1955 HT4 Traxcavator

1955 Caterpillar HT4 Traxcavator (D4 7U Chassis) – Rare Antique Restoration / Parts Machine

Description:
Selling an original, verified 1955 Caterpillar HT4 Traxcavator track loader built on a wide-gauge Caterpillar D4 (7U Series) crawler chassis. This machine represents Cat's historic first-generation all-hydraulic loader line, making it a highly collectible piece of early vintage construction equipment history.

This unit is being sold strictly as-is for a dedicated vintage mechanical restoration project, or as an excellent, highly complete parts donor machine for an existing D4 7U tractor rebuild.

• Model: Caterpillar HT4 Traxcavator (Trackson loader configuration)

• Verified Serial Number: 7U32563SP

• Production Year: 1955 (Final year of the HT4 production run)

• Engine: Caterpillar D318 diesel main engine with a gasoline pony motor starting system

• Hydraulics: Front-mounted Caterpillar No. 44 hydraulic control unit with original lift arms intact

• Tracks: Fitted with specialized flat-grouser tracks optimized for vintage loader stability

• Bucket: Includes original heavy-duty 1.25 cubic yard front shovel bucket

• Operator Protection: Features an older, rugged steel aftermarket overhead safety canopy/ROPS structure

Current Condition:
The machine is currently non-running and has been sitting. It features a remarkably solid, heavy steel foundation with deep surface weathering and moss but no catastrophic structural failures visible on the loader frame. The entire core hydraulic loop, track framework, chassis, and block assemblies are complete, serving as an exceptional foundation for parts or preservation.

Terms of Sale:

• Asking Price: $2000 OBO

• Current Location: Austell, GA

• Logistics & Removal: Buyer is 100% responsible for all extraction, winch-loading, and heavy equipment hauling logistics. The unit is resting on dirt/grass and will require a heavy-duty tilt-bed or a trailer equipped with a powerful winch truck for safe removal.

Not a ROPS - appears to be water pipe and mounted on the fenders, as such might be sun protection if covered. Condition of the Tracks ( rails, pins, bushings, sprockets, rollers, idler) is important information. The photo does not depict any of the sheet metal recoil spring-track adjustment guards. Are the engines free? ( Do they turn over or are they frozen (stuck?) When was it last operated? When was it last moved? Are the tracks free to roll? - cts