Hi prattusa,
What you have there is a fairly early example of the D series, and it would date to the mid to late 60's not 1980 as the seller claims (the location and size of the aircleaner pre-cleaner gives it away). A serial number would help greatly in dating the build year.
The undercarriage looks to be in pretty poor condition at first look and will require immediate attention to accomplish anything (you'll get hardly any traction out of those worn out plates).
Personally I'd be leaving it right where it is at the asking price.
Rusted, I agree a 100% it looks like a pretty poor under carriage and also the picture shows the guard missing on the right under carriage.Can,t see the idlers too plain or the rollers but they have to be pretty well worn out like the tracks and sprockets too.
Hey Pratt-
I agree that even for a casual user that undercarriage is pretty hashed. The condition of the tracks is arguably the number one factor in determining the value of a Cat. To replace it could easily cost you more then the asking price of the machine.
That 'auction paint' sprayed right over the dents, dirt and grease is literally 'lipstick on a pig'.
A couple of other things-
You didn't mention your mechanical skills or desire to work on things. With these older Cats you have to really enjoy the labor that goes along with them. Not necessarily because they are unreliable, but with shop labor rates approaching $100 an hour and parts shopping an adventure of it's own, you can find yourself in the poorhouse pretty quick.
Usually when you shop at dealer you find premium prices.
Looking at the undercarrige wear and the slop in the tracks I would be wary of the claim that it got little use.
Yup, I agree with the others, definitely pre 1968 with that old D330 engine in, the pins and bushes are shot ,as with the idlers that far back and big gaps between the worn out pads, I reckon someone has taken a link out of each track to make them look better and get some adjustment. It certainly looks as if it has 'high speed' track wear, snow clearing or likewise.
Gentlemen - thankyou. I appreciate your time and effort in responding. I'll keep looking. Tim
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