Bump start D4

JimS

Member
My friend is going to leave a D4 narrow gauge he is being given at my place. There is something wrong with the pony, so the current owner parks on a hill and bump starts.

How do you get the blade up to do this? Whats the best gear to bump this tractor in? Do the use starting fluid? Anything else you can think of to do this is appreciated.
 
I use 3rd gear on mine--jack the blade up and chain it I haven't ever used starting fluid but that will depend on temperature and the engine condition
 
My first action would be to fix/rebuild the pony. Bump starting is ok so long as that hill appears magically when it stalls in the middle of a good push in a wet spot. Jim
 
I've never used push or pull start methods on a D-4. We always used the little engine to start the diesel. Let the oil pressure get up the flip the compression lever over. And should start. I would just park it with a chain under the blade to lift it as I pulled it. That's what we did with loader tractors if we had to drag them. I am surprised a D-4 would be able to be pushed or pulled to start with the low gearing in the transmission and final drives. High gear is like 5MPH wide open about.
 
Neighbor used to do that with his old Cat dozer, pull started it for years with his JD 4020. He ALWAYS parked it with the blade blocked up with a wood block so the chain could be placed under the blade for the next pull start.
 
I do not think bumping the dozer or any other thing is good for starting. I suggest a slow push or pull is easier on equipment . Bumping things tends to break machinery. I guess bump at your own risk.
 
Block of wood on the cylinders to hold it up, some models you chain the cylinders closed with a chain. Our old 55 jd combine was always parked in the fall with the header setting on a big block
 
Have blade or bucket chained or blocked up. No bumping involved. Put in 5th gear let off brake and gently pull in clutch. A long steep slope is best otherwise have a short sniff of starting fluid handy. I have HT4 parked on slope now.
 
We always put the chain under the blade of the AC HD6 when parked in the woods, it was electric start theortically. With a good set of batteries, it would start right up. It was common growing up to see tractors parked on the barn ramps. For some reason it was usually a JD 70 diesel.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top