Construction and other equipment - stuck tracks on HD11E

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stuck tracks on HD11E

Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Construction and other equipment
Forum Description: everything else with orange (or yellow) paint
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=142941
Printed Date: 18 Aug 2025 at 11:00am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: stuck tracks on HD11E

Posted By: Tennessee Plowboy
Subject: stuck tracks on HD11E
Date Posted: 28 Sep 2017 at 5:01pm

I'm new to these antique tractors and need some advice from someone experienced with stuck tracks. I have just got the transplanted engine ( Detroit 6V92 TA) going on my HD11E. It sounds really strong. The man I have bought it from did the install and clutch modifications and warns against trying to engage the drive train untill after we get some free movement in the track chains by pushing with another machine. So far controlled pushing on the blade with a 3yd payloader wheel type loader has not done the job.
He recommends to keep this up till we get it loose but says to pressure the drive train could break the bull gear since we have over twice the BHP now as when new. I trust His judgement but I'm running out of time to move the machine. The clutch is an over center type and I'm told there is no way of knowing if it can be eased in or not. Is the bull gear the weak link? Is a replacement available if the worst case occurs ?
Does anyone with this experience have a suggestion of something that has worked to free up the tracks. The tractor has been in this spot for a long time. I soaked the steering clutches in diesel for about two months and took a bath in it when i pulled the plug. If i dont get this thing moving I'll be thking another bath of the more painful kind.
Thanks

Replies:

Posted By: DonBC
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2017 at 11:32am

I have no experience with this but I have heard that soaking the tracks with diesel fuel and using a BFH to beat on the tracks will help.

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Jack of all trades, master of none

Posted By: Ian Beale
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2017 at 4:01pm

IIRC someone on a thread here suggested water helps - don't have a reference

Posted By: DMiller
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2017 at 6:31pm

Water caused the rust, water will free the rust.

Posted By: Coke-in-MN
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2017 at 8:23pm

Might try raising the machine so track is off the ground then using either power of engine and using master clutch and steering clutches to limit power to the tracks - that soaking on diesel / drain oil mixture and a BFH tapping on tracks should loosen something .
Could put chain onto track and just pull or raise and lower track with your loader - one side at a time

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Life lesson: If you’re being chased by a lion, you’re on a horse, to the left of you is a giraffe and on the right is a unicorn, what do you do? You stop drinking and get off the carousel.

Posted By: Ray54
Date Posted: 30 Sep 2017 at 6:17pm

After you talk of soaking steering clutches,are the brake bands rusted to the drum? I went through that with a old Cat D6. Moved it with a small tractor so as to till the weeds growing around it.When back some months later to bring closer to air and electric power and could not move the one track. Used another D6 and still would not move on that side.After the brake was freed moved around yard with 40 hp wheel tractor.

If the tracks are rusted so they don't flex soaking in water was what a used parts place us to do.They would remove from machine and place in irrigation canal that was next to there yard..

Posted By: Josh H
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2017 at 8:58pm

Get a propane torch like harbor freight sells and throw flame to chain and see if expansion will help before pushing, never tried. I have used mine before on tub grinder parts

Posted By: Lazyts
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 9:43pm

I had the same thing as Ray54 says with HD11- couldn't move the machine because the bands were stuck to the drums. All I had to do was back them off...

Posted By: Dozer
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2017 at 7:41am

Coke-in-MN has the best advise. Raise the machine with both tracks off the ground. The chain should sag on the bottom side and tighten on the upper side. Observe the chain. You may be able to find out if it is the chain or steering clutch / brake. Tie both steering clutches disengaged. Pull on one chain at a time to find which side is bound up. Observe the sprocket on the side that you are pulling on. If you can take up the chain slack then the steering clutches are free.
Good luck