Buying a D4 6U

I would say looking at the pictures that it is a 1955 -1959 being that it has five roller
roller frames which on 6U's are vary rare. Looks like most of the tins are there and
they look pretty nice as well.

Thanks, Josh

Another thing to consider is that price of crap is going up again,260 a ton was talked about some were.That put scrap price near 2000 on this machine.I like to buy tractors cheap too,but if it runs,turns,and stops it has to be worth more than scrap.Grouser height is not a big issue to me as I operate in a clay area and if there is moisture the grousers are full of dirt all the time.Rail height and pin and bushing ware are much more important.Grousers can built up with nothing but time, changing rails takes much more labor as well as some lifting equipment. Changing sprockets is another thing that takes specialized equipment that is not sitting around to be had by shade tree mechanics.So that is another area to look close at.Good luck with your hunt for a new working toy.Ray

Did notice in your first picture that the front idler bearing block appears to be near the end of the track frame....that's not a good sign as it would indicate a well worn undercarriage. If that is a five roller frame my old eyes sure don't see it.

Thanks for all the replies so far guys. We'll go look at the dozer tomorrow, maybe take a few pics. Apparently its been kept in a barn, so I should be able to crawl all around the D4. I'm anxious to see the data plate, which I understand should be in front of and above the right foot pedal, yes? Also want to see it started and run.

As I said, this baby will have to earn its keep from day one, nothing big, just pushing some dirt and brush around.

Wanted the grouser height as a indicator for use. Course the tracks could have been replace or repaired at some time, but the dozers at the mine can really show the difference in the track wear depending upon material: the dragline dozer wears the grousers much faster on rock that the dozers pushing dirt on regrade. According to the current owner, he bought it from a rancher to clear some acreage, so my suspicion is that its been mostly in softer material, not much on rock. Still, I have no delusions. It is a 60 year old piece of equipment. I suspect I will be her last owner if we pick her up.

Old Magnet, thanks for the insight on the the front idler bearing block, I'll check it out (wow, you got good eyes...it's a tiny picture!). If its at its end of travel, it means I should see significant wear when I check the pin/bushing spacings, yes? (chain stretch? Worn sprocket?)

As to the scrap price, I'm a bit confused even at $260 a ton, that's less than $1500 and I'm offering $2800. Still seems pretty good to me. Everything I've read seems to indicate it is a buyer's market right now on these machines. Any other thoughts on pricing?

Again thanks for all the help guys... If its not to cold we'll go see her tomorrow (high was 20 today, supossed to be -6 tonight. Brrrrrrrr.):jaw:

Here is your serial number locations...they should match.
6U machine is about 10,000 lbs plus approx 3,000 lbs for blade and pump.
Yes on your wear assumptions.

Thank you so much, sir.

What I like to see is the tracks and the blade are all shined up. This shows the Cat is capable of working and has worked lately.

When checking the chain pitch also determine if the pins and bushings have been turned yet. also take note of the wear marks on the sprocket, see if the bushings have been running towards the tip of the teeth (bad) or near the root (good).

This could give you some bargaining power, you could check with a local track shop to see what a p&b turn would cost.

Well, we went to check it out. It was 8 degrees out! The owner was exceptionally nice, a current mechanic with the local CAT establishment.

Serial number is 6u-12286. He had put a block heater on the engine when he heard we were coming, had started the pony motor, but it had cooled off by the time we got there. The pony started right up; after a little coaxing and cranking the main came to life as well. Pretty impressive for as cold as it was; within 10 minutes!

As promised, it was in generally good condition for its age. Bad news - The right side track was worn as the adjuster is almost completely extended. Right side sprocket is worn, not too bad I think. The left side looks pretty good.

The good news - pony motor is electric start, there is a generator, regulator and battery. The fuel pressure is good (in the green), the oil pressure is good, and the temp came up well.

The owner says he has an extra set of tracks, too big but that fit (less a link) that he can cut the shoes down. I will have to explore this with him.

I took it for a drive in the snow... oh yeah, it was fun. Hydraulics all function, no obvious leaks. Steered pretty well, slow on the right at first but worked better as it all warmed up. The clutches and brakes all seemed to work pretty good. Forward and reverse was good; stiff as hell in the cold but worked well.

My pics didn't come out great, maybe the cold. I have added some here. Let me know what you think.

Bob

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