1940’s Cat D6 4R

Hi everyone- I’m new to the forum.

I have the opportunity to buy a D6 4R in good shape. I have a mountain property in the mountains of Arizona that has a steep road. The grade in some spots is 18% -ish but the road was built using AB base and it’s not rough or washed out, just steep. I’m looking to use this tractor for clearing the snow off of the road and some light dirt work around my place. Anyone with firsthand knowledge of how well these climb and if it can handle the slope to get on top? It’s been fitted with a blade and winch over the years and the guy thinks it now weights 28-30k lbs.

I’ll take any and all advice. It has a D4600 engine and good pads left on the tracks.

Thanks!

Hi, AlpineD6.

Provided everything is in good shape like you say, that D6 WILL climb that slope and work in that country - question being can and will you?

I'm guessing from your question that you don't have a lot of experience on dozers or in hilly country. If you don't have much experience on dozers, steeper country can be a TRAP - even when you think it'z safe. Get onna bit of a side slope, one track gets on a rock, you slide, the low track digs in and you can be base over apex faster than you can blink.

DON'T be afraid to ask questions here. There are quite afew people with plenty of experience on dozers and in hilly country.

Just my 0.02.

Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate it. I don’t have a ton of experience working in steep county and don’t plan working much dirt on the slope other than staying on the road pushing snow off it at times. Most of my place is flat when you get on top. It’s just getting up my road that I was curious if it has enough power to do it. All the dozers I’ve operated before have 100hp or more and are newer. I can get up it in my 3/4 ton Cummins pickup in 2wd but it’s steep for reference.

Hi, AlpineD6.

Your D6 has a LOTTTT less donkeys under the hood than your pickup but it also has a LOTTTT lower gearing per donkey than your pickup. UNLESS it is incredibly 'sick', it'll climb places where your pickup wouldn't even look at, probably places where YOU wouldn't even look at.

Just my 0.02.

You mentioned it has good pads left on the tracks, what is your assessment of the chains and sprockets? I'd be closely inspecting their condition if it's to be used in steep country.

The chains a sprockets are in good shape. This tractor was completely gone through by the last owner. He rebuilt the clutches, brakes, put new tracks on it, replaced the rollers with new sealed type ones, all new hydraulics etc.

Hi, AlpineD6

Hmmmmmm????? Sounds like you might be looking at an 'orange' rather than a 'lemon'. Sounds like most of the 'spendy' things have been taken care of, machine looks pretty straight too. The canopy is not ROPS quality but should help to keep some limbs from parting your hair. The tilt blade could also be handy.

Just my 0.02.

Thank you. I hope it will climb the road.