HD5G project has to go

So, I brought an HD5G track loader about 7-8 years ago for 300 bucks, thinking that all it needed was steering clutches. Guess hind sight is 20-20, because at the time, I could have hauled it 5 miles from the auction sale sight to the scrap yard, and sold it for $1,600. That's what I should have done. But I got it running, and it ran good, just couldn't steer it. Went in a straight line without any indication of deeper problems then steering clutches. And having replaced steering clutches in a 5 once before, figured I could get er done. So I ordered of $2K worth of the bi-metalic steering clutch plates, the thin spacers, new springs, and brake shoes. Once I got it lined up straight with the door of my quonset, it backed right in under it's own power. Things went south in a hurry though on the left side. Sometime during clutch bolt removal, that final drive seized up. Upon further inspection, everything on that side, bearings and all, were full of rust. I started replacing bearings in the pinion shaft, then realized that intermediate shaft and sprocket shaft bearings were rusted up too. Got as far as to split the chain on that side, and that's where it's been for the last 6 years, just taking up shop space. That's about the time I took a job off the farm too, so time to work on it is nonexistent. Was sizing it up Sunday afternoon, and finally sucumbed to the fact that I will not live long enough to see it finished. Looks like the rails have to come off to get the sprocket off, and some previous owner has welded the track adjuster/track releases to the rails. So yeah, the rose colored glasses are gone now. So I guess, that where I am heading to with this long winded post, is that I can't quite bring myself to haul it to the scrap yard. Can't help but think someone out there might have a desire for it, if nothing else, for parts. The engine ran good. All of my clutch parts are not lost, they are not in the machine yet, and can be used elsewhere. I kind of hate to just pull it out and park it somewhere out of the way in my yard, because I already have more of that kind of stuff then I need already, and am trying to go the other way. So if anyone wants it the way it sits, come and get it. If you want to continue on with it and rebuild it, we can work out a deal on all the clutch parts that I have. I think that I still want a track loader sometime in the near future, but I just don't have the time to put the work into one like this one will require. Tears me up to give up on a project, but reality has set in
Darrel

Darrell:  I was following along on this project and if memory serves remember you had picked it up some time ago.  I would guess a lot of us here like the AC 5G design and can certainly see its usefulness that it could bring once up and running and back in shape.   Although this project didn't come through the way you had hoped - am certain that the knowledge gained by working through all its issues from a mechanical standpoint is probably worth way more than if you had signed up for a mechanical engineering course, so not all was lost.  I know that doesn't change the outcome so wishing you better sailing ahead! ~ Respectfully, Orangeman

Darrel, I just got an old HD5G in trade and may need some parts, not exactly sure yet what I need. What is the condition of your idlers and UC? Unfortunately I am in Colorado so it may be hard to ship any parts but if any of the parts can be used, I would hate to see them scrapped.


I believe the biggest issue to be the loose track on the right hand side, which appears to have a different idler. Im really not sure how much adjustment is left in the slide bar. Both sides appear to be at the same spot.

Thanks

Edited by Noah - 23 May 2024 at 7:50am

Noah wrote: Darrel, I just got an old HD5G in trade and may need some parts, not exactly sure yet what I need. What is the condition of your idlers and UC? Unfortunately I am in Colorado so it may be hard to ship any parts but if any of the parts can be used, I would hate to see them scrapped. Most likely won't be scrapping anything. I'm still in a bit of a tailspin as to what's going to happen with it. Give it a little more time, as if 6 years wasn't enough. Darrel I believe the biggest issue to be the loose track on the right hand side, which appears to have a different idler. Im really not sure how much adjustment is left in the slide bar. Both sides appear to be at the same spot. Thanks