I have spent many hrs on a 46A model, and as I recall, they were RATED at 270 HP. I believe the high power model Deas showed us was the 285 HP, but I could be wrong there.
I spent most of my time on a 30,000+ serial number 46A, and it was a real good tractor. I do recall one time when the governor went bad, and let it overfuel. I had to finish the project, and ran it for about a month like that. I held it back with the decel., but when under load, it would outpush a D-9H we had on the job. I kept it together for the job, and when it got taken down for repair, we found one of the weights broken off of the governor spring, and that let it keep pouring on the fuel. When it was set right, that old cat would go 13 hrs on a tank of fuel, but when It was running like that, it would only make 7, and I had to splash it at lunchtime to make the day.
I liked the 46A better than the K models though, even though the 77V had an extra 30 horses at 300.
I have to admit, I am spoiled now with a D-8R and a D-8T in the game. I really like the R, and the T is great, but now and then has a bug in the elec tronics. Recently the ripper either will not pitch in and out, or it will do it on its own with no operator input. At least we don't have to rip much, as it is only a finish dozer.
I have said how much I liked the 46A, but the R is a whole new game, and I have performed pioneering work with the R in hours in places that would have taken all day and then some with the 46A, just because of the speed and manouverability with the tiller steer, and being able to keep both tracks under power, instead of clutching to turn really helps you keep control when the going gets steep. The 46A will go on a steeper side slope, but thats why we hang a slopeboard on the side, so we can keep from wearing out the rails and rollers always working on a side slope.
Well, Ive gone on long enough.
Have a good one
