Hello all, i was wondering if anyone has ever saw or designed hydraulic power assisted steering clutches for a D4D 83j or a D4 7u. I was wondering why you couldn’t retro fit the power assist from a d7 17a or 3t. I really like the little d4 dozers but they are exhausting to run, especially for my father who is nearing 80 and myself having back problems. Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you

adjust them correctly and they work just fine. its possible your machine needs the steering clutches rebuilt. give a adjustment a go first.

Thanks for the reply, on the 1952 model d4 it takes both hands nearly to release the steering clutches, it would give you out in a couple of hours if there was a lot of turns. I was thinking of buying a D4D that has had D4E segmented sprockets put on it but was hoping it had power assist steering clutches or there was an after market system for them.

Years ago i was running a td18a hydraulic dozer that started on gas which was nice but had helper spring assist steering clutches, i started running a cable d7 3t which has power assist clutches and it was like going from a t-model ford to a cadillac. You can release the steering clutches wiith two fingers.

I understand the acks and pains of getting older, making it more difficult to operate equipment. But see almost no way to add a hydraulic assist from a Cat system like on a 3t D7. There was a after market steering assist made for a D8, before Cat put their own power assist on them. I would guess finding one of the after market units is about like finding unicorn excrement, and a challenge to fit on a different model than designed for besides. A spring assist is something that could be built as they were mostly a after market add on before Cat improved their units. I think there was a after market spring assist for some early D4 models, but again good luck finding one. But pictures would be good if you wish to try building your own.

As for the D4 D models you just need to test drive and see if the effort is more than your body can give today. I don't think of them as being hard to pull the steering levers on but that is me.

I was thinking of buying a D4D that has had D4E segmented sprockets put on it

Neither the D4D or D4E had sprocket segments. Would love to see pics of the modification if you have any.

I want to think that in an old issue of the magazine, there actually was a fellow here that modified his steering levers to dash mount for a D4, but I cannot remember if it had any "boost" to it. I have a low hour D4D here that requires very little effort to steer. Very smooth. Some older machines are missing the booster springs in the case or they could be broken as well, some have found out, thus making steering more difficult than it needs to be. The old Rivinius? steering assist might be what you are referring to, but those were on early D4s? JM

You'd have to step up to the D4E to get boosted steering clutches.

The Rivinius Boosters were for the old D8's.

Boy you sure know the difference when the steering assist is low of oil on a D7 3t !