350 dozer

I hope I am not violating site rules, but... I'm looking at JD 350 dozer. What are some things to look for? watch for; good signs, bad signs. I am hoping to go see it this Sunday. Asking price is $6500. Any info would be helpful. I want to get a runner, not a fixer. I want build some roads on 300 plus acres wooded, side hills. Maybe a small pond. Some drainage issue. Machine has a hydraulic 6 way blade no cab or roll bar.

You should find several posts on the Crawlers, Dozers, Loaders and Backhoes about things to look for on JD350 and 450 crawlers. On most crawlers the same basic things need to be looked at. The condition of the undercarriage (tracks, rollers, idlers, sprockets), how well the steering clutches and brakes work, how does the engine run and the transmission work, sheet metal condition, hydraulics, etc. Not all 350s had reversers so see what that one has. Reverser machines used an isolator plate on the flywheel, no engine clutch as is on the straight transmission machines. On the 350, look at the bolts joining the bell housing to the reverser and the reverser to the transmission. Look at the frame side rails in those same areas where bolts go through the frame side rails to mount the clutch housing or reverser case. Those bolts can break and holes get wallowed out. Check the frame side rail weld points for cracking.

Get the complete serial number (should be a tag on the right side of the panel below the seat on a straight 350. The other place used on later 350Bs and after was the front panel of the battery box. If the tag is missing there should be 2 holes, 1/8" in diameter, about 3" where the tag was.