420C compared to OC-46 questions

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Andy B
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420C compared to OC-46 questions

Post by Andy B » Tue Jan 12, 2021 11:41 pm

Greetings, all! I’ve visited the site over the years, but am looking to officially “join the club”.

Some background before my questions. I used to own a 1954 40U. My first JD machine was a 1966 110, which I still have and use. The 40U had a stuck engine and some other issues, and I ended up rebuilding almost everything except the transmission. I did all the work myself except machining the engine block. I had the final drives apart, rebuilt the hydraulic pump, rebuilt the rockshaft, replaced almost every seal on the tractor. You get the idea. I sold it when I bought a new 2520 with 4WD and a FEL, which was then sold when I sold off my house and moved a few years ago.

At one point I also owned a 1956 Oliver OC-46 crawler loader. I got it cheap because it had a destroyed bull gear and pinion in the left side final drive, and a few other issues I had to fix. The OC-46 worked great, and I used it to build several retaining walls and move a lot of fill. I also sold it when I sold my house.

I now have a new house, with a long gravel driveway, and northeast PA winters. I’m looking for a small crawler to push some snow, level some fill, and maybe pull a mower through some old uneven fields. I’ve been thinking about an old 420C.

A friend had an old 2-ton Caterpillar, that might still be available. I know where the OC-46 is, and it might be for sale, and I sometimes see the 420C crawlers for sale. The only crawler I’ve owned and used was the OC-46. The OC-46 also weighed about 8800 lbs.

So, for moving snow and leveling fill, and not being in any rush to do it, how does a 420C compare to an OC-46? I see the front blades for the 420C machines available, or mounted to the crawler, but seldom any loaders. Were these small Deere crawlers not really built for loader work like the OC-46 was? To be honest, I don’t really see a lot of loader work in my future, but a small crawler with a front blade and 3pt hitch in the back would have more use for me than just a loader. I used a 3pt backhoe a few times on my 40U. Are there any issues with using a 3pt backhoe on a 420C with a 3pt hitch on it?

Thanks for any insight,

Andy B
1968 JD 350B diesel with Drott 4-in-1 Bucket

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Lavoy
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Re: 420C compared to OC-46 questions

Post by Lavoy » Wed Jan 13, 2021 8:45 am

420's came with loaders, #90 was factory loader, multiple aftermarket loaders available as well. 420 with a 90 loader is a little of 9,000lbs so about the same.
Blade is much better for pushing snow, especially if it angles.
Due to the way they are designed, I would not put a 3PT backhoe on one unless it is one of the little tiny hoes that will only dig 6 feet. And at that, you will not have hyd to run it unless you get one that is self contained.
Lavoy
Parts and restoration for antique and late model John Deere crawlers.
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Andy B
420 crawler
420 crawler
Posts: 36
Joined: Tue Jan 12, 2021 10:27 am
Location: NE PA

Re: 420C compared to OC-46 questions

Post by Andy B » Thu Jan 14, 2021 3:30 am

Lavoy,

Thank you very much. It sounds like the 420C was pretty similar in size to an OC-46 as far as the basic crawler goes.
I guess I will start my search for a 420C/430C with a blade. I need more green in my yard. LOL
1968 JD 350B diesel with Drott 4-in-1 Bucket

Ray III
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Re: 420C compared to OC-46 questions

Post by Ray III » Sun Jan 17, 2021 10:07 am

The model 62 blade that was factory installed on many 420's could have depth shoes bolted on to control digging up the ground when plowing snow.

Andy B
420 crawler
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Posts: 36
Joined: Tue Jan 12, 2021 10:27 am
Location: NE PA

Re: 420C compared to OC-46 questions

Post by Andy B » Mon Jan 18, 2021 10:44 am

Ray,

Thank you. It sounds like the 62 blade is the one I'd want.
1968 JD 350B diesel with Drott 4-in-1 Bucket

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