Thrown track on a HD4

[Daelric]

I was doing some digging today and when I went to make a sharp turn (clutch pulled all the way back and brake pressed) about half way through the turn I heard a loud clunk and she stopped turning. Looking over the side, sure enough, I somehow managed to pop the left-hand side track off. I would really appreciate some assistance in figuring out how to get this track back on. I spent hours today trying different methods from videos I saw on YouTube, like using the hoe boom and a chain to help pull the track up and into the drive sprocket, but nothing doing... I couldn't get the teeth to have any purchase on the track where purchase is needed. I sure hope I don't need any special tools for this....

 

[DrAllis]

Have you fully "de-tensioned" the track?? allowing the front idler to move rearwards as far as possible ?? When track is back on, then tighten the track back up.

 

[Jim.ME]

(quoted from post at 00:01:17 02/25/22) I was doing some digging today and when I went to make a sharp turn (clutch pulled all the way back and brake pressed) about half way through the turn I heard a loud clunk and she stopped turning. Looking over the side, sure enough, I somehow managed to pop the left-hand side track off. I would really appreciate some assistance in figuring out how to get this track back on. I spent hours today trying different methods from videos I saw on YouTube, like using the hoe boom and a chain to help pull the track up and into the drive sprocket, but nothing doing... I couldn't get the teeth to have any purchase on the track where purchase is needed. I sure hope I don't need any special tools for this....

Back the idler fully off and move it to the rear, as suggested. Maybe you can get the chain over the sprocket without taking it off the idler but often it is easier to take the track off the idler, put it on the sprocket, then put it back on the idler. If the track chain is full of crap, you may need to clean it out some and you may need to clean the ground under the pads if it came off because it caught a rock or stump while you were turning. If you have to reach under the track or track frame, be sure it is blocked so it can't shift and pinch you.