JD 450 parting out questions

[JSVice]

I've given up on restoring my 450 to working conditions. The motor is fine, but the UC and steering clutches are pretty much shot to hell. Are there any other parts on this unit which would be desirable to someone? Should I just cut it up and haul it off for scrap? I hate to do that, because when I parked it (2 years ago), it ran just fine. It just wouldn't steer well, and the tracks weren't holding tension. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,
John

[Tigerhaze]

Based on your description, this sounds like a rebuildable crawler for someone with the time and inclination. The engine and transmission are valuable parts regardless of the condition of the rest of the crawler. There are many other parts that have some intrinsic worth (hydraulic system for loader or dozer blade, sheet metal, fuel tank, radiator, etc.).

I personally would not cut it up simply for scrap because you won't get the value out of the machine that way. Parting out can be a good way to recover your investment, but time consuming and takes a similar dedication to disassemble as it does to repair.

I would suggest selling as a rebuildable/ parts crawler (disclosing known issues). If priced reasonably, you will get a quick sale and should get more money than simple scrap value. If you are reluctant to put out on an auction site or a classified site like Craigslist, you can test the waters here by posting in the "Little Shop O Deere's Forum". That way you will only get responses from people serious about crawlers

[JSVice]

Well, the trouble with that idea is that it's partially disassembled now. If someone wanted to pick it up, they couldn't drive it onto a trailer. The tanks are off of it, and the hydraulics are disconnected. It's totally rebuildable, but I don't have the tools or the time, and now I've disassembled just enough that it isn't drivable. In other words, I've totally shot myself in the foot with this one. I think I'll do a little research into what kind of parts from this crawler are salable. I hate to scrap it, as it is a total waste.

[Tigerhaze]

People that specialize in crawler transport have equipment that should be able to winch up a partially disassembled crawler. It's not the easiest way to load a crawler but not impossible either.

I had a parts crawler delivered to me that had the tracks locked up. The transporter was able to load at the seller's location and was able to offload at my place with a little bit of effort. As long as your tracks are free (can roll), it shouldn't be much of a problem.

You can see the process I went through at this link:

http://www.jdcrawlers.com/messageboard/ ... highlight=

[JSVice]

Fair enough. I'll post it FS here, and see what happens. It's a good machine in the right hands. Those hands aren't mine however.