I am following a lead on an R5 that I heard of 20 years ago. I think it may come up on an estate sale soon, so I am trying to figure out if parts can be found for them and how collectable they are. I need another project like I need another hole in the head, but sometimes I cant resist. Tell me a little about the R5? I know it is near 14000 lbs, so it is not easy to move. Thanks, Grant.

Hi Team,
Some data on these machines courtesy of Mr. Google.
Nebraska Test #224.


digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.c...ext=tractormuseumlit


Cheers,
Eddie B.

The same chassis as the RD6 ,so a lot bits and pieces from the 35,and 40 should interchange as well. I would guess with the very big thirst (easily 5 gph) even in the days of cheap gas they where not highly revered. Some where converted to the diesel that was straight bolt in and go from my understanding. So my guess is less of them left than most models of the times. No idea how many where built,so no idea how rear they really are.

there were 1549 made, 500 5E, 1000 4H and 49 3R serial numbers. So a relatively low production machine.

Thanks guys. I will find out in a couple of days if it is still on the ranch or it may have been scrapped years ago. I had little luck on Google but the "Caterpillar Gas Tractor restoration and interchange manual" had good information. It is one of Bob LaVoie books. I will keep you posted on how things go. Grant.

"GrantJ" wrote:

Thanks guys. I will find out in a couple of days if it is still on the ranch or it may have been scrapped years ago. I had little luck on Google but the "Caterpillar Gas Tractor restoration and interchange manual" had good information. It is one of Bob LaVoie books. I will keep you posted on how things go. Grant.

Another club bookstore selection also by LaVoie is the "Caterpillar Pocket Guide" ("The Track Type Tractors 1925-1957"). It has both a brief description of models produced during that time span and a spec sheet for them. Also the "Serial Number Reference Manual (for) Track-Type Machines 1925-1960)" has machine series S/Ns listed by year.

These books are GREAT to answer the frequent S/N questions seen lately.

Daron

I need to order another POCKET GUIDE. I lost mine years ago and had actually forgotten about that valuable little book. Thanks for jogging the memory. Grant.