My crawler addiction

 [attachment=78015]20241101_123351.jpg[/attachment] [attachment=78020]20241101_123859.jpg[/attachment] [attachment=78021]20241101_123908.jpg[/attachment] [attachment=78019]20241101_123947.jpg[/attachment] [attachment=78018]20241101_124007.jpg[/attachment] [attachment=78016]20241101_124032.jpg[/attachment] [attachment=78017]20241101_124101.jpg[/attachment]Hello to everyone,
 Just thought I'd share the latest additions to my collection but first a little background. It was October 7th 2023 when I brought my first D4 home and at the time I knew nothing about them. I happened to get a really good deal on the machine which was a 5T with a cable operated blade but the pony needed work and the Letourneau power control unit was locked up. Being that I enjoy working on older equipment I ordered some crappy jensales manuals and figured out how to get her running and that's when I got addicted, I now have a total of 9 D4's. Only 2 ran when I got them so in the past 13 months I've learned a lot and now have gotten 3 more going with another in progress. One of them I did the steering clutches and another I rebuilt the diesel engine and have also had my hands into almost every other part of the machines. I can't imagine gaining as much knowledge about these crawlers as I have without the help from ACMOC and it's members, I've met some really good people here. So I thought I found my niche with D4 g,t,u and j series until the other day when Juiceman was kind enough to let me know about some machines that were up for sale that amazingly were only about 6 miles from me . I decided to go see them even though they were only D2's and after I did I had get all 3 of them lol. 2 currently run and operate well, the 3rd has diesel in the oil so I suspect the seal at the pump is bad. They are all in pretty good shape including the undercarriages and 2 of them have oversize front idlers which makes a huge difference with the blade. Being 6'8" tall I'm definitely going to have to extend the fuel lines and move the seats back a few inches but other than that they're fun little crawlers and am happy to have them in my collection BUT 12 machines in 13 months!.......I think I might need an intervention ?

CrawlerAddict 

12 tractors in 13 months - you're a champion amongst men - I salute your devotion and embrace of this (some say illness, I say mark of character : ) !
Well done!

Wow that is an achievement, I hope you have a growing shed to keep them all under cover, I can imagine the tight squeeze for you to get in and out of, top work collecting and getting them all up and going again good to see them saved

You have done a real "TWELVE STEP PROGRAM". At one time, my brother and I had a Bakers Dozen of Cats, but it took years to gather them. It is taking years to reduce the herd now. ITS ALL FUN.
Grant.

CrawlerAddict: You are our new hero! Glad it was a successful mission for you. It never hurts when machines are close by and RUN. You will find working on D-2s are lots of fun as well; and to think all of them have dozer blades! Chrissy is likely very happy as well, she has more iron to take rides on.
This latest acquisition much easier than the last two (you should share those adventures?)
I think I am more excited about this than you are. LOL. Thank you for saving them and the share. JM

I average at least one per year in the past 32yrs. This year was an exception; I picked up two High Clearance Tens.

Very good work. I have way more than needed but your post made me do some counting. I think only 15 in 50 years. But I sold one. Several of the rest are almost more gone than is left.

[img]/media/kunena/emoticons/first.gif[/img] I suspect "Breadler" has his watchful eyes on that cute little 4U of yours...and to think it is so CLOSE to where his new property is. Hmmmmm, I  am really surprised he has not sent you a message! 
There has to be something out there you "need" before the year ends. Send me your wish list! LOL JM

oldmachineryitis sadly is a incurable condition. but fear not treatment is available but it can be expensive. it involves surrounding the afflicted with all forms of their preferred variety of old machines though any old machinery will do in a pinch. regular visits to the intensive therapy sessions known as old machinery rallies are a must. along with a well equipped shed so the afflicted can do self help therapy and meditation. group therapy at machinery club meetings is also beneficial.

signs of affliction include:
coming inside covered in old oil and grease
having to tend the old girls in the shed
tilt-tray trucks dropping off random bits of iron appearing in the yard and shed while the car sits in the weather
strange objects getting baked in your oven
hearing phrases such as undo you bastard
cant go anywhere with out pointing out the various bits of old machinery on the way