Undercarriage replacement on Case 450 dozer

tirekicker · Sep 21, 2008

Hi,
How much of a job is it to replace the whole undercarriage on a 450 Case bulldozer? Do you need any special tools? I am a mechanic by trade but I don't know much about heavy equipment. Thanks

RodinNS · Sep 21, 2008

Big compressor, 1/2"++ airline, 1" impact and a deep checkbook...
Other than that it's basically just ****** work.
The idlers can probably be refurbed by radius welding and reseal/repacking.
Bottom rollers are probably best replaced. Sprockets replaced unless they're segmented.
The chains can be addressed by a bushing turn (if it hasn't been done already) and the rails are not worn down too bad.
The pads can be rebuilt by welding new grouser bar on. You can buy grouser bar from a dealer or probably Berco, cut it to length and weld it on.
That said, it's time consuming unless you've got a big welder and big rod. It might be just as economical to replace the pads if the pad itself is getting thin...
Other than that, a loader or engine crane is handy for lifting stuff and a comealong to help join the chain when you're done. Basically it's just hard, heavy work.

Rod

TomH in PA · Sep 21, 2008

There's a Mennonite business near me that specializes in undercarriage work. Thing that I noticed first when I happened to stop there one time was that they all had really big shoulders and forearms.

RodinNS · Sep 21, 2008

I'm sure there's a strong relationship between those things...

Rod

Anonymous-0 · Sep 22, 2008

Ask on the crawler forum. You don't need any special tools. If the tracks are real loose, you can get them off without splitting them. A 1 inch impact is overkill on a 450. A 3/4 inch drive breaker bar should get the track frames loose if you don't have an impact wrench. An impact wrench is nice but not absolutely necessary. Berco is expensive. There is less expensive good undercarrige than Berco. A couple people on the crawler forum can give you prices. Usually cheaper to replace than repair/build up. I just did the complete undercarriage on a Cat 931B loader which is slightly bigger than a 450 Case. I did have a friend bring his welder and torch out because I bought weld on sprocket teeth to save a lot of money over complete sprockets. Dave

Anonymous-0 · Sep 22, 2008

I have a 450C and have replaced the undercarrige twice. Do yourself a favor and replace everything. Chains, sprockets bottom rollers and carrrier roller. Its alot of bull work, but like anything else you got to talk yoursef into the job. good luck.

RodinNS · Sep 22, 2008

When I did the chains on my 4 high drive, the 3/4" 1100 ft-lb Jet wouldn't touch most of the bolts.... I did indeed break them with a 3/4 drive ratchet and 6' pipe.
So... if you don't mind doing that, a 3/4" is fine. If you want to save some work, get you a 1" drive gun or just burn the damn bolts out. They should be replaced anyway if the heads are getting round.

Rod

Undercarriage replacement on Case 450 dozer

tirekicker

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RodinNS

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TomH in PA

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RodinNS

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Anonymous-0

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Anonymous-0

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RodinNS

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