Info on JD 450C crawler dozer

Came across a JD 450C crawler dozer the other day that needs work, and the price "may" be reasonable. Type 500J, serial # 231278T. It has the 6-way blade, winch on the back etc.

It has been parked out in the weather for the last several years and is not cosmetically pleasing to say the least.

Known issues according to uncle and family who own it and have previously run it:
- It has a broken track adjuster thingie that has been removed, and my bil was going to fabricate a new one (the dozer is sitting next to his shop).

- Fuel tank has a leak.

- Cosmetics - paint rust, seat is tore up etc.

- Has been left with the engine cover off (exhaust stack is covered) and the turbo looks rusted up. But that may be mostly surface rust, I don't know.

Of course it "ran just fine" (other than the track adjuster) when it was parked years ago. I don't know much about dozer's, but the sprockets and the tracks look like they have very little wear.

1. How can I find out the date of manufacture on this unit?

2. I've been reading the old posts on here and there is mention of a recall, or something about it jumping in gear. How do I tell if the repair for this issue has been completed? Can I call the factory with the serial number and inquire? Anybody have the correct factory phone #?

3. Brother in-law is a talented machinist fabricator, and I have no doubt he fabricate a new tensioner (the yoke shaped thing). But are there after market tensioners available that don't cost an arm and a leg?

4. What is the repair procedure for fixing a leaking tank?

5. What else should I look for on this dozer?

6. About how much does this model weigh?

7. Do people pay "anything" for non-running dozer's these days, or are the owners paying people to haul them away?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Wayne

Hmm, the machine has 450C decals, looks like a 450, and most definitely is not a crawler...

My email is cornerexit@gmail.com

Wayne

Assuming the dozer is comparable to the loader it'll weigh 16000-17000 lbs. There are lots of 450Cs still out there so the machine has value even if only for parts.

Yet, that is the number labeled as the serial number off the plate that is next to the seat on the crawler.

Is the above number a typical serial number??

Wayne

- Mark