Uploaded November 2020 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago

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The undercarriage is one of the most important parts of any tracked machine, and OLD RED's needs a LOT of work!

Today's project is getting the roller frame chosen, fixed up and ready to be installed back onto the machine. This turned out to be a TON of work, and I hope you enjoy coming along!

In this video we will:
0:00 - Recap
0:48 - Removing the Original Rollers
3:46 - Talking about the Rollers
6:57 - Looking at the OTHER Track Tensioner
7:49 - Inspecting the Track Adjustment Bolt
9:14 - Trying out a 1000lb Magnet
10:38 - Removing the Grouser Pads from the Track Chain
14:22 - Rescuing MORE Track Roller Frames
14:44 - Inspecting the New Track Roller Frame
18:20 - Removing parts from the DONOR Roller Frame
19:53 - Learning the Way of the TORCH!
22:11 - Salvaging a Tensioning NUT!
24:00 - Inspecting Rollers
25:40 - Removing BROKEN Bolts Installed with ALWAYS SEIZE!
28:25 - Clogged Gutter!
29:00 - Weimaraners!!!
29:36 - Drilling out ALWAYS SEIZED Bolts
32:50 - Roller Frame ROCKOUT!
36:05 - Repairing HOLES in the Roller Frame
40:56 - Torching Off OLD Track Pads For FANS of Old Red!
43:45 - Torching Off STUCK Roller Bolt Heads
45:50 - BEATING OFF the ROLLERS!
49:08 - Torching out the Remainder of the Broken Bolts
53:43 - Drilling & Tapping a Hole Larger
58:19 - Welding a Nut Below Bad Threads
1:00:12 - Roller Frame READY!

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Check out the FULL playlist for the Caterpillar 955 TraxCavator Here:
youtube.com/watch?v=2euoM5oaW5A&list=PLYawuZlnembvbs8xSQBFADHZkvCQIlG01

Would you be interest in owning an old track link or track pad from Old Red? I am planning to offer them as memorabilia in order to help raise some funds to put toward some of the MAJOR things this old CAT tractor needs.

If you'd be interested in helping out and / or Owning a piece of "Old Red", please leave me a comment letting me know, or send me an email at salvageworkshop@gmail.com, I truly appreciate it!

PART 1
Will it START?!? ~ 1950's Caterpillar TraxCavator ~ Part 1 ~ Starting the Pony Motor!
youtu.be/MlN9gqQtTs8

PART 2
Will the DIESEL Start & DRIVE? ~ 1950's Caterpillar TraxCavator ~ Part 2 ~ Forgotten for 20+ YEARS
youtu.be/3S5Hn23dT0Q

PART 3
IT LEAKS & Runs HOT! ~ 1950's Caterpillar TraxCavator ~ Part 3 ~ Restoring the Cooling System
youtu.be/1keXKvElHG4

PART 4
Will the Bucket work PROPERLY after 20+ Years? ~ 1950's Caterpillar TraxCavator ~ Part 4
youtu.be/3-NxkOjgnWw

PART 5
Fixing Hydraulic Problems ~ I Rescued TWO TraxCavators ~ 1950s Caterpillar TraxCavator ~ Part 5
youtu.be/xijBLx7Jrgc

PART 6
Finally MOVING the Track Loader to Salvage Workshop ~ 1950s Caterpillar TraxCavator ~ Part 6
youtu.be/ogJKfZmlt24

PART 7
FIRST Wash in 64 Years... or Something!?! ~ 1950s Caterpillar TraxCavator ~ Part 7
youtu.be/7Zci84aJJT4

PART 8
Removing the TERRIBLE UnderCarriage ~ 1950s Caterpillar TraxCavator ~ Part 8
youtu.be/luo6locTGQU

PART 9
Fixing a Winch so I can RESCUE Forgotten Parts ~ 1950s Caterpillar TraxCavator ~ Part 9
youtu.be/3LiIUeJxAfU

DISCOVERY Of the Caterpillar 955 TraxCavator
Rescuing Old Iron Episode 4 ~ Red's Farm:
youtu.be/2euoM5oaW5A

If you haven't seen the video where we DISCOVERED this Old Beast, then you should also check that one out as well! You'll be able to see exactly where this old beast has been living for all these years!

Throughout this project we'll pay tribute to it's previous owner Red & those before him that truly knew how to maintain and operate such a cool old machine like this!

I'll show you that OLD machines CAN be a LOT of work, EXTREMELY frustrating at times, but once running properly, an INCREDIBLE amount of fun!!

I recently discovered this 60+ year old Caterpillar TraxCavator at an old chicken farm, and the owners have honored me with the privilege of bringing it back to life, and then putting it BACK TO WORK!

Join me as I take you along on my journey through the many ups and downs of this project! I feel honored to be taking on this project, and I truly hope you enjoy the process and progress as we get this OLD CAT to ROAR once again

Please enjoy! I know I did!

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If you have any suggestions, questions, or comments, please leave them below!

Thanks for stopping by, I truly appreciate your support!

#TheWayofTheTORCH #CaterpillarTraxCavator #SalvageWorkshop