ACMOC
Login
ACMOC
New guy with a D4 7U

New guy with a D4 7U

Showing 1 to 10 of 16 results
1
kblackav8or
Topic Author
Offline
Send a private message to kblackav8or
Posts: 27
Thank you received: 0
I am brand new to Cat ownership and dozers in general. My purchase is dual purpose, one to help maintain my property in SW Washington state dealing with briar patches, alder and other brush and also maybe to restore and share my machine with others. I really am not entirely sure what year it is or if it is a put together machine someone did years ago of different year parts. I really don't know and the owner who probably was just flipping the machine bought it out of a barn. It has had fresh paint put on some point in it's life but is fairly dull now. I posted to a old thread but haven't had any responses so I figured on just starting my own. According to the tag on the engine, the serial number appears to be for a 51. According to the seller he thought it was much later - like 59. I really don't know. The winch I believe covers the serial number on the back frame. Is there another spot for the serial? Appears to have a factory electric start pony or had one added. The tool tray goes under the seat which I need to replace at some point. It runs smooth, doesn't smoke, shows 1065 hours on the meter when I shut it down today. Has a different blade then I am used to seeing which he claimed is a OE Cat blade, has hydraulic tilt on it. Hydraulics are fast and there aren't any leaks on it that I have found. Undercarriage for the novice looks good. Canopy appears factory made, not sure if it is OE Cat or aftermarket. Over the coming months I am going to drain, flush and refill all the fluids in it and hope to eventually be able to store it out of the weather. Going to be a tarp for probably this winter but it may get some running time over the winter to keep things un-stuck. Can you folks help me figure out what I have and provide some new owner advice on things?

[attachment=38189]01212_7d4z1nWCz8P_1200x900.jpg[/attachment][attachment=38190]00D0D_5Msd6UBaryi_1200x900.jpg[/attachment][attachment=38191]P9272214.jpg[/attachment]

All the pictures here: https://kblackav8or.smugmug.com/Machines/Caterpillar-D4-7U

If you need pictures of anything specific to help ID what I have and options, let me know and I will take and post them.
Attachment
Attachment
Attachment
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Mon, Oct 3, 2016 10:58 AM
cojhl2
Offline
Send a private message to cojhl2
Posts: 961
Thank you received: 0
That's a very nice looking tractor.

There is a lot of help available here on this site so don't be afraid to ask questions should you feel the need of advice.
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Mon, Oct 3, 2016 11:31 AM
neil
Offline
Moderator
Admin
Send a private message to neil
Posts: 6,936
Thank you received: 5
Reply to cojhl2:
That's a very nice looking tractor.

There is a lot of help available here on this site so don't be afraid to ask questions should you feel the need of advice.
The other place to find the serial # is left read of main engine block. Usually a brass tag there, but if it's missing, the numbers are also stamped into the block underneath the tag. If it's been painted, carefully clean the paint off. If cleaning the paint off a tag, use paint softener so you don't damage the tag (too many people scratch it off and then the tag's really hard to read - tag is replaceable with blank new ones)
Definitely give it a run periodically so the three clutches stay in good shape. Depending on your climate, they can stick in as little as a couple of months although they won't seriously stick. In that situation, solution is to drive holding the steering clutches back while riding the brakes hard (so they're literally smoking).
Canopy doesn't look like a Cat one but it it's well-made, no matter. Blade does not look like a Cat one either to me but the ram arrangement is reminiscent of a toolbar blade. Again if it's well-made and works as intended, no matter. There's a serial # book that gives the ranges per year but there's also Erik's serial # listing that you can use to find where your tractor fits in - http://www.chriscomachinery.com/D4serial.htm . Scroll down to find where your # would fit in. I can't quite make out what that serial # in your third photo is but it starts with 7U so it's the serial # you want to use.
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Mon, Oct 3, 2016 6:35 PM
7upuller
Offline
Deceased
Send a private message to 7upuller
Posts: 3,737
Thank you received: 0
Reply to neil:
The other place to find the serial # is left read of main engine block. Usually a brass tag there, but if it's missing, the numbers are also stamped into the block underneath the tag. If it's been painted, carefully clean the paint off. If cleaning the paint off a tag, use paint softener so you don't damage the tag (too many people scratch it off and then the tag's really hard to read - tag is replaceable with blank new ones)
Definitely give it a run periodically so the three clutches stay in good shape. Depending on your climate, they can stick in as little as a couple of months although they won't seriously stick. In that situation, solution is to drive holding the steering clutches back while riding the brakes hard (so they're literally smoking).
Canopy doesn't look like a Cat one but it it's well-made, no matter. Blade does not look like a Cat one either to me but the ram arrangement is reminiscent of a toolbar blade. Again if it's well-made and works as intended, no matter. There's a serial # book that gives the ranges per year but there's also Erik's serial # listing that you can use to find where your tractor fits in - http://www.chriscomachinery.com/D4serial.htm . Scroll down to find where your # would fit in. I can't quite make out what that serial # in your third photo is but it starts with 7U so it's the serial # you want to use.
Nice looking tractor. According to the serial number book it's a 1951. If it was a 1959 it would have serial number closer to 43,xxx or 44,xxx. Have fun with you tractor...
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Mon, Oct 3, 2016 7:10 PM
dpendzic
Offline
Send a private message to dpendzic
Posts: 2,762
Thank you received: 1
Reply to 7upuller:
Nice looking tractor. According to the serial number book it's a 1951. If it was a 1959 it would have serial number closer to 43,xxx or 44,xxx. Have fun with you tractor...
Nice looking D4---love the tilt cylinder on the blade---that makes grading so much easier
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Mon, Oct 3, 2016 9:01 PM
kblackav8or
Topic Author
Offline
Send a private message to kblackav8or
Posts: 27
Thank you received: 0
Reply to dpendzic:
Nice looking D4---love the tilt cylinder on the blade---that makes grading so much easier
7u 12893 is what is on the block
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Mon, Oct 3, 2016 10:18 PM
Norm R2,22
Offline
Send a private message to Norm R2,22
Posts: 203
Thank you received: 0
Reply to kblackav8or:
7u 12893 is what is on the block
Haven't seen you on JOT in a while. Must be the trucks and a new (old) Cat are keeping you busy. 👍
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Mon, Oct 3, 2016 11:14 PM
neil
Offline
Moderator
Admin
Send a private message to neil
Posts: 6,936
Thank you received: 5
Reply to Norm R2,22:
Haven't seen you on JOT in a while. Must be the trucks and a new (old) Cat are keeping you busy. 👍
Per Erik's chart, that makes it a 1951 model
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Tue, Oct 4, 2016 12:13 AM
kblackav8or
Topic Author
Offline
Send a private message to kblackav8or
Posts: 27
Thank you received: 0
Reply to Norm R2,22:
Haven't seen you on JOT in a while. Must be the trucks and a new (old) Cat are keeping you busy. 👍


I haven't posted on JOT in a while. I just closed on buying a house and this property last Friday which also provided the necessity for the Cat. Thinking of getting shorter and lower trailer to haul the Cat and my tractor around. My 1955 Checker hauls the D4 just fine but it is too big for my needs. The Checker may go up for sale or trade for something a bit smaller but it is a neat trailer. I do want something big enough to haul a truck to a convention or show and with enough weight capacity. I figure if the trailer can fit 260" wheelbase worth of truck and carry the weight of a D6 then anything I will ever put on it, it can carry.

[attachment=38204]20161001_142506.jpg[/attachment][attachment=38205]20161001_142518.jpg[/attachment]
Attachment
Attachment
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Tue, Oct 4, 2016 6:40 AM
oldtanker
Offline
Member
Send a private message to oldtanker
Posts: 494
Thank you received: 0
Reply to kblackav8or:


I haven't posted on JOT in a while. I just closed on buying a house and this property last Friday which also provided the necessity for the Cat. Thinking of getting shorter and lower trailer to haul the Cat and my tractor around. My 1955 Checker hauls the D4 just fine but it is too big for my needs. The Checker may go up for sale or trade for something a bit smaller but it is a neat trailer. I do want something big enough to haul a truck to a convention or show and with enough weight capacity. I figure if the trailer can fit 260" wheelbase worth of truck and carry the weight of a D6 then anything I will ever put on it, it can carry.

[attachment=38204]20161001_142506.jpg[/attachment][attachment=38205]20161001_142518.jpg[/attachment]
Attachment
Attachment
[quote="kblackav8or"]I haven't posted on JOT in a while. I just closed on buying a house and this property last Friday which also provided the necessity for the Cat. Thinking of getting shorter and lower trailer to haul the Cat and my tractor around. My 1955 Checker hauls the D4 just fine but it is too big for my needs. The Checker may go up for sale or trade for something a bit smaller but it is a neat trailer. I do want something big enough to haul a truck to a convention or show and with enough weight capacity. I figure if the trailer can fit 260" wheelbase worth of truck and carry the weight of a D6 then anything I will ever put on it, it can carry.

[/quote]

You sure that's enough truck for that D4?

Rick
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Tue, Oct 4, 2016 6:53 AM
kblackav8or
Topic Author
Offline
Send a private message to kblackav8or
Posts: 27
Thank you received: 0
Reply to kblackav8or:


I haven't posted on JOT in a while. I just closed on buying a house and this property last Friday which also provided the necessity for the Cat. Thinking of getting shorter and lower trailer to haul the Cat and my tractor around. My 1955 Checker hauls the D4 just fine but it is too big for my needs. The Checker may go up for sale or trade for something a bit smaller but it is a neat trailer. I do want something big enough to haul a truck to a convention or show and with enough weight capacity. I figure if the trailer can fit 260" wheelbase worth of truck and carry the weight of a D6 then anything I will ever put on it, it can carry.

[attachment=38204]20161001_142506.jpg[/attachment][attachment=38205]20161001_142518.jpg[/attachment]
Attachment
Attachment
Is there any other place aside from the back of the frame (under the winch) and the engine block where I might find another serial number?

What year did the electric start pony become an option? Mine is using a 12v battery.

My hour meter is working and says 1065 - for 1951 if those are actual hours I would think that is pretty low.

What year did the D4H winch become available? Also where can I find operating instructions for it? Can I just release the brake and spool it out or do I have to power it out? This is the part that scares me - which way do I move the control lever for OUT and for IN?

Mine has a tool tray under the seat - what years was that standard?

The canopy must be some sort of aftermarket part. I sure doesn't look like a one off piece. I kind of wish I had more of a logging style canopy on it but this does seem to be ok.

I need a new seat - what is the most economic option for a OE looking seat? Is there a better option?

I have one of those grease buckets coming and hopefully it has the right fitting on it to do all the undercarriage. Corn head grease is what I hear is the thing to use.

There seems to be a hose that connects to the oil filter - just a loop. In fact it blew when we were going to load it so a new one was put on before it got on the trailer and we topped the oil. We caught it within a minute or so of it rupturing. What is the deal on the oil filter - can fresh elements be had easily? Are there spin on replacements? The radiator looks like it had some sort of oil cooler option?

Lots of questions to see if mine is really a 51 or a hodge podge of someones past restoration or parts combo.
Please log in or create an account to join the conversation.
Tue, Oct 4, 2016 6:56 AM
Showing 1 to 10 of 16 results
1
YouTube Video Placeholder

Follow Us on Social Media

Our channel highlights machines from the earliest Holt and Best track-type tractors, equipment from the start of Caterpillar in 1925, up to units built in the mid-1960s.

Upcoming Events

Veerkamp Open House 2025

Chapter Fifteen

| Placerville, CA

Stradsett Park Vintage Rally

Chapter Two

| Stradsett, Nr Downham Market. Norfolk PE33 9HA UK

Chapter 2 The Link Club's AGM

Chapter Two

| Faulkner Farm, West Drove, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE14 7DP, UK
View Calendar
ACMOC

Antique Caterpillar
Machinery Owners Club

1115 Madison St NE # 1117
Salem, OR 97301

[email protected]

Terms & Privacy
Website developed by AdCo

Testimonials

"I also joined a year ago. had been on here a couple of times as a non-member and found the info very helpful so I got a one year subscription (not very expensive at all) to try it out. I really like all the resources on here so I just got a three year. I think its a very small price for what you can get out of this site."
-Jason N

Join Today!