Hello everyone.

After lurking in the shadows for a while, I decided it was time to join the forum, and with that I have some questions, sorry if I'm beating a dead horse per se. I am looking to get a Caterpillar Diesel to work on, preferably a smaller RD or D series, also open to smaller gas models like a TEN or Fifteen. My problem however comes in at being 6'8". What models would be better to look for that I could fit on and operate comfortably without folding into a pretzel.

Also, what things should I be looking for when buying?

Thanks,
Aaron

The d2 or the d4 would be my choice. I'm 6'3'' and have a d2 and a d4 with a winch and have the seat raised up to accommodate the winch controls and its plenty comfortable for me. You can lift the seat pretty easily with a couple of pieces of channel iron. I have 3inch channel under my d4 seat. There's a section on the front page of the forum that has info on what to look for and what to do to get them going. Tracks are the big one because availability and cost. You can browse through the posts or do a search with the search feature at the top right of the page.
Good luck on finding a tractor and everyone likes pictures.

I would not recommend D2 or 4 tank seat models.

Hi aaronloyet.
I would NOT suggest any of the smaller Cat gas crawlers for a tall man. I have not been able to get comfortable in one of them since I was about 15 and I'm only 5'9". Even D2s are a tad on the small side but 'work-with-able' by altering the seat position if you really want one.

I ran a 2T series D4 on and off for 2 1/2 years not long after I left school - age 18 - 20 - and I raised the seat by 4" in order to get comfortable on it. The 5T was the same seating position but the 6U/7U tractors seemed to have the seat set a little higher - although maybe still not high enough or far enough back for you.

Just my 0.02.

Deas wrote:

Hi aaronloyet.
I would NOT suggest any of the smaller Cat gas crawlers for a tall man. I have not been able to get comfortable in one of them since I was about 15 and I'm only 5'9". Even D2s are a tad on the small side but 'work-with-able' by altering the seat position if you really want one.

I ran a 2T series D4 on and off for 2 1/2 years not long after I left school - age 18 - 20 - and I raised the seat by 4" in order to get comfortable on it. The 5T was the same seating position but the 6U/7U tractors seemed to have the seat set a little higher - although maybe still not high enough or far enough back for you.

Just my 0.02.

***Fender tank styled D4 tractors seem to provide the most leg room for me. Installing a thin back cushion and either elevating the seat base up and rearward will dramatically give one more comfort space IMO.*** I love driving the little D2s, leg room can be had, but then the configuration for the size 9.5 work boots are tough, so I dont know what a person with larger feet would do. Tailseat tractors can be modified as well, but some do not like being at the back of the tractor. JM

I'm 6 ft and about 240 with size 14 boots and I have lots of room on the D47U with fender tank after raising the seat two inches. I think I can see a lot better with the raised seat. Tank is on one fender and battery holder on the other along with hydraulic tank and controls. Still not too hard to get to the seat.

Aaron=

Where are you located? If you're located half way near any of the chapters/members I would suggest contacting them and trying to meet and peruse their machines for suitability (comfort).

The older small gas and diesel tractors are similar to cars and trucks of the era and don't fit those of us who are much larger physically than our grandparents were.
The older machines seem, like other vehicles of the era, designed for for operators significantly less than 6' tall.

I was 6' 4" but am probably several inches shorter now (age) and the smaller older machines do result in "knees in chin", etc. I do really like my Small Twenty though.

Daron

Hi Team,
with seat tank machines the tank can be extended back and up as is done when fitting a Hyster winch by using 2" or 3" channel irons and setting the seat back as far as needed.
I think early Ten, Fifteen, etc. seats can be shifted back by re-positioning the seat base back or re-drilling the side mounting holes to the fenders or using fabricated extender plates as needed to bolt between the fenders and the seat base--I stand to be corrected on this thou.
A visual inspection of a machine and how the seat is mounted should give a clearer indication if the seat move back and/or up is viable for a particular model.
Seem to recall Mike M's Ten or Fifteen has had the seat moved back as Mike is fairly tall.
Cheers,
Eddie B.

I agree with Neil. When I had my D4 2T, I moved the seat back which made it a little bit of a reach for the steering clutches, but not bad. On my 22 it was going to be more of a project than I wanted to move the seat mounts, so I just put 4X4's under the seat and it works fine. I think the 22 offers more leg room than the other small tractors I have had the priviledge of operating.