Is the steering mechanisms of an early D5 or D6 9U similar to that of a D6B?

So I did get to spend a day running the D6B and taking down trees up to 12" in diameter. What a joy it was to run. I know those that prefer the joystick method of operation but at my age I prefer something that keeps me 'limber' and prevents my joints from assuming the same form a Cat does sitting out in the field for 40 years without operating.

The right steering clutch did not come around much. It is apparent that pulling the clutch lever back seems to release the clutch ever so slight as I can get a very small movement to the right after doing so. I can't say if it is releasing completely tho and when applying the right back the track does not stop.

Through the day the left track lost ground. In the beginning... god said... let there be ligh.... oh wait... that's a different story.... the D6B would turn sharply left and pulling the clutch lever had it's affect while the left brake did stop the track solid. As the day progressed however it seemed to lose ground in that regard and by the end of the day got closer to assuming the same behavior as the right. Not making a lot of sense to me.

Am I correct in understanding that if I pull back on both clutches leaving the brakes alone the machine should essentially stop moving? If this is true it definitely is not doing that. There was snow on the ground and the temps were in the low 30's. I was able to work the machine and get through the day with it.... even making some substantial progress bringing trees down but these are causes for concern and I am still hopeful it is just a matter of adjustments. Weather has now turned to constant rain so haven't had an ability to go back and pull access covers off to see the condition/setting of the clutches and brakes.

Hdokes,
You are correct in that when both steering clutch levers are pulled back, and brake applied, the machine should stop moving.

When applying either brake, does the engine labour? Indicating that the brakes are functional and it's a steering clutch release issue rather than a brake issue.

Are D6B's fitted with a steering clutch hydraulic booster mechanism like a D7 17A? I'm not familiar with the D6B, but I'm sure someone on here will be able to offer more advice.

Yes D8Dude the D6B uses the same booster system as the D7 17A.
If hdokes takes the time to read his OMI for his D6B he will find the answers to these questions.
Craig

D8Dude, Pleased to meet your acquaintance. A bit of clarification please.... my earlier question regarding pulling back on the clutches and having the dozer stop it's forward motion was while not engaging the foot brakes. I have read and heard that by doing so the dozer should stop as both tracks are disengaged from the transmission. I was asking if this is correct. Your response above look to suggest that the brakes should be applied as well to experience a stopping of the dozer. I will check on the laboring of the engine when just applying the left and right brake.

Craig, I have been making my way through the manuals. I haven't yet gotten to the answers of the questions I have been asking however I have gotten to the point in the operators manual that suggests the advantage to the diesel engine is that I can use less expensive fuel than gasoline. I haven't yet determined where I can find this cheaper fuel yet.

Hi, hdokes.
Back when that manual was printed, diesel fuel WAS cheaper than gasoline or kerosene. Dem days is LONG gone.

Just my 0.02.

Hdokes,
To clarify my response; you are correct in that the machine should stop moving with both steering clutch levers pulled back, disengaging drive, assuming that some form of resistance is in force to prevent the machine continuing movement. I suggested applying the brake when doing so, as performing this test on even a slight decline could affect the results. I would expect the machine to stop with both steering clutch levers pulled back, as long as there is something acting against the machine to stop ongoing motion, eg brake applied. I hope this clears up my earlier comments.

what is still true is diesels are more energy efficient than petrol engines. because they have low down torque. also petrols are only about 30 to 40 percent efficeint at turn fuel into motion. diesels approach 60 to 70 percent.

I believe the hydraulic steering booster is very similar to the 9u D6 . Once one lever is pulled you get no boost on the second lever when you pull it. So in comparison it will pull much harder than normal. Just to prepare you for test it takes real pull on the second lever.

Greetings all,

I have overcome my right steering issues with the D6B which might turn out to be a love/hate thing. Pulled the access covers off the back and top of the differential case and found about 3" of what I could only characterize as gear oil in the bottom of the cavity partially submerging the right drum and brake band. The fluid was thick and battleship gray in color which has me a bit puzzled. I do not know where it's origins are from yet so that is the 'hate' concern. All fluids are at proper levels so I don't know how long this has been in the cavity or what is actually leaking. Upon draining the fluid out and spraying the heck out of the drum and brake band with brake cleaner and then adjusting the brake band nut the 'ol gal turns on a dime to the right now.  It did have a substantial amount of clearance between the band and the drum.

I opened up the left steering access ports as well and while there was a bit in there to it was not enough to reach the drum or brake band. The walls of both cavities are 'wet' with a coating of oil but not heavy and it is clear. Will report more as I search for leaking seals.