Hey, it looks good. I saw it at the auction. Have you tried uShip for shipping quotes?

I think 45,000 lbs is close, with no ripper.

Maurice has given you some good advice on the tranny problem, I've had the same problem on a D7F too.

No I didn't try uShip. Got a few quotes but ended up going with the first bunch I tried, Warren Transport. They pull a lot of equipment out of Ottumwa, in fact, turns out where they're going to load the dozer at the seller's shop is a shop that works on trailers for them. The guy told me to check with Warren but I had already requested a quote from them due to past experience at the dealership where I worked years ago.

Hope the pictures aren't deceiving. It doesn't look beat up but it definitely needs some attention. It'll look a lot better to me when it's pushing trees in SE Kansas.

Now the plot thickens. When talking to the seller today, he mentioned that it struggles to turn left. First I had heard that little tidbit. He was talking about needing clutch work but my limited dozer experience leads me to a brake needing adjusted or rebuilt. Seems like a steering clutch needing attention just keeps a track from putting full power to the ground. Whereas a brake not doing it's job can make turning a challenge.

I'm hoping brakes aren't a huge job or expense. Have some experience with brakes on a D6B but don't even know what they'll look like on the 7F.

Get the pressure washer ready. Have a sharp pencil, clean notepad and a nice new parts book from Ebay. Then look up the fax number for Florin Tractor Parts in Sacramento,California.

Is it brakes or is it that the track doesn't stop pulling. In a big push or up against a tree if you pull the steering clutch the track should stop, if not then it is a steering clutch problem. Most of the time it is not the clutch that is the problem it is the cross shaft bearings that are bad causing the cross shaft to move back and forth causing the seals that divert oil to release the clutches. The easiest way to tell if this is to remove the round cover on the rear of the machine, and you can use two big pry bars to see if the ring gear can be moved side to side. If it does you have your work cut out for you.

Maurice

I'm assuming Florin Tractor Parts has used stuff?

As for whether or not the left steering clutch is releasing or not, I can't be sure yet but from the brief conversation I had with the previous owner yesterday, I took it that it was a brake not holding. And I think I hope that's what's wrong. Seems like that would be an easier fix than a steering clutch. Should have my hands on it in about a week so I can start assessing the project.

blythkd,

I'd think that kind of stuff should have been disclosed before the auction. Owning a used dozer will make you into a pretty good mechanic. Hope it turns out to be just the brake.

Florin Tractor has new old stock Caterpillar parts, used parts and aftermarket new parts. They dismantle equipment and have access to used parts search across the United States. Probably could search in Canada and Mexico if you asked them to.

They are good to do business with.

I see that several users here buy parts from Florin Tractor.

800-223-9916

fax 916-383-6911

Here are a few more parts sources General Gear Off Road Equipment Alcoa Tenn Regal Equipment Knoxville ten Florin is good but I would check with others too good luck with that D7F they are a good unit and will do a lot of work

Yeah there's no doubt some of this stuff should have been advertised in the auction listing. I could probably go back on the auction company and nullify the deal but I'm not going to. I'll get it in the shop and see where we stand. I should make one thing clear, I don't mind at all how big the job is, just hope the parts required don't put me in the soup line! I've tackled a few projects, even a buzzsaw or two. You might say I'm always on the lookout for the next project and I don't always care how much money I make or if I make any or save any, as long as in the end I have a piece of equipment for which I know the condition inside and out. Somebody mentioned a request to post pictures and details to feed his "addiction." I reckon I'm an addict too.

All the information and sources are much appreciated guys.

After more research, I think you got a good deal on it. It's pretty obvious that other bidders knew of some problems it has, but those problems can always be fixed like you say and then you'll know what you've got.

There's always used parts that can be found too that will get a lot more life out of it. Here's some that are dismantled:

www.machinerytrader.com/list/dismantleds...dltxt=D7F&mdlx=exact

Most of the parts off the 61G serial numbers will interchange with a 94N serial number, in my experience. The 61G is/was a military unit.