Hi,  Recently rescued this 4U4176 D2. Hasn't been running in a few years.  Weather seized engine, controls are free, the machine rolls free. Base oil and transmission oils are good. Radiator is full and green antifreeze. The track rails look good, lots of grouser, however installed backwards! 

Anyhow, I just wanted to share a picture of the starting system that the previous owner had made up. Apparently it worked good for starting the main engine, mostly when it was warm.
Looks to me like a Chev starter that was on the old 6.2 GM diesels. There is a block heater plumbed into the main engine. The pony has internal issues, maybe why the previous owner, now deceased, made up this way of starting the tractor. I wish I could have met the man...I think would have been an interesting person.

Has anyone seem this type of stater system on the PTO of a tractor?
Cheers
Dan   

I apologize for triple the photo. Should be only one, been trying to delete the other two. Dan

A sniff of ether and it should start it fine. Depending on the gearing it should spin it a fair speed.

Hi kracked1, Yes I would think that the engine will kick off with a shot of the good stuff. However I will be rebuilding the pony and the main engine. Not fussy about the idea of having that flywheel spinning at the rear. I got to hand it to the old guy that taught of the idea to rig up a starter on the PTO. Cheers!

I found a Set up similar to that one but it was mounted directly to the PTO shaft on a small 15.  
I removed it once I put new rings in the engine as it starts so easy. 

Thank you Skinner
I have to get the main unseized and rebuilt. The pony is now free turning, however has a lot of side thrust on the crankshaft. The rear mounted starter is a great conversation item, however I don't think its very safe. Cheers
Dan

a old farmer told dad and me to make a couple of wood wedges to support the pilot engine fly wheel when its not running and while working the machine the idea prevent its weight from walking the crank through those bearings. we didnt and we suffered a pilot engine lock up.

Hi Neil & trainzkidd88,

Thanks for the responses. Anyhow, when I get to rebuild the pony, I have plans to machine my own bearing/ thrust washer to fit as needed.
Cheers
Dan