newbie 450 questions (edited)

[JSVice]

Hey guys,

I originally had posted my 350 up for sale here, but changed my mind. I don't think it's in good enough shape to sell. It's my first crawler, and the guy I bought it from (out of state) took advantage of my lack of experience. So, I'm going to fix 'er up myself. In case I do decide to sell it later on, I won't feel guilty, and if I look for another on in the future, I think I'll have a better working understanding of them if I spend some time working on it, hands-on.

For starters, I'd like to get an idea of the correct age of the machine so that I can make sure I buy the right parts.

On the S/N plate it reads as follows:
Type - T5F3M
Serial - 064157T

In fact, once I read that... Is this actually a 450?

Any ideas as to the age of this beast? Once I get that established, I'll go from there.

Thanks for any help,
John Vice

[Uncle]

I'm sure someone will chime in soon on the machine, but if it has a 3 cyl engine it's a 350. If it's a 4 cyl it's a 450.
What is the major problem with the machine?
There's alot of help and wisdom here.
Brian

[JSVice]

The major problem(s)?

Well, the track tensioners are shot. On both sides, the previous owner had jammed some iron in the tensioners to keep the tracks spread apart. On one side, it worked well. On the other, the iron bent, the track lost tension, and as a result, the sprocket wear on that side is very bad.

The steering is slow. Molasses in January slow. I don't know if it's a simple matter of replacing the clutches, or what.

The brakes are gone. The brake pedals are stuck to the floor.

There is grease leaking from one of the idlers. They seem to have a cap in the center that covers a grease fitting. This is busted off on one of them. Not a big deal right now.

On the plus side, it runs well. I think if I can get the UC rebuilt, it'll be a pretty solid machine. The engine is indeed a 4 cyl. The fellow I bought it from said it was a 350, so I took his word for it. Oh well... There will be some 350 manuals for sale from me now I suppose. I did a little more research, and I think the machine is from 67 or 68.

Thanks,
John

[wwattson]

Doesn't sound too bad. All the parts should be readily available and most of the stuff should either be repairable or replaceable without too much work. The steering clutches are probably the biggest deal just because it's a bit of working getting to them.

[JSVice]

Are the clutches the problem? I agree that the rest of it doesn't sound too bad, but the steering is the one thing where I really can't visibly see the culprit. If I swap out the clutches on both sides, is that going to fix it? It will steer, but you have to pull back on the levers incredibly hard and even then it's slow.

[wwattson]

Can't help you too much with a 350 as all my experience is with a 1010CA. I believe 350s started out with dry clutches like the 1010C earlier and transitioned to wet clutches over the years. One of the guys with a 350 manual will be more help to you and I'm sure if either Lavoy or digitup check in, they can give you better advice. One thing that might help is if you could describe what you mean when you say the steering clutches are "slow". It sounds like they might not be releasing entirely and the brakes aren't working on either side so I'm guessing that it sort of curves more than turns and sure can't spin on either track. Am I correct?

[JSVice]

Well, it's evidently a 450 and not a 350, but yes... it pretty much curves. One side is noticeably better than the other and it will occasionally spin the tread. The other side however is very bad. Probably in the neighborhood of a 300 foot turning radius. For some reason, steering seems to be slightly better on both sides when the crawler is in reverse, but not to a great extent.

[Lavoy]

It could be as simple as an adjustment, depends on how your luck runs, I know what I would end up doing. If you keep it, and get into it, I can get all of the steering clutch parts, and probably new track adjusters.
Lavoy

[JSVice]

Thanks for the feedback on this guys. Lavoy - I sent you a PM regarding parts.

I'm going to need a service manual in here and a parts catalog before I will really know the full extent of what I need.

[670johndeere]

http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com. ... ervlet_Alt

John,
Go to this link and type in 450 in the Model search box. Click on the Crawler Tractor Section. It will bring up any part you are looking for.

[JSVice]

wow, thanks. I figured it was almost mandatory that you buy a parts catalog to get this info.

[digitup]

Don't get too worried about it being a bad deal .Just set the clutches up and adjust the brakes up .That unit is a very late in the year 1967build it will not have power assist steering so it is even more critical that you set the clutch and break at the same time .As you set the break up the clutch backs off -As you set the clutch up the break over sets 350-450 as will as the350Bs and 450Bs had this little quirk Most operators never set both when they were in there .It has been a hell of a long time since I set one up but at one time I could do it in my sleep .In 1977 I bought my first 550[automatically adjusted as you worked them ] and I never looked back now they don't even have clutches or breaks .But if you put big hours on the old crawlers you knew how to set them .Any problems we should be able to help you through it and the owners manuals have it in them PS see if any one needs 350 manuals on here !Some one always needs them .Good luck .Digitup.