Thinking About Buying a 1967 JD 450 Dozer

[bulletpruf]

Went to look at a JD 450 today. She's been sitting for about 5 years, but I think there's a good chance that she'll run with a hot battery and maybe a sniff of ether.

Should be a 1967 model, SN 56121.





Had a ripper at some point, but it's MIA. Would be good to have one on it; looks like the model 3110 ripper is what it needs.



Track pads are JUNK, but sprockets and idlers looked ok. Not sure about the chain (any thoughts?); but it would be nice if the chain was useable because new chain is about $2,000 per side for the sealed and lubricated (SALT) stuff.









Engine has had some welding or brazing done on the block; that makes me nervous. Also has an aluminum radiator that appears to be from an automotive application. It's a dry clutch machine so there's a decent chance that the steering clutches are rusty.




Owner said the machine would quit moving on an incline or decline. The engine wouldn't die, but the machine wouldn't move. Could be steering clutches need adjusted or replaced or could be low oil in the trans. Any other ideas?

Plan is to go back tomorrow morning with 5 gallons of diesel, a good battery, a jump pack, some tools, trans oil, and ether. If it will start and move, I'd like to get it up off the ground a bit on some oak 6x6's so I can inspect the frame and cross members.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Scott

[LeonardL]

Dude... it's your money but that thing is junk! Anything beyond scrap iron price would be too much. Sorry to be so blunt but I would keep your money and go look for a better machine.

[Lavoy]

I would echo what Leonard said. My bet is trans is slipping, he knows it, that's probably why he abandoned it. By it by the pound for a parts machine.
Lavoy

[bulletpruf]

Spent a few hours messing with it today and I've seen enough. It's a turd. Nothing is in good shape and there are lots of half-ass farmer fixes. Got it to turn over, but it wouldn't start. Probably a good thing because it had a severed hydraulic hose, so all the hydraulic oil would have ended on the ground.

[bulletpruf]

Video is up in case anyone is interested.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHDiVV654F0