How to Replace & Maintain Case IH 9300 Series , Quadtrac & Combine Rubber Tracks: A Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

I. Introduction

Rubber tracks are essential components of Case IH 9300, Quadtrac, and Combine agricultural equipment, providing the traction and flotation needed to navigate challenging field conditions. Properly maintained tracks are crucial for maximizing productivity, reducing operating costs, and extending the lifespan of your machinery. This step-by-step guide provides comprehensive instructions on how to replace and maintain the rubber tracks on your Case IH 9300, Quadtrac, and Combine equipment, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing downtime.

Track System Structure Diagram - Case IH Quadtrac, 9300, Combine, Rowtrac, T8 SmartTrax

II. Estimated Time for Track Replacement and Alignment

The time required for track replacement and alignment can vary depending on experience, tools, and working conditions. However, based on average skills and working on firm, level ground, you can expect the following time estimates:

  • Track Removal, Inspection & Installation: 5 – 2 man-hours per track.
  • Track Alignment: 0 – 1* man-hours per track.

* Note: If additional parts need to be replaced on the undercarriage as a result of a machine inspection, the total time may be significantly longer than shown.

Important Note: These are estimated times. Working in adverse conditions can take significantly longer, while experienced technicians with optimal tools may complete the work faster. Always inspect front idler pivot bushings and mounting hardware for wear or play and repair as needed before installing new track. Excessive play in front idler pivot assembly will cause track alignment problems and track damage that will not be covered by track warranty.

III. Essential Preparation for Track Maintenance

Before you begin any track maintenance, prioritize safety and gather the necessary tools.

A. Safety First:

    • Park the machine on a level, firm surface to ensure stability.
    • Disconnect any implements that may be attached to the machine.
    • Turn off the engine, remove the key, and engage the parking brake.

B. Gather Your Tools:

Having the right tools on hand will make the process smoother and more efficient. You will need:

    • Safety Glasses and Steel Toed Shoes
    • Tension Cylinder Drain Valve (CNH #31-3183)
    • Pilot Pins (for idler installation)
    • Ratcheting hoist / “Come Along”
    • Selection of pry bars (at least one 5 ft long)
    • Infrared Thermometer
    • Torque Wrench (600 ft-lb / 813 Nm capacity)
    • (4) 15 Ton / 15000Kg Minimum Support Stands
    • 3/4″ Air Impact Wrench (with 450 ft-lb / 610 Nm capacity)
    • Several large wood blocks
    • (2) Lifting Eyes
    • Air / Hydraulic Jack (min 15 Ton / 15000Kg Capacity / 12″ stroke)
    • Soap solution (for track installation)
    • 24mm and 30mm combination wrenches
    • 30mm, 32mm, 34mm, and 36mm 3/4″ drive sockets

C. Understand Torque Values:

Applying the correct torque to bolts is critical for proper track function and longevity. Refer to the following values for 9300 Series Quadtrac equipment, and always consult your operator’s manual for model-specific requirements:

    • Idler wheel bolts (lubed with 10W-30 engine oil):315 to 345 lb ft (455 to 510 Nm)
    • Yoke plate mounting bolts (lubed with 10W-30 engine oil):365 lb ft (500 Nm)
    • Important Note:Wheel bolt torque is critical. Always use a torque wrench and refer to the operator’s manual for wheel bolt torques by specific model.

IV. Step-by-Step Track Removal (9300 Series, Quadtrac, Combine)

A. Detensioning the Track:

9300 Series, Quadtrac, Combine - Detensioning the Track
    • Obtain the CNH part number 31-3183 Tension Cylinder Drain Valve.
    • Locate the drain port on the undercarriage, remove the dust cap, and ensure the drain valve is CLOSED.
    • Attach the drain valve hose to the coupler on the undercarriage.
    • Important:Track tension cylinder pressure can be 3000 psi or higher. Use caution and open the valve slowly.
    • Insert the opposite end of the hose into a suitable drain bucket.
    • Using a 15/16″ open-end wrench, slowly turn the valve CLOCKWISE to open it and relieve the pressure in the tensioner.
    • Important:After detensioning, ensure the tensioner Stop Bolt is installed. This prevents the idler pivot assembly from moving forward after track removal. Refer to the track terminology diagrams in your service manual to locate the Stop Bolt.
    • Leave the tension cylinder drain valve connected for further retraction later.

B. Raising the Machine:

    • Raise the machine until the midrollers are approximately one (1) inch above the track.
    • Important:Lifting devices with focalized contact areas, such as bottle jacks, can damage or fail the axle housings. We highly recommend you do not jack on the axle housing. Refer to your operator’s manual or contact your Case IH dealer for recommended lifting instructions.

C. Removing Idler Wheels:

9300 Series, Quadtrac, Combine - Removing Idler Wheels
    • Remove both front and rear idler bolts and spacers (not all models have spacers).
    • Remove both idler wheels.

D. Track Removal from Drive Wheel:

9300 Series, Quadtrac, Combine - Track Removal from Drive Wheel
    • With both idler wheels removed, raise the machine approximately eight inches off the ground, or until the midrollers clear the track drive lugs.
    • The best way to remove the tracks is to work them off the inner idler wheels while simultaneously working the drive lugs out of the drive wheel pockets.
    • Slowly slide the track out from under the midrollers.
    • Important:Track removal requires a forklift or a boom truck, as the tracks weigh approximately 1100 lbs. Use caution to prevent injury.
tension cylinder works
    • If the tension cylinder is still partially extended, retract it further using a come-along or other suitable means to aid in track installation later.
    • Once the tensioner is fully retracted, close the drain valve and remove the oil drain hose

V. Undercarriage Inspection (9300 Series, Quadtrac, Combine)

A. Front Idler Pivot and Drive Wheel Inspection:

9300 Series, Quadtrac, Combine Undercarriage Inspection - Front Idler Pivot and Drive Wheel Inspection
    • Check for wear or play in the front idler pivot assembly and bearings.
    • Any side-to-side movement indicates wear, and bushings should be replaced.
    • Excessive play in the idler pivot assembly can cause track alignment problems and rapid drive/guide lug wear

B. Idler and Midroller Condition:

9300 Series, Quadtrac, Combine Undercarriage Inspection - Idler and Midroller Condition
    • Inspect the condition of the midroller and idler seals. Look for any wet areas indicating a leaking seal.
    • Check the condition of the midroller rubber. Replace midrollers if:
      • More than 1/3 of the total rubber is missing around the entire midroller.
      • All the rubber is missing at any point all the way across the midroller.
      • Any flat spots are seen, which may indicate the midroller has stopped turning.

C. Idler Condition:

9300 Series, Quadtrac, Combine Undercarriage Inspection - Idler Condition
    • Check idlers for missing rubber or for cracks at the bolt holes. Use similar criteria as midrollers to determine if idlers should be replaced due to loss of rubber.

D. Updates to Consider Before Installing New Tracks:

    • Idler Pivot Bushings: Check the idler pivot bushings for wear. If loose, the track will not stay aligned, and premature drive lug damage may result. Replace if necessary.
Updates to Consider Before Installing New Tracks - Idler Pivot Bushings
    • Drive Wheel Scrapers: Ensure the machine is equipped with drive wheel scrapers and that they are adjusted correctly to 3mm clearance without contacting the wheel. Properly adjusted scrapers remove debris build-up on the smooth surface of the drive wheel, which can reduce drive lug and inner track life. Consult with your CNH dealer for part numbers and quantities for specific machines.
Updates to Consider Before Installing New Tracks - Drive Wheel Scrapers
    • Check the old tracks: Examine the old tracks prior to removal for wear characteristics that may indicate what undercarriage components need repair. Check idler and midroller flanges for damage, proper thickness, and cracks – all of which will reduce drive lug and track life.
Updates to Consider Before Installing New Tracks - Check the old tracks

VI. Installing Your New Rubber Tracks (9300 Series, Quadtrac, Combine)

A. Positioning the Track:

9300 Series, Quadtrac, Combine Undercarriage Inspection - Installing Your New Rubber Tracks - Positioning the Track
    • Using a hoist or other means, carefully slide the track under the midrollers while lifting it over and into the drive wheel, but do not yet engage the teeth.
    • You may need to use a pry bar to adjust the track so that the track drive lugs fall into the drive wheel pockets.

B. Working the Track Over the Idlers:

9300 Series, Quadtrac, Combine Undercarriage Inspection - Installing Your New Rubber Tracks - Working the Track Over the Idlers
    • Work the track over the front inside idler wheel using a hoist or a forklift.
    • Applying a soap solution to the inner front and rear idlers may make installation easier.

C. Reinstalling Idler Wheels:

9300 Series, Quadtrac, Combine Undercarriage Inspection - Installing Your New Rubber Tracks - Working the Track Over the Idlers - Reinstalling Idler Wheels
    • Reinstall the outside front and rear idler wheels.
    • Torque wheel bolts to the specified values. Refer to Section II for 9300 Series Quadtrac values and your operator’s manual for other models.
    • Follow an alternate tightening sequence until bolts hold the specified torque.
    • Re-torque after the first 3 hours of operation.

D. Tensioning the Track:

    • Raise the machine off the jack stands and remove the jack stands.
    • Lower the machine.
    • Start the engine.
    • For tractors, select a hydraulic remote valve and hold it stroked for 15-30 seconds to observe the track tensioner fill and the track tension increase to operational values.
    • For combines, press and hold the header reel fore/aft or header reel up/down button on the multifunction handle for 15-30 seconds to observe the track tensioner fill and the track tension increase to operational values.

VII. Track Alignment (9300 Series, Quadtrac, Combine)

A. Checking Alignment:

9300 Series, Quadtrac, Combine track alignment - Checking Alignment
    • Drive the machine straight ahead at not faster than 5 MPH on a flat surface, with no steering input, for a distance of at least 400 feet.
    • Coast to a stop without steering or braking.
    • Observe the gap between the drive lugs and the rolling stock (midrollers and idlers).
    • A track in alignment should have drive lugs running down the centerline on flat ground.
    • If drive lugs are running to one side and contacting the rolling stock, an alignment adjustment is needed.

B. Adjusting Alignment:

9300 Series, Quadtrac, Combine track alignment - Adjusting Alignment
    • The alignment adjustment is made by moving the alignment plate (yoke plate) on the undercarriage.
    • Loosen the 3 front and 3 rear alignment plate bolts just enough to allow the washer to spin free.
    • Turn the adjustment bolt (refer to diagrams in your service manual for location) at least 1 full turn to move the alignment plate either forward or rearward.
      • To move the track INWARD, adjust the alignment plate rearward.
      • To move the track OUTWARD, adjust the alignment plate forward.
    • Retighten the 6 alignment plate bolts to 365 ft-lbs (9300 series), and 500 -585 ft-lbs (Quadtrac/Combine). Always verify torque values in your operator’s manual.
    • Recheck track alignment and repeat steps as needed.

C. Final Alignment Check:

    • Once the drive lug alignment appears centered, conduct a final active alignment check.
    • Drive the tractor in a straight line at moderate speed without steering input for approximately 1/4 mile.
    • Stroke a remote function (tractors) or hold the header reel fore/aft button (combines) for 15 seconds while driving to ensure tracks are tensioned properly.
    • Observe the drive lugs to see if they are centered on the drive wheel and front and rear idlers.
    • If slight adjustment is needed, loosen the alignment plate bolts and move the adjustment bolt 1-2 turns.
    • Tighten and torque the alignment plate bolts.
    • Repeat the driving test and adjust if needed until the temperatures of the drive lug outside faces are similar on both sides of the drive lugs, using an infrared thermometer.
    • It is recommended that alignment be rechecked after 10-20 hours of operation.

VIII. Conclusion

Properly replacing and maintaining the rubber tracks on your Case IH 9300, Quadtrac, and Combine equipment is essential for ensuring its longevity and performance. By following this step-by-step guide, you can confidently perform these procedures, minimize downtime, and maximize your machine’s productivity. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult your operator’s manual for model-specific information and torque values. For further assistance or to explore a wide range of high-quality agricultural rubber tracks, please visit the Nissitrac website or contact our support team.

Comments