Hello everyone I’m new to this and have a few questions please forgive my ignorance on the subject in advance thank you I’m look to purchase a 1953 d8 tractor I’m told everything works as it should only it will not start to the right but that is just an adjustment issue is that all it could be or is there more also what would a fair price be to pay for this kind and age of unit I have attached a few pictures of the unit thanx much Scott 

Hello Scott,
It's hard to say what the steering problem is from your description. If it only requires an adjustment, why doesn't the seller fix it? This sets off loud alarms of "RUN AWAY!" to me.
btw, When taking pictures(or especially videos) with your phone you should hold your phone in the horizontal(landscape) position. The vertical(portrait) position should only be used for close-ups and should never be used for videos. Videos seen on TV with the black or blurred areas to the sides are the result of holding the phone improperly in the portrait position, if the video had been taken in the landscape position the video would fill the entire TV screen. The ACMOC site doesn't like portrait pictures either, that's why they are smaller and have black borders top and bottom.
Craig

This tractor has undercarriage that is known as WTFO.
The blade needs a bunch of work so if you need to hire a weldor that will cost.
These tractors generally are sold by the ton.
Moving one is going to be a major expense.
So run Forest run.
Bob

Bob how bad does the undercarriage look is 25,50,75% good also do you 7 k is a fair price 
thanx Scott 

Bob was trying to tell you the undercarriage is worn out. The machine has a problem that the seller is most likely misleading you about what is needed to fix it. Find another tractor. If  you buy this cheap tractor you will find out how terribly expensive that cheap can be. My father told me many years ago that "Yep, oats is cheaper when they already been through the horse!"
I believe that's the case here. btw, WTFO means Worn The F... Out! 
Craig

I'm a little intrigued by what appears to be the steering clutch control, looks to be a bit of a custom modification there?
Where you and the machine are located will have a major influence on value of the machine. You haven't mentioned what you would intend to do with the dozer if you did purchase it?

Hi D8Dude, I was only looking at the U/C and blade. I just assumed Scott was looking for a cheap 'dozer to use. The steering clutches have definitely been changed. Anything is an improvement to the original ones on a D8 2U! I downloaded and edited Scott's pics to make them easier to see. 
Craig
 

 

 

 




 

Thanks Craig. I wasn't trying to discredit anything that Bob or yourself said about the condition of the machine, it's definitely seen some hours of use.
My main point was that dollar value isn't always black and white. As Bob mentioned transport is usually a limiting factor, the further one needs to go the less can be justified for purchasing. I have noticed also that there are differences in availability of these machines regardless of condition in different parts of the world, in turn affecting the price.

Scott wrote:

Bob how bad does the undercarriage look is 25,50,75% good also do you 7 k is a fair price 
thanx Scott 


 

Undercarriage is measured as a % worn as it is impossible to know what the tractor will be doing in the future.
That being said by what I can see my wag would be about 125% worn on the bushings and pins.
As parts wear at different rates a more hands on inspection could show up more bad news.
As for the price I meant about 100 bucks a ton, you might come out even after expenses
If you need a tractor this big rather than want one it would make more sense hiring the heavy work done.
any way if you aren't discouraged hire some one who works on these for a living and get a proper inspection.  
That guy is going to be working way past retirement.
Bob