HD11B GRAPPLE FACELIFT/RESTORATION

OK, We're going to give this Grapple tractor some different components that are in better shape. A good friend would like to use it on a logging job that is suited for grapple tractor work. We're going to make some needed repairs and put it on his payroll. His staff will be operating it after some training.
  The process starts with the normal firehose wash job.
So it gets close to the shop where we will take the blade off, find the master track pins take of pads and get the track pins ready to come out. The pins,bushings and rails do not have enough life in them for another logging job.
The operators compartment is pretty rough and will need attention too.
This might make some one mad but this will be the "DONOR TRACTOR" the swing frames and rollers,idlers will be used. The tracks will not be used. Somewhere in the yard is a set of tracks with bushings and pins turned with 20'' grousers. (have to find them) The engine from this tractor will be used in another 11B. This 11B is also a direct drive farm tractor. Hoping to work my way to it in the next couple of days and have it out to tear into for the 3 day weekend.
This won't be a showpiece restoration like a couple of the other ones. This is for work. Ok, I'll post as I go, hope to have lots of stuff from 2 tractors scattered all over by Monday.

i would love to find a ag cat like that up here.

So you take the blade of.You don't have to have a big forklift either. Normally we would just drive out in the yard and put some blocks under the push beams and back out. We will also be changing from an angle blade to a straight blade.
Identify the master track pins and move to where it's easy to get to.
Usually take of 2 pads,sometimes the pad bolts cooperate, sometimes they don't. Get the pin to move so you know it will come out.
We thought we would put it on the cement this time because we are going to roll around under it to do other service work.
So the track pin comes up at the sprocket where it's still easy to get to.

This one comes out easier than it should. try these video links

 

http://vid966.photobucket.com/albums/ae147/doowder1/1%20GRAPPLE%20FACELIFT/GRAPPLE%20FACELIFT%20TRACK%20PIN_zpsgyc0toz5.mp4

 
 http://vid966.photobucket.com/albums/ae147/doowder1/1%20GRAPPLE%20FACELIFT/GRAPPLE%20FACELIFT%20PUSH_zpsleb40vci.mp4



 
http://vid966.photobucket.com/albums/ae147/doowder1/1%20GRAPPLE%20FACELIFT/GRAPPLE%20FACELIFT%20TRACK%20PULL_zpshchip7cx.mp4


So the other side was not as cooperative. It was not going to come out very easy.
We probably won't be using these rails again,so I just cut the links, leaving the master pin alone, it sure expedites the process. We'll cut the master pin out later for future use.
So this is where we are know. Swing frames are next.

A number of 11`s here on logging work were changed to that setup Trev. My EP had it when I got it. An engineer working on logging gear back in the day told me he changed many of them. Loggers very hard on tractors he said. I nodded in agreeance

Still following along! Nice playground you have there.

I love it that Mel saves these old machines..

I think the D5 carrier roller has a beefier shaft, which is probably why they used it- yes, I've seen lots of bent carrier rollers on HD11s- they weren't exactly over engineered.

Awesome pictures of your work on these big machines.
Thanks for keeping us up to date.
Regards,
 Chris

Thanks for posting. You are going to make him get youtube
Vids of it in the woods, right?????? I hope so. I'd love to see id dragging logs and hearing the engine and the sound of the tracks

Love your storys and pics boys; but one wee question ??
The bush rigged 11-B; one with the winch; that has a engine problem.
Why not rebuild the engine ? You guys should have a lot better luck with parts than us fellas down at the bottom of the world. I know minpaar don,t have any 6000 or 11000 kits; and havn,t had much luck tracking down any other manufacturers. So what do you guys stateside do ?
Certainly enjoy reading your rebuild storys. And your right about grapples; and integral winch arches too; on D6C/D final drives. The deadshafts will flex/bemd, etc and then there is expensive toothache !
Cheers from kiwiland

Nice job! 

OK, a quick update. That whole day job thing slowed us down. Did get the tilt valve off the DONOR tractor HD16 tank.
Also got the belly pans of. We'll start pressure washing soon. Won't get much done this weekend. We have to cook 1100 lbs. of beef roasts for the local volunteer Fire Dept. It's our annual fundraiser. We'll serve 1000 to 1500 dinners. I light the fire at 6:00 AM and go home about 11:00 PM (It's the only day of the year that I hate meat by the time it's ready to eat.) just kidding, but it's a workout day. 

Looking good, Mel. 

Oh yeah, still here and always will be. This is the best place to get my dose of AC dozers. 
Looking forward to meeting up with you guys in Weott.

Incidentally, I've been checking on the entrance to the 21 and it's as undisturbed as when we were last there. It's looking like that machine is destined to rust in peace where it's at, unfortunately. 

JohnCO wrote: No luck in talking the owner into selling it?

No John, no luck. Of course we haven't tried recently but when we were in talks before, she stopped communicating with us. Have no idea why and I didn't press the issue. Maybe we can get Mel to.