I recently purchased a Caterpillar D69U serial number 9U19281. It runs pretty well but needs steering clutch help and some other odds and ends. Would someone be so kind as to give me year production r other pertinent info on this tractor? thanks in advance    

the clutch might improve with use sometimes a bit of work is all they need.

Hi, mobtowngeorge.
That is one pretty straight looking unit, at least from around 12,000 miles away. Congratulations..

I cain't give you the year, etc., as I don't have any sort reference library except the one between my ears - not always 100% reliable these days. But I suspect that somebody will soon nail it down for you.

Do you need help with the steering clutches? There are some fairly 'clued-up' people here on the 4um.

Just my 0.02.

S/n 9u19281 comes up to be a 1955 year.

Looks like you better change the cutting edges and corner bits before you finish destroying the blade.
Bob

Buy the books or join here and read all the adjustments for the steer. But I think I am seeing where the person that added the brush guard took the short cut, post by your foot looks to be welded to the fender. You can work the steering over without having it off, but much easier with it off. So hopefully they don't take to many other short cuts. But if they did, have the adjustments done correctly, and maybe that is all that's needed.

Old dozer operation, 101. Pull the steering lever, and then apply some brake. I have been surprised at how many new owners of dozers did not know that. Maybe that is all the help you need to make it steer. Another tip on operating this dozer. The master clutch is one of the most forgiving ever made ( the operating in oil model, from serial number 13263, but can be found retrofitted into earlier serial numbers) . The friction material is the last part of it to wear out, so slip it a lot as you learn to operate. That cannot be done on many other clutches, but this model will take it, and save abuse of other part. Including your body operating on ruff ground.

Come back with more questions as you find them. Hoping we can save you part of the pain in learning. And some good luck never hearts ether.

Oil clutch is good but not unbreakable . Check oil level, it is a seperate compartment with its own dipstick. I have had an oil pump fail and the larger bronze thrust washer crack.
Steering assist unit also has oil resevoir at the rear just below fuel tank. Books are often on ebay and a very good investment. Have fun WF

When I started with a 9u 40 years ago a old at the time mechanic told me you never wear the friction surface of the oil clutch out, and did not fully believe him. Not that the oil clutch cannot cause troubles, it just will not be the friction disc running out of surface. I have had the main oil seal leak and need replacing more than once. So on one of those repairs looked the disc over good, and the teeth that drive it were 90% gone. Just sharp little points left. When new the teeth are as big as the ones on steer clutches plates if not just a bit bigger.


I did not have real measuring tools as I put the new clutch in. My helper insisted we better back it off because the new disc had to be thicker. Using such tools as I had (small open end wrench) it looked the same thickness. But I backed it up a little. But there was no snap as you engaged the clutch, so put it back to where it had been.