Always room for another D2

It seems several folks such as Brian18a and Steeltracs have been scooping up tailseat machines lately. I didn’t want to feel left out, so I had to get just ONE more.

This one was within “poaching” distance ( note I did not say hoard, as some take it personal).

I can finally say that I own a factory equipped direct start D2. Story was it originally came from Ditz Bros. dealership and worked in an apricot orchard either in Morgan Hill or Los Banos?

It seems to have low hours. The glass on the meter was broken. Bottom end measures very well and fired off without any pre heat instantly. Runs great, and everything is nice and tight. No sloppy levers, etc.

It’s getting a fluid change. Transmission was full of water! It managed to seep in behind the seat base.

I will dig through my parts pile and add some goodies to it.This should keep me occupied for a moment.

I need to borrow “the Cleaner” from Aaron LAOL. Even his four legged helpers are better than mine.

😉 Look out fellows now JM is on the hunt for a...................5 roller factor direct start. Because this is only a 4 roller. 🤣 Sorry somebody had to say it. An I did not use that H word. Just a nice guy wanting every stray Cat in a barn somewhere.

Hah! Ray54 must be a mind reader. How right you are!

This one needs a hydraulic unit, some lights and a set of check breakers. The fenders need some TLC first.

I thought that the bends in the rear of the fenders were a factory option. They all seem to have them. maybe its a "Thing" for tailseats.

Grant: The bend or radius is what we look for, it is the clapped out crunched look that particular customization I frown upon. As always, I look and wonder how or what caused it. This one looked like they got too close making turns with an implement. I have seen some tinwork on others mangled from sucking up wads of tree prunings and mud. I recall helping my brother clean the track frames on our ancient D4 between days of dormant spraying. What a mess.

Overall, the fenders on this one are nice, only the bottom corners of the radius need attention. My plasma cutter isn't functioning as it should; I might add that task for the painter. It would really be nice to make some from heavy plate. Perhaps I am dreaming.

Everything indicates low usage. I will have fun with this one too! JM

Nice find! Do you want me to put you on the cleaners schedule? 😆

JM - Do you have an operator in mind for the factory direct start, tailseat machine? I might know someone that would attempt to get his big feet in that cramped area by the brakes just to experience a D2 that did not require a "nasty" rope and cantankerous starting engine. A 5 roller machine - that would be a real treat, wide gauge with WIDE track plates even better! Maybe I could sleep better not recalling all of those experiences from a certain 3J, tailseat machine. Those memories are very hard to erase! Another symptom of the dreaded "yellow fever"? Regarding Fenders: I can only imagine how someone could turn that short and not fear for their appendages that are so close to that drawbar! I can understand something building up on the tracks, things have been known to catch in them. -cts

Waiting on new seat cushions. The lights are ornaments for now. I had a spare set of curtains, so I thought I would “hang” them for looks too. I will flip the exhaust manifold and cheat with some flex hose and route it to the front.

If I had the correct coupling, I would have installed a 2 spool #41 unit. It’s only 14.5 gpm, which is all I need for pulling a disk or scraper.

Aside from the D2 models, has anyone in real life seen the Side curtain that goes between the firewall and fuel tank? I had the full deal on some D4s, never seen any on a D2. When Scott Flint was alive, he never mentioned making any for a D2.

I trimmed the crunched ends. I will cheat with some 10” wide mud flaps or have the trailer guys roll out some plate to lay over the existing fenders.