Hello,

This looks like a fantastic forum and I look forward to spending a little time here.

I bought a Cat 12 8T - 264 at an auction for $2500 dollars. It has seen a lot of hard use, but the engine is still in good condition and has plenty of power for grading my farm roads.

I'd like to learn more about this history of this machine. I'm only 32, so I have absolutely no idea about this grader as it really is ancient history relative to my age.

Can anyone tell me about how old it is? Can anyone recommend a good site for acquiring manuals (owners, parts, service)? I have seen lots of manuals for old cat equipment, but which manuals would I specifically be looking for (or rather which run of serial numbers would an 8T be included in)?

Thanks

Hi and welcome:D
You have a first year production model 8T built in 1947.
Shared the same D318 6-cyl engine with the D6 8U/9U tractors.
The 8T ended production 1957, the tractors ended 1958.
I'll see if I can come up with the matching manual form #'s

Hello and Welcome!! A friend of mine has an early 8-T. Hope you have some fun with it, watch your knuckles when running those controls! I have a Diesel Seventy-Five I rebuilt, check previous posts. Take Care, Gary

"Old wrote:

Hi and welcome:D
You have a first year production model 8T built in 1947.
Shared the same D318 6-cyl engine with the D6 8U/9U tractors.
The 8T ended production 1957, the tractors ended 1958.
I'll see if I can come up with the matching manual form #'s

Amazing, thanks for the quick response.

This should keep you busy:D
# 12 – 8T Grader Manuals

Parts
8T1 – 8T14781
Form # UEO32887 (388 Pgs)

8T14782 – 8T21815
Form # UEO32644 (348 Pgs)

Engine
Servicemen’s Reference Book
D318 4-1/2 Bore 6- cyl
Form # 30238-03 (284 Pgs)

Service
Servicemen’s Reference Book
Form # FEO30124-03 (170 Pgs)

Operation & Maintenance
Operator’s Instructions 8T1
Form # 10492-10 (122 Pgs)

Operation & Maintenance
8T16361 Flywheel Clutch (oil clutch)
Form # 31537

Sources:
Cat Legendary Literature Services (Quality Reprints)
www.cat.com/cda/layout?m=90800&x=7
or
Try ebay

Avoid the Gensales Material…..very poor quality.

Note: These are typically the latest publication editions and earlier editions will work as well.