Backup Rippers

As I stated in the other post, they were not a Cat supplied item. Strictly aftermarket and still being manufactured for later units today (and still contraversial). Where they are quite common is on Military spec. dozers from D4 to D8 back in the day. The usual configuration is four rippers on the straight blade with brackets that allow the swing operation of the rippers and when they are not in use the pins can be pulled and the teeth inserted upside down and repinned so they are out of service.

I have a D4 straight blade unit with the four tooth rippers and also a D4 angle blade with one at each end of the blade (handy when cutting into a bank) but I'm not shure how they got there.

I don't recall seeing them mounted directly to the C-Frame but don't see why not although your units would not have the storage feature. Could be there is not enough room for that style bracket before you run into the tractor nose.

Hello , browsed through my files and found spec sheet of Preco back ripper teeth . They were offered by Preco in the mid 55's . Preco also offered many more , even a half automatic system for grader work . The teeth fold up while dozing and can work as rippers while backing up . It was offered for the bigger Cats . To my opinion it was cruel on sprocket-bushings . Some years ago I met this D6C ex-army where also these teeth were mounted , perhaps for holding the machine under heavy winching .
The Netherlands , johan7[attachment=18555]Preco.jpg[/attachment][attachment=18556]Preco 2.jpg[/attachment][attachment=18557]DSC00881.jpg[/attachment]

Thanks Johan. You may have put me on the right track with Preco, did a bit of googling and came up with a patent from 53-54 and a picture of a very similar set up on a D8 C frame. Can you scan the spec sheet that you said you had
Thanks
Kevin

Here is a source for current versions...
http://www.vailproducts.com/gen_angle_blades.htm

Rogers....the same people that made the Rogers Trailers used to make a clip on ripper(plow) for dozer blades. I had two that I would mount on a D-7 blade to rip rock or soften hard ground. They came in handy for cable blade tractors and before I had a dozer with a ripper.

Tried to find a picture or site for them so I could show you how they worked but couldn't ...sorry.

Old 3T,
Are you referring to these?

Also known as equalizer spring breakers as they could really put a load on them.

you can see some in action here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayXPGpCVN8k

Old 3T,
Are you referring to these?

Also known as equalizer spring breakers as they could really put a load on them.

[quote="Old Magnet"]Old 3T,
Are you referring to these?

Also known as equalizer spring breakers as they could really put a load on them.[/quote]

Hey, that's it exactly. They really came in handy sometimes.

As for equalizer, I never broke a spring but I did buy a few with broken springs. I usually replaced three 1'' thickness D-7 springs with two 1 1/2" D-8 springs or a solid bar. Once I bought a stick of hot roll metal 1"x6"x20' and made a solid bar for a D-7. It served me well for 10 years before I sold it 30 years ago and when last seen 4 or 5 years ago, it was still under there.