New dozer ownership

CATWIZARD · Oct 21, 2020

Hello everyone and let me begin. I have owned a auto repair shop for 20+ years and am semi retired. I have Tn mountain property that I want to build my last home, and for some reason i thought it was good idea to buy a dozer to fix it the way I want. I got a 1995 cat d4c series 3 6yl1 from a 78 year old gentleman who hasn't keep up maintenance very well the last few years and no records. I did find out from others that the engine and trans have been rebuilt in last 3 to 4 year. Seem to run and push hard. Looking for sources for used parts or where to new parts besides Cat. I was going to change all filters. On pulling plugs on trans, finals, etc. the fluid looks good but should I pull samples and have tested or just change all or since it looks goods don't change. I was of course change engine oil and filter. I just wounding how others would start this process if they had did the same. thanks

AllDodge · Oct 21, 2020

CAT filters don't cost that much more and for peace of mind I would stick with them.

CAT sells new and aftermarket stuff, and many times if you need a used part they are the go to guys to find it. Just had them track down a used bracket which listed for over 100, and found a used one for 25

First thig you need is a set of manuals

DMiller · Oct 21, 2020

Next thing you Need is a Large bottle of JD, and a case of Coca Cola. Ice would be nice.

Actuality, samples sent to Cat would be well advised especially as maintenance was lacking, Use Cat filters, premium protection and can buy Kit orders by the machine. Manuals are NOT an option and adjustments will be needed fairly often. Otherwise enjoy the new tool.

BigWrench55 · Oct 21, 2020

I'm with the others about the cat filters. Filters and oil are the cheapest things that you do with equipment. Cheap out on filters and oil will cost way more than what you saved.

Nige · Oct 22, 2020

AllDodge said:
First thing you need is a set of manuals

Seconded. With a Serial Number the correct ones applicable to your machine could be identified.

Second all the comments above on lubricants & filters. IMHO stay away from anything that has "universal" or "tractor" in the name (whether that's the seller or the material). Lubricants - any good name brand (Shell, Mobil, etc) of the correct spec will work. Cat dealers often do deals on oils & filters that makes their products as cheap or cheaper than the parts supply houses.

kshansen · Oct 22, 2020

Agree with all the above.
I would say the bare minimum for manuals would the the Operation and Maintenance Manual. If there wasn't on in the cab you can buy one on CD or even as a down load for around $50.00. Parts book probably $120 or less on CD or download.

Service manuals are a bit more but if you plan on doing most of the work yourself can be a very good investment, one trip by the dealer will probably cost the better part of the manuals price. And that is talking "new on CD" with S/N and a bit of looking online you might get lucky and find them for less. I would just stay away from reprints as some are not the best quality and may be missing some sections.

Oh! and some pictures would be nice too we like to see pictures!

CATWIZARD · Oct 22, 2020

Thanks for all info did not know cat sold used parts. I already have all manuals. I pulled most all covers and seat and pressure washed before i bought in shop. One thing that surprised me was the lack or grease fittings
in all of the linkages (photo) like brake, trans and shift are you to disassemble and lube? Did not see info in manual They squeak and drag. I am missing track adjuster shields also if someone has a lead on used ones and I will ck with my dealer. thanks again!

Nige · Oct 22, 2020

Another bonus of having a Parts Manual is that once you have a Part Number it allows you to search on places like Machinery Trader for used parts.

John C. · Oct 22, 2020

Cat for some reason never put grease fittings on the brake pedal linkages. There are needle bearings in there that will get packed with dirt and freeze up. You end up having to pull them apart, clean everything up and then reassemble them with some grease or antiseize. If there was room, I usually drilled to one side of the bearing and installed grease fittings.
I'm not that gung hoe on Cat filters and fluids. I do check price though and will buy them if they are competitive. Many times you can get a deal on case lots. If you are going to change oils anyway, I wouldn't recommend taking samples now. If no maintenance was done, they are all likely to be dirty anyway. Change things out, run a hundred hours or so and then take your samples.

Congratulations on your purchase and good luck.

DMiller · Oct 22, 2020

Being as pivots are already on, a root rake on these works REALLY well.

kshansen · Oct 22, 2020

Dang is it legal to have a Cat Dozer that clean around the linkage? Are all the belly pans off and cleaned too?

That one picture with the finger pointing to the linkage reminded me of the brakes and clutch linkage on my old Farmall. I could not believe they didn't put any grease fittings on those points. Well when I was doing the ground up rebuild I added grease fittings to all of them and drilled access holes through guard so I could grease them easy. A couple shots of grease a couple times through the year and they are still working good three or four decades later!

I would do the same on any of the ones you can on that dozer.

CATWIZARD · Oct 23, 2020

Yes going to add grease fittings and holes in shield good idea. I also got the root rake with dozer. Also called Cat parts and gave them a list of parts I need . They are going to email me a quote. Can't

wait.

Nige · Oct 23, 2020

Make sure you're sitting down before you open it.......

The cost of operating Yellow Iron.

RTSmith · Oct 23, 2020

Nige said:
Make sure you're sitting down before you open it.......
The cost of operating Yellow Iron.

Especially when it is supposed to be only a "hobby".

Queenslander · Oct 23, 2020

Catwizard, I have a new neighbour in a similar position to you.
He has inherited a D7G that came with the place but, unfortunately, knows very little about dozers.
Asked me to service it for him and agreed we should change all the oils as well as coolant.
Luckily, genuine fluids and filters are very competitively priced here.

CM1995 · Oct 24, 2020

Queenslander said:
Luckily, genuine fluids and filters are very competitively priced here.
View attachment 226412

Same here in the Southeast US. Cat has a 20% off sale on parts and fluids so I can buy a 5 gal bucket of 15W40 for a dollar or two less than Delo or Rotella in the auto parts stores.

CATWIZARD · Nov 16, 2020

Been a minute, got all my fluids, filters, gaskets and a used air box and fan shroud. 1750.00 and I am putting back together. I also added zerks to some of the linkage. Used drive in zerks so as not to have tap bottom out. The top 2 did not want to take grease very well but the bottom 4 did as you can see in photo.

Bluox · Nov 16, 2020

Now you can put your tracks on the right way.
Bob

Master Link · Nov 16, 2020

Bob is correct the tracks are on backwards. The spike part of the shoe should always be leading over the idler when going forward.

Vetech63 · Nov 17, 2020

Bluox said:
Now you can put your tracks on the right way.
Bob

LMAO You just have this way with words that just strikes me as funny every dam time!

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