I've been lamenting a bit lately over the loss of what was the perfect parts D4 7u parts machine to help revitalize my own 7U. Anyways, that's in another thread and I'm trying to move on.

I had remembered about 5 years ago, kinda before I started getting into old Cats (yes I am "only 37" and vintage Cats are relatively new to me) I stumbled on a handful of old Cat dozers on back road. Well I thought I would retrace my steps and took the 4.5hr drive and all that was there was a tired D4 7U, a D6 9U and a 12 grader missing an engine. The D4 has the exhaust pipes open and the diesel is stuck. Somehow the pony still turns. It looks like it has been run hard in the bush. The c frame trunions are about half their original dimension. The chains look not too bad and same with the sprockets, but then again mine are ok. Best thing is the pads look good. Lots of original grouser. Lots of welds all over the track frames. Looks like they've "put humpty back together again" a few times over. I feel silly I didnt look closer at what this was but I am curious if someone else would know what this winch thing is on top of the Hyster D4N?

Hope everyone is doing ok out there

That's a Hyster Auxiliary Drum Unit mounted on top of the D4N winch. Used to operate cable operated implements without tying up the main winch. For drill rigs, pile drivers etc.

That tractor doesnt look that bad to me.

lots of desirable parts. and accessories. the track chains are SALT . buy it now you won't be sorry. are the grousers on backwards??

Thanks for the info everyone. So this is what one would use for a pull scraper control? I'm curious what it was used for on this tractor. Usually these machines were owned by independent loggers for skidding and maybe a little roadwork. So those are SALT? I have older non SALT Cat track chains in ok shape on my 7U so perhaps these would be a good upgrade. The pads look good although yes they do appear to be on backwards.

The early D4's used them for a blade cable control. I think those are after market sealed rails, I don't see a rubber oil plug in the end of the pin.

Thank you Rome. I had a look at my chains. They say "sealed" on them. Does that mean SALT? They appear to be Cat rails and one side measures 3 3/8" and other is 3 1/2" And yes many of my pads are loose. I will need to remove them, clean them up and re attach with new hardware. Just wondering if the parts machine track chains etc would be a significant upgrade.

Your welcome, no, "sealed" means sealed with steel washers between each side of the link. SALT are seal and lubricated with special washers and seals and oil between the pin and bushing. There should be lock washers on those shoe bolts, even lists them in the parts book, probably why they loosened up.

Took me awhile to find it but I knew I had a picture...
Operating "Headache bar dozer"

Lock washers were abandoned. To often the lock washers would break.