Track Alignment

Avoid operating track in grease, oil, or other petroleum chemicals. Avoid spilling these materials on tracks during servicing of tractor.

Avoid debris buildup in any of the frame area. Clean as necessary.

When tractor is new, track alignment has been preset at factory. Alignment should not be adjusted until after completion of initial break-in.

After initial break-in and alignment have been completed, the complete break-in process will occur during the first full operating season. During this time, operate tractor:

• In soft soil as much as possible.

• In high speed transport situations as little as possible - especially when pulling an implement.

  1. RXA0158367
    RXA0158367-UN-16MAR17

    RXA0158368
    RXA0158368-UN-16MAR17

    Inspect drive lugs (A) for side wear. Compare wear on inboard and outboard sides of drive lugs. Even in routine operating conditions, drive lugs will exhibit wear as shown (B), especially during break-in side slope operation. Only perform alignment if there is significant difference in wear between the two sides of a drive lug.
  2. If significant differences in drive lug wear are noted, go to step 3.

  3. IMPORTANT: Tracks will typically move from side to side during operation, so some drive lug side contact is normal. Track does not need to be centered to achieve proper alignment. If track passes shim check, track alignment is correct.

    Fabricate 77 mm (3 in) by 204 mm (8 in) track alignment check gauge (shim) from:

    • 3.2 mm (1/8 in) thick metal (wide track).

    • 4.8 mm (3/16 in) thick metal (narrow track).

  4. Drive tractor 45 m (150 ft) on level ground. A road is generally not suitable, due to crown of road surface.
  5. While still moving, shift to neutral and allow tractor to coast to a stop with no braking or steering input.
  6. When tractor stops, shift tractor to PARK and shut off engine.

  7. RXA0158393
    RXA0158393-UN-20MAR17

    Insert fabricated shim between outboard front mid-roller and drive lug (C). Shim should fit freely all the way down to the track inner surface.
  8. Repeat clearance check on outboard front mid-rollers.
  9. Complete alignment check on all track assemblies before performing any adjustment.
    If track is aligned but drive lug side wear does not decrease after break-in or have recently accelerated, contact see your John Deere dealer.
  10. No alignment adjustment is required if shim fits freely on both sides of drive lug and drive lug is not contacting front mid-roller - even if not equally centered in distance inboard to outboard sides. Go to step 18.

    If shim does not fit on one side, adjust track alignment. Go to step 11.

  11. RXA0158388
    RXA0158388-UN-16MAR17

    Remove lock plate spacer and bolts (D) and lock plates (E) from inboard and outboard sides of track to be adjusted.
  12. On side you want track to move away from, loosen adjustment bolt (F) one turn.

    Avoid damage to special cap screws through incorrect installation or tightening procedures. Use only unpowered hand tools and ratcheting “click” type or equivalent torque wrench to tighten properly.

    Do not apply excessive force to adjustment bolt. Damage to track frame casting can occur from over-torque.

    RXA0161031
    RXA0161031-UN-05OCT17

    Check to see if adjustment lever (G) has been adjusted to it’s maximum lateral position.

    • If lever is hitting casting, refer to diagram on casting. Adjust alignment bolts to first re-center lever. Then apply one turn to move track left on undercarriage.

    • If lever movement is hindered by debris buildup, clean as needed.

  13. One turn is the recommended increment. One half turn may be used as a final adjustment. Adjustments larger than one turn may result in unpredictable alignment results.
    Tighten adjustment bolt on the opposite side to 300 N·m (221 lb·ft).
  14. Tighten adjustment bolt, loosened in Step 12 to 300 N·m (221 lb·ft).

  15. Avoid incorrect alignment and potential damage to track and track assembly components. Never make adjustments larger than one turn. Unpredictable track alignment results may occur.

    One turn is the recommended adjustment increment. One-half turn may be used as the final adjustment.
    In most circumstances, a single adjustment is all that should be done. Track should then run until next scheduled adjustment check in order to give it time to stabilize in new setting.
  16. Lock plates are reversible to double the available index increments. It may be necessary to increase torque on special cap screw slightly to advance it to next available lock plate index position.

    RXA0147877
    RXA0147877-UN-06APR15

    Outside Track Frame

    RXA0147878
    RXA0147878-UN-06APR15

    Inside Track Frame

    Install lock plates (B) and with spacer and bolt (A). Tighten bolt to 130 N·m (95 lb·ft).
  17. Confirm inside and outside adjustment bolts (C) are tight on each track frame.
  18. If track has been aligned but drive lug side wear does not decrease after break-in or has recently accelerated, see your John Deere Dealer.

TS36762,0000346-19-20171005