Yellow fever strikes (thanks guys)

Tom, I too have a D2 5U12142 with a hung up steering clutch (right side) Mike Myers just suggested I soak the steering clutch with citric acid. See the thread "D2 right hand clutch" for his explanation.
Your right, the D2 is a powerful little machine that we can move around with my Son's F350 powerstroke and trailer', I also can do a lot of pushing in tight places that a bigger machines don't fit. Don't get me wrong there is no substitute for big machines and horsepower but the D2 is a pitbull in a world of rotwielers.

Dennie G

Tom,
If the undercarriage is in good shape, and that's a bit IF, I don't doubt it would be worth the price. As far as working on 'em, they're not too bad. Parts are nowhere near as heavy as the bigger critters, but there are a few differences, notably in the finals and steering clutches. To get to the steering clutches, the track, frame and sprocket on whichever side you're working need to be removed before you can get the final off and that's where the fun starts:mmph: My experience in taking the finals off without breaking the brake drum (on one with a stuck steering clutch) is about 50%. Other than that, they're not too bad to work on. Just bear in mind, as it's been a while since the D2 was built some parts will have to be scrounged. .but that can be fun too. You'll get to meet some interesting folks in the process 😆

OG and Dennie,

thanks for the info and thoughts. I keep coming back to 1500 seems awfully good for this machine if the undercarriage is in good shape. OG it would seem that the undercarriage is my best starting point on this machine. I am not going to work it hard, mainly just for making small improvements on river bottom for access with trailer and brush clearing. the D6 was more of the machine for larger work but as Dennie pointed to with his son's F350, I was looking for more of a machine to pull behind my Dodge Cummins. Not sure other than having the undercarriage fall out from under the silly thing that it needs to be in great shape.

The killer thing OG as I am sure living where you do somewhat near my neck of the woods is that smaller machines tend to be in demand for weekend warriors like myself because as my grandfather once said everyone needs to get out and push the dirt around every once in a while to feel like their alive. 😊:clap2:
Consequently the prices I have seen are roughly 4000 to 5000. If that is my area of payment then i would either forgo the D2 and pay to move the D6 when needed or stick to my JD420c which is much more of a toy than the D2 would be.

that being said I am not afraid of looking for parts as you say interesting people and all. :biggrin1:

Besides it can't be much worse than finding Studebaker parts, or can it? :heh:

So then in the absense of either or both of you "talking me out of it". I will proceed because I can always get another wife right? :fear:

Tom good luck with it, I paid $1000 for my D2 and it didn't run, I've put another $2000 in it, new valves,rings, pony motor seal, battery box, pony mtr wiring,rebuilt the transfer pump plus a 100 other little things. The only issue I have left is the right hand steering clutch.
I plan on moving it down to my sons and build a dirt track with jumps for my Grandson and his dirt bike. It will be a good work out for it and find any other bugs. It turns left fine and I can adjust the right hand turn by backing up
As for the wife mine is very supportive, I built new seat,back and armrest boards for it yesterday and she'll take care of the
re-upholster of them.
Good Luck
Dennie