I pulled the trigger on a 2000 JD450B yesterday!

[Al Swearengen]

Hi Al-

Yes, the method you stated will work for retracting the adjuster (after the plug is removed). Retracting it will make removing or splitting the tracks much easier. I am not sure about the 450s, but I think some models have a check ball under that plug so look for it before you start retracting it. Maybe the check ball is under the zerk? Someone else will need to verify.

Another way to retract is to use a skid steer or other piece of equipment to push it in.Whatever you have handy will work. I have done it the hard way before (with a come-a-long).

Thanks Tigerhaze! I'm copy/pasting all this info to take with me (no internet up there) to refer to as needed!

Great forum, great folks, thank you all for helping this rookie!

[DBCSteve]

Hi Al-

Yes, the method you stated will work for retracting the adjuster (after the plug is removed). Retracting it will make removing or splitting the tracks much easier. I am not sure about the 450s, but I think some models have a check ball under that plug so look for it before you start retracting it. Maybe the check ball is under the zerk? Someone else will need to verify.

Another way to retract is to use a skid steer or other piece of equipment to push it in.Whatever you have handy will work. I have done it the hard way before (with a come-a-long).

My old adjusters had the check ball, and it's important to save that if you will rebuild the adjusters. I got new ones that don't have a check ball, although I set aside the check ball from the old ones "just in case". All the old stuff is going to the steel yard in a few weeks.

[Al Swearengen]

Well, got 'er all done! Thank you all! A big shout-out to Steve who gave me the local Berco hook-up! I found the Berco sprockets needed a LOT of work grinding the messy castings from the bushing surface however. I'd go with Deere sprockets next time.

Also, the SALT tracks ARE the ticket! I was amazed at how quiet it all is! It all went very smooth...again, many thanks to all who posted!