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[quote="Neil" post=227167"]Cat didn't make winches for D2s but Hyster did and the two usual models are conveniently named D2 (older) and D2N (newer). I have a D2 winch for my D2 tractor : ) I don't think the one on that tractor is a Hyster but would need that framework pulled off so we can find a tag on the unit. Take the clutch cover off and check how much water is in the clutch compartment. There are drain plugs in the compartment, and the two steering clutch compartments but they're often left out to let them drain. That toolbar is a good thing to have, esp. in NZ where there's not a lot of examples of anything, let alone toolbars. What you do is unpin the blade from the sidearms, swing the arms to the back, then fit a toolbar and you can fit cultivator tips, planters, all kinds of ag attachments - basically turning it into a farm tractor with a few simple steps. You can see the swivels where the hydraulic rams fit so you can swing the arms around without having to disconnect any of the hydraulic components.
Buy it and we'll help you get it going. Ask him where the air cleaner is too. It sits on the dashboard in front of the operator's seat, and the instrument "dash" (what Cat calls it) top right of the dashboard which would contain the oil pressure and temperature gauges at a minimum, and might also have an ammeter if that tractor has an electrical system. Sometimes the ammeter is on the battery box. Blade looks in good shape in terms of dents and straightness but there'll be a ton of rust behind the cutting edges which you'd probably want to deal with at some point. You also have track frame covers which look in really good condition - those are often missing / wrecked so that's also a good score. The grip for the main clutch lever is still available new from Cat but first find the clutch lever - I don't see it in the photos so hopefully it's there somewhere. It connects via some linkage to a vertical shaft in front of your left foot on the top of the clutch compartment. There's also a grip for the hydraulic control lever. Not sure I see a can over the main exhaust which is a bit of a worry. If the engines are seized, tell the guy scrap price only. Also measure from the running surface of the rail (chain) up to the underside of the grouser/track plate and we can tell you how worn they are. I have a serial # listing from Goughs so I might be able to find the original owner of that tractor for history purposes. Where are you located? My family is in Masterton and my father had a J-series (earlier series of D2) and a U-series. I live in the States now but also have a 5U, and in Masterton we have my cousin's Twenty-Two, so if you want to talk yellow iron, let me know[/quote]
Thanks so much for your detailed and very helpful response Neil, it's truly appreciated. I live in Nelson and this D2 is in Kumeu so I'm looking at over $2000NZD to get it down here and you're dead right the only reason I would purchase it is for the blade, winch and the track gear (which I have already confirmed is in very good condition - apart from very rusty grousers). There once was a tin over the main exhaust but this has long since rusted away and therefore the main engine is stuck although the pony spins free. It also had the gearlever removed and the very rearmost cover over the adjustments for steering clutch removed and although everything was covered everything is well seized. Here is a pic of the track gear, the rail height is close to the new 3 inches and the bushes feel really good:
[attachment=62705]20210310_173638.jpg[/attachment][attachment=62706]20210310_173633.jpg[/attachment]
My feeling is that it is a 'parts only' tractor.
That being said, I am very fortunate individual, there was a local identity here in Nelson called Ralph Ching who is now nearly 90. He used to run a whole fleet of D2's which were lifted into the holds of fertilizer ships here in Nelson and used to push the fert around in the holds of the ships. I have found the remains of his fleet and have a bit of a choice (although the best one has already been spoken for). Unfortunately, all these have been sitting outside for many years and have various issues:
[attachment=62707]20210306_150141.jpg[/attachment]
There's also some D4's (of which 2 are spoken for)
[attachment=62708]20210306_150151.jpg[/attachment]
There is also absolute mountain loads of parts that have been collected over many years, so I am very fortunate there.
My preference is to try and find a running and operating D2 that has been shed stored and then build from there. With that being said, through my contacts, I have found a one owner, always shed stored 5U that has done less than 4000hrs from new down in Gore. Apparently, nothing has been done to it (apart from maintenance) since new, track gear is original (pins and bushes have never been turned) and it's in perfect operating condition, I'm getting some pics of this tractor on Monday and I'm thinking that even if I have to spend more to purchase a tractor like this I will be money and time ahead.


