HD-4 steering clutch issue

Hi all,

I was using my Allis Chalmers HD-4 crawler the other day when the right steering clutch lever suddenly went limp, like it wasn"t connected to anything anymore. It had been working fine before so I thought that a clevis pin or something had fallen out of the clutch linkage. But I can see nothing externally wrong so I guess that whatever happened must be inside the clutch/brake casing. Which of course is a real pita to inspect since the hydraulic reservoir sits on top of it as well as all of the hydraulic controls.

So what do you think might have "let go"? Two years ago I replaced the clutch and brake on the left side and that was no fun at all.

Randy

I have had that happen with a Cat when the throwout bearing failed. Same sort of pita to fix.

Dont know much about this machine but am looking into one near by. What are your honest facts about the machine, use, maint and repair, parts etc.. I understand you get something a bit on years of use, you will have to put a bit more work into it. It will be used just for me around the property and not comercially. Pros and Cons. (The rancher who wants to sell it is getting up on years and is also putting in a right steering clutch, having problems putting it in too thick he says).I appreciate all your help. thanks in advance.

Well, I am not a commercial user so consider that in my reply.

In my estimation the HD-4 is a very tough machine. Mine happens to be a 4 cylinder diesel unit and it has a lot of power to push and lift. Great hydraulics even though it is a relatively low pressure system, 1,800 PSI I think. It has a loader with a large bucket but I have used it for digging and grading as well. I like the shuttle shift as there is no clutch and you can go forward and back by just shifting a lever. Functionally it is well built. That is the up side.

The down side for me has been the difficulty in working on it. The factory built these from the chassis-up with no apparent regard for maintenance. Meaning that access to lower components is terrible. I had the main hydraulic pressure hose blow and it was a two day job to replace it since it was so buried under other hoses, linkages, and floorboards. Same for brakes and steering clutches as the fuel tank and hydraulic tank cover access to the inspection plates. Same for the radiator. If it has a loader the radiator is extremely difficult to get to and requires lots of time to swap out. Bottom rollers require a huge effort to replace as both rock guards have to be removed to replace any one of them.

Because of age and the difficulty in working on these machines, I would consider mine to be scrap if anything major ever failed.

So, if you have an eye on a well maintained one for a good price, it probably would be a real workhorse for you. I would much prefer the diesel model. Avoid working on one if you possibly can.

Randy

Thanks for all your input it is helpful knowing that if it is an operational unit that it may be worth the price a person is asking for it. thanks again