D8 2U fact or fiction??

[Manx Kat]

I have been doing some checking on D8 2U cat info. and found on one BB the opinion stated that the tracks on the D8 2U were never available form any supplier other than Cat. Is this true? It was also stated that no other cat had tracks that could be used on the D8 2U making next to impossible to get any useable tracks any more. With the number of people working on 2U cats I am wondering if this is true.
I am looking at one that has a 4 link measurement of 32.5 inches (pin center to pin center) I was told on this BB that new is 32 and worn out is 32.87 so that would put this one at about 40% wear left by my guess.
Ser# is 2U17744 I am guessing that would make about 1952.
Bottom rollers seem good, appear to be lifetime lube type as they have hex head plugs,front idlers look good sprockets seem good, upper rollers are worn
but they roll pads are quite worn. I looks to me that the pins and bushing have been either turned or replaced in the old rails, the rollers are just barely
touching the pin bosses and this seems to be almost entirely due to worn rails
rather then worn rollers. What is your opinion will this undercarrige last 2or 3 hundred hours with upper rollers replaced.

Thanks in advance for your advise.

D.K. in S.K.

[Willie]

From what I get outta the parts books the 2U came with track chains thats macth no other part no. But they used the same drive spocket as 13A,14A&15A and the 2U books shows a field replacement for chains that were used on the 13A,14A&15A. All 4 machines used same sprocket and all had 8in pitch

[Old Magnet]

Here is some info I have acquired:
The 1H, 8R, 2U, 13A, 14A/15A all use the same links.
At 2U 11090-up they went to 39 sections from 38.
The Group Parts # is 1S8845 (39 sections)
RH master link # 1S8841
LH master link # 1S8842

RH link # 1S8839
LH link # 1S8840

At one time even a segmented sprocket adaptor ring was available.

Don't know about Cat being the only source. Doesn't seem right to me.
Try these numbers for conversion to Berco.
Also could try the Cat Classic line (more competive)

I suspect price of new replacement is the reason you can't find good used.

Should be able to squeeze another 200-300 hrs out of that undercarriage before the ride gets to bumpy:D :D

PS: You have the correct serial number to production year match.

[Willie]

OM is your 2U parts book late enough to show the field replacement with the same as A ser .no. machines?

[Old Magnet]

Willie,
I show the same links at 2U-23537 being used on the 13A and part production of the 14A/15A. Is that your question?

All those 1S numbers I'm quoting are from much later conversion numbers showing the same track assembly used on the D8, E, F, D, G, 583C, E (8in pitch)(3/4 bolt hole sealed)

Definitely was available after market.

[d23j]

I have Berco tracks on my 2U 6000 aprox and they run fine!