I am going to look at a D46U. It shows almost 11,000 hrs on meter. Other than the obvious wear on the undercarriage, what things should I be aware of and check out while I am there. Seems like a lot of hours. This is an ag. cat and stored inside. Thanks, Jim.

Caterpillar tractors are built to last.11000 not too bad.If the machine has been looked after.Just check all oil levels,look out for leaks around the final drives.Check you have all the gears.Check clutches are adjusted correctly.
Running gear is an expensive fix.Check sprocket and rollers etc.

11000 hrs on a 60 +/- year old machine is not bad that is somewhere around 180 hours a year.

In 2005 my relatives sold 2 95E and 1 85E challangers at auction that were in the 12,000 - 14,000hr range.

Really depends on prevenative maintance. While hours are an important factor, there are some machines with a lot less hours in much worse shape as they were not taken care of.

Thanks for the replies. I will check the fluids and undercarriage for leaks. Not able to start the engine so will check out closely. Some quick calcs show it averaged about 340 hrs a year during its working years, not bad, especially for ag work. Thanks for the help. I will let you know what I find. Jim.

Went and looked at the D46U over the weekend. Pins have been turned and are worn on back side, sprocket teeth look ok, a bit wide. The main engine is loose, pony is loose and has little to no compression. Machine has been barn stored for over 25 years. tin and paint in good condition. did notice some seepage on final drives. steering clutches have lot of free movement but work, same with brakes. Main clutch pulls over with a snap and smooth. Missing track tin on left side.
How much does this unit weigh? what filters does it use for fuel and oil? are they availible. Owner is wanting scrap price so I need a current value on scrap in California.
Thanks for your help, Jim.

Well scrap is way down right now so your in luck. Should weigh around 7-8 tons. I don't know what the prices are right now there but 2 months ago here in WI it was $80 per ton.

A bare D4 ag cat is right around 10,000 lbs

The time on the tractor hour meter is not time on the clock but are taken by RPMs of the engine as the hour meter is mechanical and gear driven.

SJ and others, Thanks for the information. Negotations will continue.
SJ, on the hours used; I took the age of machine (61 years) less the time set in barn (25 years) for a working life of 36 years. Took 11,000 hrs and divided by 36 years to come up with 300 hours per year average. Thank you for your help. Now I need to find out fluid capacities and changing and adjusting procedures. OM tells me this is a D315 engine. What is the hp rating? I would guess around 40 hp. Jim.