Hi, I'm new to this site, but wondering if someone could help me with a query. I have a IT4 Traxcavator S/n S2919 based on a D47U S/n 12504 believed to be around 1951 vintage. The Traxcavator was built by Steelwed Victoria Australia under licence from Trackson ( I'm guessing why the prefix "S" in the S/n.) . What is the difference between IT4's and T4's, is it only related to the tractor changes in fuel tanks and controls. I know all old Cat's are worth saving, but does this unit have any rarity to it?. Thank you, Rob. Napperby, Australia.

Hi Rob,
welcome to the BB.
The IT4 is a new upgraded model of the T4.
T4 are Cable operated units as is the IT4, where the bucket was hoisted up and down a lift truck style fixed mast on the front of the machine.

I believe that a couple of differences could be that the track roller frames have an extra roller (5) on this unit, and an upgraded protection cover for the front winch and maybe a larger bucket--I stand to be corrected--
I have seen a Steelweld that I believe was a IT4 at Lake Goldsmith Steam Rally grounds when they had their Caterpillar featured machinery Rally. This unit had the bulbous winch guard as something I recall.

I do not have any Serial Number Data for the shovel units as made by Steelweld here in Melbourne.--it is a beast that is rare enough to need saving due to its local manufacture, also I would guess that not many were made with the Steelweld logo before Cat took over Trackson to build them with Cat upgrades.

The "S" prefix at the front of the S/No is indeed to signify that it is a Steelweld unit--they built Cat Graders among other items and all have the "S" prefix to the usual caterpillar S/No for the particular machine---Steelweld No12 Motor Graders were prefixed with S8T where as the USA equivalent was 8T.
They built some 656 S8T units before Cat Of Australia took the grader production from them when they opened their new Plant in Tullamarine in 1959.

IT4 Traxcavator Scans from a Trackson Sales Book, also a T6 and T7--from the bare winch etc on these two units you can see at least that change to make a smarter looking unit.

Cheers,
Eddie B.

Hello Eddie is this the one

"edb" wrote:

Hi Rob,
welcome to the BB.
The IT4 is a new upgraded model of the T4.
T4 are Cable operated units as is the IT4, where the bucket was hoisted up and down a lift truck style fixed mast on the front of the machine.

I believe that a couple of differences could be that the track roller frames have an extra roller (5) on this unit, and an upgraded protection cover for the front winch and maybe a larger bucket--I stand to be corrected--
I have seen a Steelweld that I believe was a IT4 at Lake Goldsmith Steam Rally grounds when they had their Caterpillar featured machinery Rally. This unit had the bulbous winch guard as something I recall.

I do not have any Serial Number Data for the shovel units as made by Steelweld here in Melbourne.--it is a beast that is rare enough to need saving due to its local manufacture, also I would guess that not many were made with the Steelweld logo before Cat took over Trackson to build them with Cat upgrades.

The "S" prefix at the front of the S/No is indeed to signify that it is a Steelweld unit--they built Cat Graders among other items and all have the "S" prefix to the usual caterpillar S/No for the particular machine---Steelweld No12 Motor Graders were prefixed with S8T where as the USA equivalent was 8T.
They built some 656 S8T units before Cat Of Australia took the grader production from them when they opened their new Plant in Tullamarine in 1959.

IT4 Traxcavator Scans from a Trackson Sales Book, also a T6 and T7--from the bare winch etc on these two units you can see at least that change to make a smarter looking unit.

Cheers,
Eddie B.

Hi Eddie, Thankyou for your reply & welcome, I think you have described the Steelweld machine correctly with bulbous guarding etc. I had been searching for information online for the differences between IT's & T's but drew a blank, so had to join up to find likeminded people with knowledge of these. I need to source some parts for the winch clutch & was unsure if the IT & T were the same parts. My Dad purchased this machine about 20yrs ago to save it from being stripped back to a bare machine as most were but did nothing with it . It is still all complete and functional but needs restoration so needed to identify the machine and some history on these. Thank you, Kindly, Regards. Rob.

"bruce wrote:

Hello Eddie is this the one

Hi Bruce, I haven't got the hang of navigating on this site yet!, but I hope you receive this reply. yes, the basic machine looks the same as your photo.Regards, Rob.

Eddie, that photo of the front of the machine shows a different looking grill guard than is on my D4- 7J 7035SP Traxcavator. I have also never seen a photo of the blade before. My machine has both bucket and blade and a 5 roller bottom. I think that most or probably all Traxcavators had the 5 roller bottom. Mine came with a Hyster Towing winch and I suspect that most came with a winch to offset the extra weight on the front of the machine. I just looked at the Bob LaVoi photo archive for D2s and it shows one with a winch and one without so maybe I am wrong on that idea. I keep saying "My Traxcavator" but I just donated it to a restorer who is coming to pick it up next weekend.
I also sent a photo copy of the original manual (Parts list and operating instructions) to Deas Plant, so it will be available to the whole club.____"side note", my brother has a D2 5J trackson which is hydraulic(heavily modified) and it has a 5 roller bottom. Grant.