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Crawler purchase

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Jeffrey Sharp

01-10-2001 17:09:28




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I'm contemplating purchase of my first crawler. I have worked with several antique tractors but never a crawler. I know nothing of tracks and how to judge the condition of the undercarriage, transmission, and steering mechanism. What should I look for? I would prefer an Oliver or Cletrac if that make any difference in evaluation.




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Doran

11-29-2004 17:57:39




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 Re: Crawler purchase in reply to Jeffrey Sharp, 01-10-2001 17:09:28  
I have a john deer 350-B and need to purchase another one for parts, any Ideas? Help



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ROSS

01-11-2001 20:30:38




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 Re: Crawler purchase in reply to Jeffrey Sharp, 01-10-2001 17:09:28  
I just purchased a 1955 Model 40 JD Crawler with blade and am quite happy. I did a full checkout and even though it had some body damage and little paint left the main powertrain was robust and I was able to put it to work right away. I bought mine for $3300 and possibly paid a little too much for it but since it is working that is easy to justify. The neighbors were wondering if I had lost my mind but it sure got there attention and of course they lined up for tractor work so I could test out the new toy. Several things on a crawler that are of utmost importance is the condition of the main drive and steering clutches, brakes as well as the drive sprocket condition and adjustment play. I won't buy a tractor that does not run ,period. Unknowns on a crawler can run into the thousands and it can only be checked out if it runs. Check the sprockets for wear and pointed teeth or under cut as these are a sign of a worn sprocket. Check the track sag on the top and be sure it is not too loose. Check the track adjustment screws and make sure there is some adjustment left. If you test drive it don't be shy about giving it some hard turns as well as gradual turns and check for track jumping or climbing on the idlers(make sure you check with the owner first as if the track jumps off he will be pissed. Try turning both forward and reverse. Make sure the steering clutches and brakes work positive and appear to be in adjustment. The crawler should track straight without any control interventions. Track links are expensive and can be hard to get so make sure you do not see excessive wear on the tops and bottoms. Track pins are low cost but removing them takes some special fixturing with a hydraulic jack. they also can be rotated if the wear is not too severe. If you get a blade with the crawler make sure it lifts up a good distance up and will push the tractor front up if it has hydraulics. I would not recommend buying a cable type dozer as hydraulics are much more useful and versatility is a must for me. Deep cleats are not a must but wide tracks are nice. You can't beat a dozer for regrading or moving dirt. I would highly recommend the JD 40 as some parts are still available for it. And it is available at a reasonable price for us poor folk. The chassis, engine was produced to be used for a variety of wheeled and track models from JD and many engine parts, filters etc can still be bought for it from JD and NAPA auto. I like it because it is such a basic tractor and you can fix just about anything on it if you have the time. Good Luck

RB

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Dianne

01-11-2001 05:09:36




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 Re: Crawler purchase in reply to Jeffrey Sharp, 01-10-2001 17:09:28  
Mike said "they usually have one oddball member that messes with crawlers"

HEY! I resent that! I am one of the 2 "odd-ball" members in our club!

Mike said "remember crawlers mostly keep away the women"

Ok, wise guy, now you're asking for it!

Mike said "you end up with empty pockets and a hernia"

Now Mike speaks truth! I am 3/4 of the way through restoring an Oliver OC-46 and you would not BELIEVE how much money you can dump into a crawler! As a friend of mine says, "Antiques will nickel and dime you to death. An old crawler will $10 and $20 you right to He## and back again."

But hey, if you got the bug there is no cure except poverty anyway. Consider yourself warned!

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RonMC

01-11-2001 23:34:23




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 Re: Re: Crawler purchase in reply to Dianne, 01-11-2001 05:09:36  
Jeff, where are you located ? I know a local guy here outside Vancouver, B.C. who has a nice MC for sale, could probably run it right away, restore when time/money permit. He's asking $4500 Cdn, you can e-mail me direct if interested. Wouldn't sell mine for that, but you have heard the stories, right ? Bye the way, nice job Dianne !



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Mike

01-10-2001 21:08:54




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 Re: Crawler purchase in reply to Jeffrey Sharp, 01-10-2001 17:09:28  
Also find a crawler owner or mechanic for help, maybe check with local antique tractor club, they usally have one oddball member that messes with crawlers. But remember crawlers mostly keep away the women, children & faint of heart and you end up with empty pockets and a hernia.



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Mike

01-10-2001 20:54:28




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 Re: Crawler purchase in reply to Jeffrey Sharp, 01-10-2001 17:09:28  
Check Antique Caterpillar club site,
http://www.acmoc.org



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Geoff

01-10-2001 19:10:11




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 Re: Crawler purchase in reply to Jeffrey Sharp, 01-10-2001 17:09:28  
Jeff, You might want to check out the ibdozing.com site. I myself am in the same situation. There is an Excellent discussion in the Track and Undercarriage section as to what you've got to look at...Check it out. P.S. You spell your name funny...



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