HD6 Advice

I'm just not familiar enough with this tractor or the vocabulary you are using above to make this assessment.   If you can be more specific or if there are videos of these areas being examined or replaced, I would be better able to internalize what you are referring to as "undercarriage".

HD6GTOM wrote: Steering clutches might be stuck. 1 of mine did after I let it sit 2 years due to0 back and arm problems. Next time you are near it, post close up a picture of the sprocket teeth and the large front roller.

You are referring to the Track sprocket and roller?

HD6GTOM wrote: Is the floor pan, the 1 that your feet rest on somewhere close by?

I noticed that it appears to be missing in the picture.  I did find a flat metal piece, which could be the pan, but I doubt it as the paint was too good on it.   The pan may be missing

HD6GTOM wrote: The knob on the upper left of the dash is the fuel shutoff. The long lever leaning forward beside it is the clutch. When you pull it back does it snap good? It should take something like 35 lbs of force to make it snap back, going from bad memory here.

I never tried the controls....they all looked very unfamiliar to me.   I will try it next time I'm there.

HD6GTOM wrote:  If it is like mine it is a 24 volt system, looks like the top to the battery box is off, should be 2 12 volt batterys in it. ....

It appeared to have two battery boxes on either side of the operators seat.   The cover was off of both of them.

[QUOTE=split]

I found this picture which shows the pan or some sort of cover.
It is sitting atop the track.  Anyone know what this is?

I had someone take a few more pictures. 

The first one is of the engine plate.





This is from the dash.  The top plate is unreadable.
The lower plate is subject to interpretation.  It appears to be:

   86P1780

there may be another digit in front of the first 8, but I can't make it out.

Split;    If you can find someone on this site or else where that has a track gauge who would be willing to trace it out on some thick paper like poster type paper and mail it to you then you could determine the condition of the undercarriage. If the undercarriage parts are serviceable that will be the parts of the most value. Yes you could put another engine in it and use it on your property however it sounds like (pardon me for saying this) you aren't real mechanical and this old machine needs a real mechanic. I suggest you sell the machine for the value of track parts plus scrap price for whats left over. Not many people out there who have the skill and equipment to move a dead crawler and undertake a project of this size.    JMO    Mark

It is sad whenever one of these GRAND OLD MACHINES is scrapped. The HD6 is one of the last crawlers that a mechanic can work on. Newer faster more productive crawlers are more complicated and difficult to keep running. If you are unable to transplant a motor find someone that can. The value is in the undercarrage however the HD6 can continue working until the track bushings are worn thru and the track pins are visible.

By the way a set of pad bolts would save an unbelievable amount of time if you have to change out the rails. On this size I've taken a railroad spike hammer, set the track up on it's side and hit the nut on it's side a good hard lick. Go down one side of the track, turn the track over and repeat. It's a lot easier than fighting all those rusted together bolts. Oh, the bolts snap right off.   Leon R   Cmo

Running with track like that you could brooked a final drive

I got some of my undercarriage parts from Cat.

I have yet to return to Oregon where the Tractor is located.
Lately, I have been thinking that even though there is a hole in the block, I might be able to weld or patch the hole....enough to seal in the oil, and then replace the lower bearings to get it running.   This assumes the crank is not hammered....which it likely is.
I just don't want to dump a lot of time and $$$ into this old machine, which might have a host of other problems that may have existed prior to the failure and new issues resulting from sitting for an unknown number of years

You have to understand that you are not going to be able to weld the block and get it running. Compared to working on automobiles everything on heavy equipment is about 5 times heavier, more expensive, and more difficult to replace. The least expensive repair will be to find another motor.

The worst thing you could do is to take it apart and not repair it. The HD6 is a grand old machine and should be repaired. Do not start the project unless you have the time and resources to complete it.

It is going to cost at least $3000. If you get it operational you might be able to sell it for $3000 to $5000

Comments please   

There is an AC 7000 engine for sale in Richmond, VA: $800.00 with turbo. If I understand correctly, this is the engine to convert HD6's.
I'd take on a  project like that but, the dozer is in Oregon. 2500 miles away from me.

 Sorry, didn't mean to mislead anyone. I"m still learning about AC equipment.

Not sure how far this one is from you http://www.trademe.co.nz/business-farming-industry/industrial/earthmoving-machinery/bulldozers/auction-1079030320.htm