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If you’ve ever had a machine break down in the field, you know how tempting it can be to try to make a quick fix yourself. Often that means grabbing a sledgehammer or other tool and taking a few whacks at the broken pin.
For reasons that should be obvious, this isn’t a great idea. You’re much better off using a track pin press.
Why You Should Keep the Hammer in the Toolbox
Track pin presses are a much safer alternative to using sledgehammers or other strong-arm methods when removing and installing track pins. They use hydraulic pressure to apply force to the pin, which eliminates the need for manual hammering. This reduces the risk of injury, especially to the hands and arms, and prevents damage to the equipment.
WTC Machinery offers portable track pin presses designed specifically to make field operations easier and safer. They are available in different sizes and configurations, with ratings from 100 tons on up to 250 tons, giving you plenty of power for even the largest dozers and excavators.
Our portable track pin presses are available as standalone units or can be paired with hydraulic pumps. Optional features include pressure gauges and lifting slings for added safety. You can visit our Portable Pin Presses page for more information.
A Guide to Safe Portable Track Pin Press Use
Additionally, it’s crucial you make sure the press is properly secured before use. This helps prevent it from tipping over or moving during operation. A blocking pin should be used to support the track pin while pressing it out. This will help prevent the pin from flying out and causing injury.
Above all else, be aware of your surroundings. Make sure there is enough space around the press to operate it safely.
If you are unsure about how to use a portable track pin press, ask for help from a qualified individual. Never assume you can “figure it out” yourself; if you’ve never used one before, it’s a good idea to practice first.
If you have any questions about portable track pin presses or are interested in more tips on safe use, contact a WTC Machinery team member today.
What is a Track Press?
Unless you’ve spent a lot of time around excavators, bulldozers, tanks, or other machinery that utilizes tracks for movement, you’ve probably never heard of a track press. This essential piece of equipment is common in the construction and mining industries, where lifting and movement of heavy materials occurs on a daily basis.
What Does a Track Pin Press Do?
A track press, also known as a track pin press, is a specialized tool used in heavy equipment maintenance and repair. It is designed to remove and install track pins, bushings, and links on tracked vehicles, such as bulldozers, excavators, and crawler cranes.
The tracks of these heavy machines consist of multiple interconnected links, and over time, the pins and bushings wear out or become damaged due to the intense use and harsh operating conditions. A track pin press makes replacing and repairing these components easier and more efficient.
How Does a Track Press Work?
A track press typically consists of a hydraulic system that exerts substantial force to loosen or tighten the old pins and bushings from the track links and press in new ones. This involves securing the track link between two large plates and applying force through hydraulic cylinders to remove or insert the pins and bushings. This process ensures proper alignment and tightness of the track components, enabling smooth and efficient operation of the tracked vehicle.
The track pin press also helps ensure safety. Removing a track pin manually is dangerous; doing so may result in injury or even death, and can damage machinery.
Track presses are often found in heavy equipment repair shops, maintenance facilities, and construction sites where there is a need to service or replace track components. They help save time and effort compared to manual methods, ensuring accurate and reliable track assembly, and minimizing downtime for the machinery. Over time, they can help you save money on maintenance and repair costs and help extend the lifespan of your equipment.
WTC Track Presses
WTC Machinery offers a variety of track pin presses for different applications. If you’re looking for a stationary track press, check out our 200, 305, 385 and 400 Ton options. When you need to make field repairs, a portable track pin press makes onsite repairs easy. WTC Machinery’s lineup includes the FP100 (C-Frame) -100 ton, MPP150 (Tie Rod) – 150 ton, FP150 (C-Frame)-150 ton, MPP250 (Tie Rod) – 250 ton, FP250 (C-Frame–250 ton, and Hands Free Pin Pusher.
Contact us with any questions or to find out how WTC can support your shop.