LMC 1500 Grouser Nuts

[sheep_mtn]

If you just got your 1500, you will find out there is even more track fun in store after you get all the bolts tightened. The long OEM grousers have a tendency to break at the wheel-guide bolt holes. In the 12 years I have had mine I have broken at least one a year, sometimes a couple. This is running only on snow, no dirt or pavement. The aftermarket ones that Peterson Equipment had had made, and now Snowcat Services (who bought out Peterson's stock of Thiokol/DMC/LMC parts) have don't break, they are heavier and are a one-piece grouser/wheel guide. They are pricey though, but then what ain't when it comes to snowcats.

First broken grouser of the season, straight through the outside bolt hole for the tire guide. Surprisingly it was a short grouser. Terrible design to put holes in the grousers right over the wheels where they have the most pressure! Weld it up and carry on.

 

[vintagebike]

When our LMC1500 worked for the power company in Nebraska they carried along a welding rig. It came to us with extra grousers, 2 sets of tracks and a new main sprocket. I think we will bring a small tank , low pressure Cobra Torch that can weld steel and aluminum and also braze plus heat up a cup of coffee and light a wet wood fire.

 

[teledawg]

I've had very good luck removing fully fused rusted nuts/bolts by drilling a small hole (3/32 or smaller) perpendicular into the face of one of the flats on the nut. Then a blow with a cold-chisel and big hammer will split the nut off of the bolt.

 

[modifier]

what you got looks great. but here are better pics of the easier to make tool.

 

[SnowcatMatt]

@Cidertom

Are you making these custom grouser nut tools for the LMC1500's?
we are definitely interested in two of them.
Thanks
Matt
Matt@silkecom.com