just bought a D7 17a

Layne

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Serial number 17A 8026. I just bought this thing... I need it to do some work on my property. And I love old machinery. But I'm very scared by the condition. This is easily the most degraded relic I've ever owned and that's really saying something, if you could see my other relics. The seller swears both engines run and it steers and drives, although he had no ability to demonstrate that. It was last used by some hired men 5 months ago. The seller had never operated it personally. The tracks and sprockets etc are as bad as they could possibly be and still leave me any confidence that I can finish clearing my land before it croaks permanently. I'm convinced that with the scrap and parts value I can't go wrong, although I'd really like to actually clear my trees first. I paid $4200 delivered (the value of delivery is about $850).

I found oil and coolant to be in the correct locations in the engines, and was able to crank over the pony motor. But that was about it. There was either no gas, or it was clogged, and the makeshift gas cap would not come off to check. The pony motor's exhaust pipe is broken off under the hood. That's something I'll have to fix right away since I'll be storing it outdoors. Whatever is supposed to make up the floor boards in the operator's station is not present. Just a bunch of exposed linkage rods that probably shouldn't be stepped on. I'd appreciate some photos of what goes there.

I'll keep you posted on my progress. If it starts up and drives and steers, I'll be very pleased.

[attachment=52376]00m0m_bDf3mVUkFHw_1200x900.jpg[/attachment]
[attachment=52377]00Q0Q_35WAT49RomG_1200x900.jpg[/attachment]
[attachment=52378]00707_9TGqCUhPof9_1200x900.jpg[/attachment]
[attachment=52379]01010_2tXZq3QcFYM_1200x900.jpg[/attachment]
[attachment=52380]01414_dpWNl4IAl3l_1200x900.jpg[/attachment]

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Wed, Jan 16, 2019 4:21 AM

Deas Plant.

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Hi, Layne.
Looks quite the beast. They were and are a good tractor. The floor plates were originally checkerplate cut and bent to match and bolted in place to various boltholes and lugs around the control deck. I don't have my photo collection to hand at the moment or I suspect I would be able to post a photo for you.

You are right that it is not a good idea to trample all over those control rods.

Happy dozing - but there is NO cure for 'yellow fever'.

Just my 0.02.

You have a wonderful day. Best wishes. Deas Plant.

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Wed, Jan 16, 2019 4:36 AM

seiscat

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Just saw this on ebay. It will save you time and money.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Caterpillar-CAT-D7-Tractor-Operation-and-Maintenance-Instructions-Manual/142941663926?hash=item2147fcb2b6:g:6vIAAOSw7fBbnvO2:rk:22😛f:0
Craig

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Wed, Jan 16, 2019 4:45 AM

Layne

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Reply to seiscat:

Just saw this on ebay. It will save you time and money.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Caterpillar-CAT-D7-Tractor-Operation-and-Maintenance-Instructions-Manual/142941663926?hash=item2147fcb2b6:g:6vIAAOSw7fBbnvO2:rk:22😛f:0
Craig

[quote="seiscat"]Just saw this on ebay. It will save you time and money.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Caterpillar-CAT-D7-Tractor-Operation-and-Maintenance-Instructions-Manual/142941663926?hash=item2147fcb2b6:g:6vIAAOSw7fBbnvO2:rk:22😛f:0
Craig[/quote]

Bought it! Thanks.

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Wed, Jan 16, 2019 5:02 AM

seiscat

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Reply to seiscat:

Just saw this on ebay. It will save you time and money.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Caterpillar-CAT-D7-Tractor-Operation-and-Maintenance-Instructions-Manual/142941663926?hash=item2147fcb2b6:g:6vIAAOSw7fBbnvO2:rk:22😛f:0
Craig

Ya done good Pilgrim!
[attachment=52381]John Wayne D7 17A.jpg[/attachment]
I just downloaded and enlarged your pics and your undercarriage doesn't look that bad, I've seen tractors run a long time with much worse.
You might try a post on the For Sale/Wanted page for the floor plates. I don't think the floor plates for the D7 3T are quite the same, but could be modified and used if you can't find the 17A floor plates.
Also the plastic pre-cleaner bowl is missing for your air filter.
Welcome aboard,
Craig
Attachment

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Wed, Jan 16, 2019 5:24 AM

Rome K/G

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Reply to seiscat:

Ya done good Pilgrim!
[attachment=52381]John Wayne D7 17A.jpg[/attachment]
I just downloaded and enlarged your pics and your undercarriage doesn't look that bad, I've seen tractors run a long time with much worse.
You might try a post on the For Sale/Wanted page for the floor plates. I don't think the floor plates for the D7 3T are quite the same, but could be modified and used if you can't find the 17A floor plates.
Also the plastic pre-cleaner bowl is missing for your air filter.
Welcome aboard,
Craig

I have seen way nicer tractors wacked up for scrap than yours! gready bastards!! you have a decent tractor there.

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Wed, Jan 16, 2019 6:21 AM

edb

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Reply to seiscat:

Ya done good Pilgrim!
[attachment=52381]John Wayne D7 17A.jpg[/attachment]
I just downloaded and enlarged your pics and your undercarriage doesn't look that bad, I've seen tractors run a long time with much worse.
You might try a post on the For Sale/Wanted page for the floor plates. I don't think the floor plates for the D7 3T are quite the same, but could be modified and used if you can't find the 17A floor plates.
Also the plastic pre-cleaner bowl is missing for your air filter.
Welcome aboard,
Craig

Hi Team,
from an Old Cat One Safe Source are some of the Inlet and Exhaust system accessories, including some of the plastic pre-cleaner bowls--select your size--the Part Numbers for them are listed up next to the pre-cleaner picture.
Cheers,
Eddie B.
Attachment

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Wed, Jan 16, 2019 6:39 AM

Layne

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Reply to seiscat:

Ya done good Pilgrim!
[attachment=52381]John Wayne D7 17A.jpg[/attachment]
I just downloaded and enlarged your pics and your undercarriage doesn't look that bad, I've seen tractors run a long time with much worse.
You might try a post on the For Sale/Wanted page for the floor plates. I don't think the floor plates for the D7 3T are quite the same, but could be modified and used if you can't find the 17A floor plates.
Also the plastic pre-cleaner bowl is missing for your air filter.
Welcome aboard,
Craig

[quote="seiscat"]
I just downloaded and enlarged your pics and your undercarriage doesn't look that bad, I've seen tractors run a long time with much worse.
[/quote]

The front idlers have been completely surfaced with MIG weld. I don't know if that's a normal repair method, but they're very roughly done. The sliding surface of the track chain seems very worn, although the pins and sprocket teeth aren't bad.

The sprocket on the right has had every spoke cracked and welded, and most of them are cracked again. Probably should get that welded on a little bit so the sprocket doesn't break completely. The left one is also repaired, but seems solid. The right track is a lot looser than the left, might be a tensioner problem there. But aside from the sprocket, it doesn't seem ready to fall apart just yet.

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Wed, Jan 16, 2019 7:02 AM

janmeermans

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Reply to Layne:

[quote="seiscat"]
I just downloaded and enlarged your pics and your undercarriage doesn't look that bad, I've seen tractors run a long time with much worse.
[/quote]

The front idlers have been completely surfaced with MIG weld. I don't know if that's a normal repair method, but they're very roughly done. The sliding surface of the track chain seems very worn, although the pins and sprocket teeth aren't bad.

The sprocket on the right has had every spoke cracked and welded, and most of them are cracked again. Probably should get that welded on a little bit so the sprocket doesn't break completely. The left one is also repaired, but seems solid. The right track is a lot looser than the left, might be a tensioner problem there. But aside from the sprocket, it doesn't seem ready to fall apart just yet.

I note the severe wear on the bottom of the hitch lip where the pin goes through indicating she has done a lot of scraper work. My D8 is worn the same. You also have a FLECO ROPS which is the same as mine.

I have seen a lot worse as far as being in bad shape. They all need loving care, some more that others. Welcome to the group here.

JanM

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Wed, Jan 16, 2019 7:47 AM

rmyram

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sprockets were probably replaced at one point with new rings, they would cut the sprocket spokes and weld a new ring on so you didn't have to completely dissassemble the final drive when replacing the undercarriage. fairly common site on this old stuff that didn'thave replacebale segments.

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Wed, Jan 16, 2019 7:59 AM

Layne

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Reply to rmyram:

sprockets were probably replaced at one point with new rings, they would cut the sprocket spokes and weld a new ring on so you didn't have to completely dissassemble the final drive when replacing the undercarriage. fairly common site on this old stuff that didn'thave replacebale segments.

[quote="janmeermans"]I note the severe wear on the bottom of the hitch lip where the pin goes through indicating she has done a lot of scraper work. My D8 is worn the same. You also have a FLECO ROPS which is the same as mine.

I have seen a lot worse as far as being in bad shape. They all need loving care, some more that others. Welcome to the group here.

JanM[/quote]

Interesting, I assumed it was shop made. It's bolted on with wood underneath. I was debating removing it. I don't have any big trees to contend with and I like the naked look. But I might need it for sun protection.

Yeah that must be it. All of the welds were at approximately the same point, near the outer ends of the spokes. I assume they're forged steel and don't require nickel rods or anything like that. I'll probably leave that up to a competent stick welder. Most of my welding is done below 40 amps.

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Wed, Jan 16, 2019 9:04 AM

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