact the manufacturer (McLaren) for a solution. In this case, McLaren is sending an extra master link to address the issue.

FAQ: 3. How can I assess the condition of the rollers on my Yanmar Mini Excavator when using McLaren Hybrid steel tracks?

Answer: Answer: To assess the condition of the rollers, visually inspect them to ensure they are in good condition without significant wear or damage. Properly functioning rollers are crucial for the smooth operation of the tracks on your excavator.

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