Hello!

I'm looking over a Cat 933 which is for sale, and which looks like a nice machine. Relatively low hours (don't have exact numbers yet, tracks/pins estimated at 50% or better, direct start (24V), 2-speed rear, good appearance and nice bucket. Engine reportedly starts and runs well, no blowby or other problems. Serial number of machine is 42A34*.

Can anyone tell me the year of this machine, and is it a late model (in overall 933 production run). Were there particular weak points of the 42A series I should check carefully (or ask about) before purchase? I know there is some compatibility with D4 series of the same vintage - has anyone documented the 'can share' parts and components list?

And, how is parts availability for this model? If Cat isn't supplying tracks, rails and pins, is Berco an acceptable supplier?

This is going to be a weekend 'play' machine, so it won't be worked hard, but would like to keep it going, as it appears (from pics) to be a nice old machine.

Thanks for input from your experts.

This is only a couple things about the 42A 933 & they started production in 1958 & they were more like a old D2 than a D4 tractor as far as parts are.I think they used the later D311 engine with compact fuel system on it.

My (sometimes right) Toughquip Guide indicates the 933F received the D4 size undercarriage along with the new D311.
42A34xx would be 1963 production out of roughly 9,000 42A USA units produced.
Using the D4 undercarriage ought to make those parts fairly available. Not sure about parts for the late D311.
The early models built on the D2 were hopelessly overloaded and usually beat to death.

Yes OM I forgot they did use the heavier under carriage like the D4 but I knowed they used the later D311 engine & not the old D311 that the 11A 933 loader had in it.

Check to make sure your track tensioner springs arn,t cracked or broken and look over the loader frame very well especially right in front of the operators seat where the tilt and curl arms hook into the frame. Just a thought have a 42a1893 my self with 3rd valve and side dump configuration bucket.
Jason

Thanks to all for the input on 933F purchase questions. I'm planning on contacting the owner regarding these questions, and hope to get some photos as well which I can post for comment.

Appreciate the input from everyone.

Oh, forgot one other question.

What would estimated transport weight of a 933F be, to determine size of trailer and tow vehicle? And, max height of crawler (to either top of fuel tank - or top of exhaust pipe - assume that could be removed for transport)?

Standard 933F, normal GP bucket, assume no other add-on equipment (e.g., ROPS, cab, counterweights, winch, etc.

If I buy this unit, I have to get it trucked home somehow, as my own truck is an itty-bitty F450 and not big enough to lug a 933 safely.

Thanks.

From my same (sometimes reliable) source:
Wt 17,500 lbs
L 14 ft-2 in.
W 5 ft-10 in.
Ht 7 ft-1 In.

Good luck with your purchase:D