HD6E steering problems

More bad news on the old HD6E. I drained the oil this weekend and when I pulled the trans. Plug I heard the unmistakable “tink tink” of metal hitting the bottom of the drain pan. After I drained the pan I found one full straight tooth and one partial helical tooth.

There weren’t many shavings on the magnets. The oil seemed to be thicker than the Dexron and is not red.

When I ran the machine there wasn’t any noise like a tooth was broken but I didn’t put the blade down to put it under a load.

I noticed that the input shaft for the transmission was new. I’m hoping that the teeth are just left over from a recent repair.

My plan is to clean the transmission/steering clutch compartment out with diesel fuel, refill and give it a try. Does anyone have any transmission gears in case the old girl needs some more parts?

Thanks for the reply gemdozer,

When I see what I need I’ll get back with you.

Thanks ac_sd,

The dozer has a wench attached so I would need to pull that off to see anything.

The good news is that I got the transmission screen out and it was plugged. The bad news is that I got the transmission screen out and it was plugged and there was about 3 cups of shredded fiber laying in the bottom of the transmission. It looks like I have brake or steering clutch problems. I’m going to pull the tank this evening to get a look at the brakes and clutches.

I still haven’t bought a parts book or service manual. I was waiting for a good deal on ebay but guess I can’t wait any longer.

This thing is getting into more work than I need right now but it has to be done.

Joe

It could well be a brake problem, not quite so likely a steering clutch problem... you've got a project....  Good luck.  Wish I was closer to help!!

 I do't have a manual but with the whet stering cluch and brake you should have a streaner in a canister like the HD11

Those canisters are where the filters are that you will need...... I have a parts manual for that tractor, if you are lucky, the ring gear may be the same for other HD-6's......

If you have a canister beend bateri box whith a screen it could be the streaner but check the stering cluch pump suction hose and the first canister should the streaner and about the brake band if the are in one piece off 3 stripes I could have set and could have the bevelgear too but need the parts number on and teeth number too.

Ages Cat,

That probably is the same one. My brother found it online but he didn’t say where. The dozer was in Southwest Missouri.

Update,

I pulled the covers off of the steering clutches and found the problem. The right clutch and brake were OK but on the left side the lower section (3 brake sections) of the band looked like the lining just came unglued and was lying in the bottom of the compartment. It was partially shredded. There were some minor metal to metal wear on the drum but not enough to worry about.

I am looking for someone in the area to reline the brake band. I found 2 in Kansas City and 1 in Springfield, MO. The shop in Springfield said that they can reline them but I haven’t got a price yet.

Jensales said the manuals should be here on the 6^th. I’ll know a little more about the ring gear when the parts manual gets here.

I’m going to finish pulling out the steering clutches tonight if it’s not raining to hard.

Another good source is Freno Tractor in Central CA farm country, they are dismantling a couple of HD-6E's, they are an old AC dealer, I believe.... High scrap steel prices out on the west coaast is rapidly taking its toll on all of the older machines......

I believe AC did a part number change in the 1960's, so some numbers may cross to a newer number and still be the same part...... All HD-5's and HD-6's up to that 144XXX s/n use the same ring gear.... later ones I'm not sure, the part number is different, but it well could be the same gear....The earlier part number was for a 44 tooth gear......

In addition to Fresno Tractor, is there a dealership somewhere in the US that still knows what an AC crawler is?

Northern Tractor in Osseo MN (small shop but has AC parts) Thill Track and Tractor in Eau Clare WI (parts dealer with large yard) Sweeney was a AC dealer but believe they are Leberr now , their dakotas shops might know something

Here are some pictures of the dozer and parts.

I am glad for you and take car off you.

OK I found a front idler but it is the spoke type (for an earler model). Mine is a solid roller. Did they change the mounting on the HD6 from the early model? Will it fit the later model? I looked at the parts book and they are a different part number.