Wouldn't it be less strain on your hinge pins if the tracks were on the ground? Great idea with the vice grips though. I'll definitely will be making this tool. Ratchet straps and eye bolts works but are not easy at all.
Friction/strain on the hinge pins is the same whether on the ground or off the ground (especially if the hinge pins have a lot wear and are "cammed" out). Because the way the vise grip tools work, its still going to pull the hinges together to make pulling and replacing the hinge pins easier. I have removed and replaced a track in the field without raising the machine and driving off and back onto the track, but that was a field repair. Lifting the machine and doing this off the ground allows me to do the work inside the garage; which is a nice bonus to work inside a heated garage when it below freezing outside. ;)
The welded needle noses are genius
Very informative! Thx for sharing.
Wouldn't it be less strain on your hinge pins if the tracks were on the ground? Great idea with the vice grips though. I'll definitely will be making this tool. Ratchet straps and eye bolts works but are not easy at all.
Friction/strain on the hinge pins is the same whether on the ground or off the ground (especially if the hinge pins have a lot wear and are "cammed" out). Because the way the vise grip tools work, its still going to pull the hinges together to make pulling and replacing the hinge pins easier.
I have removed and replaced a track in the field without raising the machine and driving off and back onto the track, but that was a field repair. Lifting the machine and doing this off the ground allows me to do the work inside the garage; which is a nice bonus to work inside a heated garage when it below freezing outside. ;)