Got a Hd5g in trade

Srl # makes it a 1952 machine , can't see good of the loader cross bar behind bucket but looks like early type , not round update . Early ones had a tendency to crack in several places . Pins on loader frame may be early type where they hook to top point on loader frame - shorter by 1/2 " or so . Other part is early machines did not have 2 reverse speeds switching gearing for loader work . One extra roller was added to truck frame on long track machines .
Track is DOZER track pads as the 5G used a flat track with 3 raised area for grouser wear area. Looks like someone bent or broke the truck frame from picture of RT side angle reinforcement above rock guard , and piece added to front of Left side front of truck frame . With no counterweight or turning with full bucket they do bend the front axles easily and can bend the ears that support the front idler .
Front idler might be late HD6 , also wear on back side of sprocket may mean someone replaced the rear sprockets and switched sides of machine with them to bring unworn side of sprocket to contact bushing . Grab bushing and feel top side of it for wear to see if they have been turned . 
HD6 uses same undercarriage parts as the HD5 - in fact full rear housing on 5 and 6 are the same . 
 The single grouser will be hard on all parts of undercarriage when turning  especially if bucket is loaded - take it easy when turning 


Edited by Coke-in-MN - 23 May 2024 at 10:33am

Coke,

Thanks for the reply and information. I knew this thing was well used and obviously over 70 years old, am I crazy for thinking I can get a year or two of off and on use out of it? I didn't even notice the dump links being so bent. There are quite a few cracked welds in the loader area but I figure that's the least of my worries. What additional pictures or information would help to identify the cause of the loose right side track. Thank you again, I have a passion for keeping old things going, so this loader caught my eye. Mostly just concerned lack of parts in the UC will be my downfall. Unless I can find more hd6 parts to swap..

A threaded rod is used to push the idler ahead for track adjustment.  There is a diamond shaped piece also threaded, the outer corners have bolts sucking them up tight as a lock to keep rod from turning.

I imagine the replacement cylinders may have more lifting force, causing the bent links. There are quite a few welding repairs to accomplish but that doesn't scare me. Lack of parts do. I haven't been able to do anything with the loader quite yet. I will update you all real soon. Thanks

Okay, sorry for the long delay. After building the grizzly grate i traded for the hd5, I built this trailer so I would have a way to haul it. I estimate my 7.3 f250 to be GVWR at 25k lb on the way home with the loader on trailer. I will be unloadimg in the morning. :)

nice trailer........... to go with the HD ! ........... thats a DECK on a House trailer frame ?

Edited by steve(ill) - 06 Jun 2024 at 10:45pm

Edited by Codger - 07 Jun 2024 at 5:41am

Thank you Steve and Codger. Let me know if this one shows up better. When I run low on the 80mb of storage, am I able to delete photos from older posts to make more room?


It looks like both sides of the machine have been swapped to the HD6E undercarriage.

Edited by Noah - 07 Jun 2024 at 8:31am

great to see photos puts reality into post

I loosened the cap lock and tightened the adjusting screw all the way in and didn't do anything to reduce slack. What next?











Edited by Noah - 07 Jun 2024 at 9:20pm

You need to removed the bolt each side from the yoke and turne the rod adjustement counterclock wise if the tread still good in yoke

Codger wrote: I think but am not entirely positive you have a couple of different type track adjuster parts that are not working together. From your last photo I see a hydraulic yolk for tensioning the track incorporated with a mechanical type adjuster. These are not used together at all. In the hydraulic type, there is a piston with a seal that grease pushes against to force the front idler wheel forward. In the mechanical style, that externally hex shaped rod is what pushes the idler wheel forward. I've not worked on AC machinery of this vintage/size myself so only surmising, but again it looks to me from this angle you have incompatible parts installed such as a mechanical adjuster from the original tractor, and replacement parts from a donor. Again, I don't know for sure. Have you counted the actual track shoes to ensure one is not longer than the other such as having a link removed? Pulling straws with that one but have seen stranger things done to keep old machinery operating.

I counted pads and both sides have 37.


I believe the zerk fittings were added or came standard on the HD6E the tracks came off. I believe the grease fittings are just for the threaded rod and do not tightened the tracks with hydraulics. What also odd is that Coke said this was a 1952 machine based on serial number but the machine has two speed reverse.

Edited by Noah - 08 Jun 2024 at 8:44am

I believe all the HD 5G are the 2 speed reverse.  I have an HD5 B with a 2 speed reverse and have seen others with it also.  Most HD 5 B's sold here new where for ag work pulling farm equipment so most had 5 forward and 1 reverse. So I guess they could be ordered ether way.