First timer. 450c ?

BDC123 · Post by **BDC123** » Tue Jun 24, 2014 10:10 am

Hello all, I am Newbie to this message board and in the market for my first piece of equipment. I have about ten acres of small trees and brush to clear. I looked at a 450c that i really want it seems to be the perfect size for what i need. It started right up ,sounded good, No leaks where it was sitting when i moved it. BUT barely turns to the left. It will turn on a dime to the right or if your in reverse the left control works just fine ( Any thoughts? good,bad) is there any way I can check if its just out of adjustment b4 I purchase it ? Also there was a tag on lower part of the dash. Type E7450. Serial 003747U can anyone tell me for sure that its a 450c and what year it might be from this tag. Thanks in advance. BDC

Tigerhaze · Post by **Tigerhaze** » Tue Jun 24, 2014 11:53 am

Hi-

First of all you need to confirm whether you have a 450C (model) or whether you simply have a 450 (C meaning crawler) before we can give any meaningful input on this since there was a switch from mechanical to hydraulic steering clutches with the "C" models.

The info to verify this is in the serial number data plate, but not the one you found (a common mistake). I believe the one you found on the dash is the serial number for the loader attachment (I am assuming it is a crawler loader). The data plate for the crawler is I believe between you legs on the seat pedestal or somewhere near it.

Once you find it you can "decode" the model and year from the serial number at this location:

http://www.jdcrawlers.com/messageboard/ ... php?t=2415
Let us know what you find.

Stan Disbrow · Post by **Stan Disbrow** » Tue Jun 24, 2014 11:58 am

Hi,

Those numbers do not make sense for the machine. They must be for the loader itself. The machine serial number plate should read out like this:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
| | | | | | |
T 5 F 3 M xxxxxx T

1. The first letter designates the application
T = Tractor

2. This number designates the series
5 = JD450

3. This number designates tractor style
C = Bare Crawler
E = Crawler Loader
F = Crawler Dozer

4. This number designates the fuel type of the engine
1 = Gasoline
3 = Diesel

5. This letter designates the type of transmission
C = Collar Shift
M = Hi - Low Reverse

6. Sequence serial number of six digits, which started in 1965 at 10001

7. This letter designates the mfg plant
T = John Deere Dubuque Tractor Works

There are lists of serial numbers, by year, for each type of machine over in the FAQ forum. The one for the 450 is at:

http://www.jdcrawlers.com/messageboard/ ... php?t=2415

Stan

Stan Disbrow · Post by **Stan Disbrow** » Tue Jun 24, 2014 12:04 pm

Hi,

Oh. And the LH steering issue sounds like a worn brake band. Now, it may still have some adjustment range left. Maybe not. You do need the Mother Deere service manual to properly adjust these things. When it comes to buying, figure on having to rebuild the steering. And, on both sides, I think, when it comes down to it. As to what that costs depends on your mechanical ability.....

Stan

BDC123 · Post by **BDC123** » Tue Jun 24, 2014 1:51 pm

Hey everyone thanks for the input. I do remember seeing another tag on the front panel below the seat. it is about an hours drive but i'm gonna go take a look and see if i can get the numbers from that tag as well is there maybe anything else i can look at or other information i should get while i'm there? Thanks again.

BDC123 · Post by **BDC123** » Sat Jun 28, 2014 12:24 pm

OK so I took the hour drive to look at the crawler again and hopefully get the correct serial numbers. while I was there, looked it over checked fluid levels and looked for any major leaks. I found 2 more serial # tags the one on the outside of the plate below the seat reads(T5E3M) and then (067013T) And there was one on the engine kinda close to the starter and a filter that read (CD4239D635503) and then (4239DF) What all can these tags tell me ? I would like to know the year it was produced. I think if I decoded it correctly that it is in fact a 450C but the other set of #'s made no sense to me. What motor and any other info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Again

jtrichard · Post by **jtrichard** » Sat Jun 28, 2014 5:59 pm

it is A.... T= tractor...5=JD450.....E= loader...3= Diesel....M= HLR.....1968 it is a straight 450..... NOT A ......450C.....as for why it wont turn to the left would most likely be bad brake on left side (could have oil on it ) it is a dry clutch/brake tractor

BDC123 · Post by **BDC123** » Sat Jun 28, 2014 9:10 pm

OMG I am so glad I found this web sight> It has been very informative. The guy that owns it said he wasn't sure but thought it was an 80 or 81 450c. He is asking 11k for it,Hour meter says a little shy of 3300 hours but who knows. I would think that with the age difference it should be at least a few thousand less in price if not more especially with steering issue. Was the straight 450 a good machine or should I just stay away and save my pennies for some thing a little newer? I'm so new to this ,sorry if I sound ignorant but I'm trying to educate myself so I don't make a huge mistake like buying a 60's model instead of an 80's model. any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks again to everyone who has taken time to respond.

DrLoch · Post by **DrLoch** » Sun Jun 29, 2014 7:08 am

Do you have the ability to fix whatever you find yourself? If you've read any of the various threads posted here most of us fix them ourselves. Myself, I'd save my money and find something else.

jsal · Post by **jsal** » Sun Jun 29, 2014 3:46 pm

Iam with Dr loch stay away I just bought a 450 C dozer for $9000.00 has hydraulic assist steering what a big difference wet clutches.

JIM

Tigerhaze · Post by **Tigerhaze** » Mon Jun 30, 2014 10:35 am

The straight 450s weren't a machine to stay away from, but my opinion would be that the machine you were looking at appears to be priced substantially higher than market value and that unless the owner did substantial restoration (new undercarriage, engine rebuild, etc.) you may want to keep looking for another straight 450 or something newer.

You also shouldn't fall into a mindset that a newer machine won't need repairs; some older machines with immaculate maintenance need few repairs and some newer machines that were used and abused can need a lot of repairs.

Paul Buhler · Post by **Paul Buhler** » Tue Jul 01, 2014 9:04 am

Hi: I'd also recommend that you shop around further. You want a machine that will get the job done with a reasonable assurance that it won't quit and distract you from the mission at hand.
I recently saw this ad and missed the opportunity to take a look - it sold quickly.
Patience and a broad search will find the right machine for you, at the right price. Good luck. Paul
http://burlington.craigslist.org/hvo/4520816144.html

ferroequinologist · Post by **ferroequinologist** » Wed Jul 02, 2014 2:26 pm

I have a straight JD450. I got it cheap taking a chance on it I have only put maybe another $500 into it. My loader wouldn't turn to the right like yours wouldn't turn to the left. After using the manual to adjust the clutch and brake band, she works great.

I also agree that that loader is priced too high. I got a screaming deal on mine. I too have 10 acres and even though mine has dry clutches and has been working awesome to clear my property. If he won't come way down on the price I would look elsewhere.

http://www.jdcrawlers.com/messageboard/ ... php?t=9078

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