IH TD6 vs Caterpillar D2

[RusTtrader]

Im considering doing some trading for a
little crawler dozer and was curious who
has and uses them anymore. Either the
International TD6 or a Caterpillar D2
dozer. Are parts still available for both
and which one has the most power? I like
the look of both and I love to wrench on
old iron but dont want a money pit. Its
more of a play toy then anything. Love the
old stuff but parts seem tougher and
tougher to find for most stuff 70s and
older? Who has one or both an loves it and
parts are everywhere? Im not looking to buy
yours just wanna know your
thoughts...unless your in Missouri and
selling cheap!
 

[dpendzic]

I have a 1957 Cat d2 4u---you have to check out thoroughly any machine you buy to determine what repairs are needed. I have found that used Cat parts are pretty much available, and surprisingly Cat also has many new replacement parts, thee are also many after market suppliers of parts

 

[RusTtrader]

Thats a nice machine, do you work it or show it? Can you recommend any parts sources an where to get a repair manual?
 

[caterpillar guy]

Skip the D-2 and go to a D-4 they have a better track alignment set up than the 2's did. The 2's had that shaft/pin or what have, you to hold the roller frame straight. The 4's had the bearing like a rod bearing in under the back end to hold the roller frame straight. I have never seen us have to do anything to ours for the bearing since I was around it in the 50 plus years I have lived here. Grandpa bought it new so know the history on it. Serial #4G8 that will tell you how old it is. The front idler and drive sprocket are spoked.
 

[RusTtrader]

Thats awesome that you still have it after your grandpa buying it new. Amazing to read, I have found a D2 thats been sitting for years and a IH td6 thats been sitting even longer. Ive never seen a D4, let alone for sale in my area. Im seeking the challenge to get one running again more so to play around on my property. Not restoring for show. Mainly concerned about parts availability an a manual. Thanks for sharing...
 

[jm.]

Rus either is going to be a 60 year old crawler. I have owned both and now do have a d2 for show. When they were new I would give heads up to the Cat for working without breakdowns. For what work each would do about the same. You mentioned something you did not want a money pit. My thinking with either that is about all you would have but the enjoyment of working on one. Do not think you would get either in shape to accomplish much in the way of moving dirt. Just my experience and I am 74 and have been around crawlers a big part of my life.
 

[RusTtrader]

Thanks jm, I do enjoy wrenching on old stuff. I have a 60s backhoe, mf200 crawler loader and tractors that always need something so I get it. Do you think parts are easy to find or hard to get? Typically when hard to find the price is even higher. Easy to find, typically means its affordable but hurts if its a habit haha. Thanks for your help.
 

[jm.]

I do not know where you are located but there is a latter d4 , with like new undercarriage and hydraulic tilt blade. For sale about 30 minutes from me guy wants $2,000 and will take less. I am thinking it might be as new as 70s because it has dry type air filter. Was running when parked but has been sitting for 4 + years. Located middle Tennessee. Back on your d2/td6 deal the cat parts will be a lot easier to find. Most of the td6 parts have been used up even from the junk yards.
 

[RusTtrader]

Jm I wish you lived closer. Im in Missouri, unfortunately thats too far for me to travel for it. The one I found is almost $2000 firm an hasnt ran in 5 years so they say. But it looks decent and complete. As for my topic, no one has mentioned anything about td6's good or bad so Im leaning on the Cat at this point. Thanks for your knowledge and anyone else that knows these machines.
 

[DWF]

[RusTtrader]

Thanks DWF, I haven't seen many of either which is what lead me to this topic. I like the size of both machines and have the opportunity to buy either or both from different guys. With that said my budget only says I can have one, an Im actually considering doing some trading without touching cash. But either way I dont want either if I cant find parts fairly easy. The IH td6 parts just seem harder to find and lots more money at this point. Thanks for your input my friend.
 

[GregtheDC]

Good Morning, I saw the ad, I live outside of Sedalia, not sure what part of Mo you live in. I have a T6 gas, that I have restored/rebuilt, not for sale, no blade or pto. I have had good luck with parts from Zimmermans outside of Versailes, I am sure you are familiar with them. I just wanted to touch base, parts are expensive!!! and some are in short supply. Good luck and if you want to visit drop a line
Greg
 

[RusTtrader]

Thanks Greg, sounds like you really like the IH T6, no blade and restored...bet its a nice one. How much horsepower is that gas motor? I live in High Ridge and I have seen Zimmermans sale ad before, good to know they have parts and are in state thanks bud!
 

[dpendzic]

I work it, not much but as a fun play toy---I buy just about all my manuals on ebay (i have five Cats) always buy a parts manual that covers your specific serial #, not one that says "and up" as Cat made improvements during production runs
I find a lot of parts just by googling the part number. The ACMOC website forum has a listing of new and old parts suppliers
 

[dpendzic]

this is my 1955 D4 7U The D2 and D4's all were produced in narrow and wide gages