M Crawler for Brush Clearing?

 Anyone used an M for this sort of work? I know small crawlers can do big work on trees if you take you time and cut the roots with the blade first, but I thought I'd see if there's any first-hand accounts. 

 You know you dont need permission from us to buy another Allis unit! If you can get it, do it. Something about pushing dirt and trees that brings out the kid in you too! My friend Ted has two M's. Not sure of the condition. But that is a nice small dozer. Check it out good. get some pictures on here too. Does it run? Is the running gear and tracks decent?

I think these may be small enough that you can load and take to some shows also.

Regards,

 Chris

Regards,

 Chris

if in the future the need arises, how hard is it to get parts for these machines? Are parts still available aftermarket, or do I need to find a parts crawler?

Secondly, what are the major things I need to inspect when looking at the machine? Is there a way to test the steering clutches, or is it one of those "they either work or they don't" things? 

Lastly, were there winches or rippers available for these crawlers?

Thanks! 

Just remember when you work with crawler tractors there is a lot of HEAVY IRON items that need or could need attention.  Check the steering case closely.  I had a cousin who bought an M that had a cracked steering gear case and would not steer left.  Also, the tracks.  Do they sag when they go over the top sprocket.  Means pins are worn. 

The M is a great crawler.  We had a customer who swore by them.  It would be an outstanding addition to any collection.  Just be careful.  Crawlers can be money pits.

Good Luck!

Bill Long

Just kidding, kind of. On mine I have used it 10 hours max in the 4 years I have owned it. and worked on it about 400 hrs. :) Just saying. Hope its a good one and you bring it home. If it is in good working order your projects sound just right for it. 

Regards,

 Chris

I went and took a look at it, and got to have a little fun digging in the dirt, testing everything out. Starts easily, runs great, no oil leaks, no smoke, lots of lugging power when pushing dirt. It was in the 40s outside, so the hydraulics were a little sluggish at first, but they aren't too bad once they warm up (PTO driven pump) They raise the blade faster than they lower it. Has a float feature for the blade, which I really like. Steering was ok I thought. If you just pull on either of the hand levers, it will gradually turn in the corresponding direction, but the foot brakes are needed quite a bit. The brakes squeal some, but they work quite well. Doesn't take much foot pressure to lock down one set of tracks and spin the machine around. One funny thing I noticed is the machine turns much better using only the hand clutches when going in reverse. Don't need the steering brakes nearly as much to make a good turn around.

Undercarriage looked good I thought. Sprockets didn't seem to be abnormally worn, and the bushings are in great shape. Nice and round, not much wear there. Rails look good. New grousers were welded on a few years ago. 

Now what you're all here for....pics! Foolish me didn't think to get pics until after I parked it, so these will have to do. Paint is actually decent, it's just covered in about a year's worth of dust. 

The blade and roll cage were made by the previous owner. They're actually well made, and I'm impressed with the workmanship. Everything I saw was bolt-on and could be removed if one desired. 

Haven't sealed the deal yet, but I'm thinking we may get it. Owner is a good friend, and not in too much of a hurry, so it gives me a little time to think. He's asking $2,500. Y'all think that's good/low/high?

I'm thinking we may give it a go, and if it's too small for the work I want to do, I could always sell it.

You were correct about the hydraulics not being live. Not "ideal" but I can tolerate that. 

Here's a photo from Google Maps showing what I've got to work on. Most of the trees are like this, except for the oaks. 

I know you're right on this one. We've burned ground before, with nice results the following spring. 

I felt the bushings and looked them over. Almost perfectly round, not showing much wear. 

I'm not familiar with dozers, what all is covered by the term "undercarriage"?