Proud to be a new member of ACMOC! I run a small farm in western NC and was in need of a dozer, so I found an old D6B for cheap and bought it. Serial 44A10736. I'm in the process of getting all the manuals and stuff for it, but I've got a few things to put out to the group for discussion, if you'll humor me. If I need to look elsewhere, please correct me as I'm new to the site and don't know everything about it yet.
- Cannot steer machine by using steering clutch levers, but it'll turn on a dime using the brake+lever on either side. I'm guessing the old steering clutches need to come out and get their discs replaced, which I'm prepared to do. What I don't know is if there is an adjustment I should be checking first, reckon I'll know once I read the owners / service manual.
- Blade hydraulic cylinders pour fluid when the blade is more than an inch or so off the ground. My guess is cylinders need rebuilt. If there is a resource for this in Western NC, I'd be overjoyed to hear about it. Otherwise it's to the general hydraulic repair shop.
Other than that, it works pretty good. Now for a curiosity: I don't know exactly what year this dozer is, but when did Cat stop using pony motors? I would have expected it to have one, but it doesn't. It's 24V direct start, which was an option according to the parts manual. This has to be one of the first models ever to offer direct electric start, yes? The 9Us would have been just before this and I've never seen one of those without the pony... I guess I can expect some pretty miserable starts in the winter...

44A10736 built 1965
www.tractorparts.com/PDFs/CAT_D6B_TRACTOR_37A-44A_SERVICE.pdf

Steering clutches are working as they should. Pulling the lever just releases the clutch, takes a load on the tractor or touch of brake to actually change direction

If you tractor has any part of a glow plug arrangement the direct start could well have been since new. The D6 had the direct start option from the mid 50's anyway when the oil clutch was introduced the whole for starter was machined into clutch housing.

You may be able to get hydraulic packing from Cat for that yet. Cat has been good have parts for things back to the 50's, but getting less all the time. Looks similar to what is used on the 9u series which has chevron packing rings which tend to be more costly than other types.