Going to look at a TD9. Need your thoughts.

Im going to go look at a 1946 TD9 this week end. I have
been around tracked equipment, but this would be the
first one I may own. I would be using it to clear my woods,
they are hilly. And maybe move some dirt around the
place. I would consider my use of it as fairly light duty. I
know the basics of looking at the undercarriage, sprocket
teeth, chain wear, roller wear, and track adjustment. I am
told this is a running machine. Here are my concern:



1) Im worried about cracking the head. I know it starts
on gas and you switch over to Diesel once its warm, but
what is the correct shut down procedure?



2) As I said above, I would be using it in hilly ground.
What kind of cooling system does it have? Do I need to
worry about over heating if Im working on hillsides?



3) Im figuring it may need steering clutches. After taking
a look at how they work I think Im equipped to do the job
if needed. At discs available?



I read so many different thing online I dont know whats
right. So I figured I come here and ask guys that actually
know what there talking about.



I know some of you will be questioning why I would roll
the dice on a very old machine. My answer is Im hoping
to pick it up at a low cost, keep it alive to get what I need
done then decide if I sell it or keep it around.



Any other thoughts or advice you have is certainly
welcome. I know youve probably answer these question
10 time before so thank you for looking. You comments
are appreciated!

cvphoto134772.png


This is the only picture I have of it.
 
I had 2 different TD9 gas start and a TD14A gas start. This was quite a while ago, but they were far from new. As far as shutting them off, let it idle on diesel for several minutes to cool down. I always switched over to gas for a few seconds and never had trouble, some say just to shut it off on dieselDWF
 
I think you need to think over what you like and don't like. One can never become too wise even with experience. I have owned at least 13 bulldozers over the last 4 decades. If you've always had a romance for an old bulldozer and you're not afraid of repairs or what parts may cost, this TD9 may just be right for you. It's really good that you know your way around the undercarriage aspect. Owning and operating bulldozers is risky business, financially for sure. To reduce those risks you have to do your homework before buying. If any dependable service/repair records are available, that helps. Never depend on hearsay records... words are cheap - repairs are expensive. An older machine is more likely to break down than a newer one, still no guarantees with a newer one either. An older machine is harder to resell than a newer one. Parts are harder to find for older machines. If your purchase price is low enough that you can recover a good percentage in scrap value and from parts, should a break down be too serious to fix, it may be a risk worth considering. It can take a while to come across a good deal but they show up on a regular basis where circumstances are in your favour, with condition and price. I generally improved every used machine I owned and operated, and I believe I was able to sell all but one for more money than I had put in. So, buying, using and selling a bulldozer can be a profitable venture when things go in your favour. Always part with a bulldozer when you have something good to sell. Good maintenance is key and stay away from abuse.
 
Old timers always said not to shut them down hot. Let them idle and cool down before shutting off. I had a friend that would take an extendable magnet with him to look at a dozer. Would pull the plugs in the finals, transmission ect, insert the magnet and check for large pieces of metal. I have owned some old dozers and put plenty of work into some. The only one I have left the only thing I haven't fixed is the reverser.
 
Im pressed for time tonight but I wanted to reply to you guys. Thank you for the comments. I rolled this around in my head about as many ways you can. I pretty much set a price in my head that it would worth to me if its in serviceable condition. Either way it goes Ill try to get some pictures to share here. Thanks again for your thoughts, I appreciate it.
 

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