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rynoki · Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 10:50 pm Post subject: Freeing seized tracks

Hi guys, I'm in need of some advice. I have a M3 Grant that has been sitting in the same spot for some years ( between 10 and 20 ) with all steel tracks and we are finding it impossible to move. The tracks seem to be stuck/seized due to being immobile for so long.
What are the methods for freeing them up?
Our plan is to bring a crane in to lift it up onto a flat bed truck and while in the air to give the tracks a few wacks with a sledgehammer to hopefully free them.
Any help welcomed.
Ryan

Dontos · Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 3:35 am Post subject: Re: Freeing seized tracks

Ryan

"Been There, Done That"

We have had several similiar such problems over the years. Each solution was different.

One problem may be the transmission is siezed. If the tank isn't able to free roll in neutral, the frozen track won't budge.

In one particularly difficult case, we broke the track below the idler and pulled ('snatched') the track forward with a pulling vehicle.

Wetting down each link is a good beginning, although abit messy. 'PB Blaster','WD 40', or any similiar rust inhibitor/lube is necessary in the whole process.

Whacking with a sledge is a great stress reliever, but in many cases is not the best expendature of energy.

Good Luck
Regards
Don

bialy-r · Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 8:08 am Post subject: Re: Freeing seized tracks

- rynoki

I have a M3 Grant that has been sitting in the same spot for some years ( between 10 and 20 )
Ryan

Show us the tank Smile

rynoki · Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 9:54 am Post subject: Re: Freeing seized tracks

Thanks Don for the advice, I'm hoping it's not the transmission.
bialy-r I've only got some poor photos of it at the moment, I'll post when it gets home and is in the 'open'.
ryan

rynoki · Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2011 9:49 am Post subject: Re: Freeing seized tracks

My new M3. Yeah it's missing a lot but you have to start somewhere. Smile

Pzkpfw-e · ***Power User*** Offline Joined: Jul 21, 2010 Posts: 1202

Well, that's a "new" one for the lists.
Where's you find it & any history behind the old girl? Another one of these Australian agricultural conversions?

rynoki · Posted: Sun Jun 05, 2011 3:34 am Post subject: Re: Freeing seized tracks

It was apparently a training tank during the war before it was sold off to a farmer who did the conversion. Was again sold to another farmer about 25 years ago who parked it in his yard and there it sat until I came along. I've been able to move it quite easily on its tracks too.

bialy-r · Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 6:55 am Post subject: Re: Freeing seized tracks

How are the works on the M3 ?

rynoki · Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 9:52 am Post subject: Re: Freeing seized tracks

No progress so far, still on the hunt for an upper hull. Been able to find more lower hulls though.

bialy-r · Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 10:18 am Post subject: Re: Freeing seized tracks

- rynoki

No progress so far, still on the hunt for an upper hull.

Some vehicles are here: the.shadock.free.fr/Su..._Grant.pdf

- rynoki

Been able to find more lower hulls though.

Did you maybe found new hulls / parts of M3 ? which aren't in register ?

rynoki · Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 11:00 am Post subject: Re: Freeing seized tracks

They are probably unknown overseas but known locally. As they are not mine and owners wish privacy I won't be passing any details on.

Here's a shot of my two.

rynoki · Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2011 11:05 am Post subject: Re: Freeing seized tracks

One was a radial Lee and one a twin diesel Grant.

The Lee is now fitted with a MAN V8 diesel.

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