JD 450C Track Loader

[Noah W]

Any one out there have any ideas on how to remove and replace the starter on a 450C with the loader arms in the lowered position? From what I can see(ain't much), unless I am missing something, there does not seem to be any way to access the starter with the arms lowered. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

Noah W
 

[k.s.tractor]

I hope you can get it started 1 last time. You might
get to it by removing the belly pan a nasty job and
even worse to put back on I parked mine with the
bucket in a dump truck until I got the starter
replaced and they don't last long [350C]
 

[Roy Suomi]

It isn't any fun...I could do it in my earlier days...But, not any more..The best way is to lock the brakes, CAREFULLY jack the bucket off the ground in stages and wood block it up as you go, all the while releasing the loader control valve so the whole machine isn't being jacked up..If you can get it up so the bucket will roll down with the cutting edge 90 degrees to the ground, you've got it made..I tell all my customers with loaders to stick the cutting edge of the bucket in the ground before they shut it off... It's saved many a skinned knuckles..
 

[Stick welding]

I have a similar size Cat track loader and I don't
even want to think about having to change the
starter. I did however lose oil pressure and
couldn't run the machine. I took the front bucket
off and got pulled out of the mud by a D7. In
order to get at the engine, which I ended up
having to pull, I had my neighbor hold back the
loader control valve and I lifted the boom with my
skid steer. Then I duct taped a piece of angle
iron on the cylinder so the boom couldn't come
down. I think if you had a neighbor with a loader
you could pull the control valve back and lift the
boom. If your machine has the roll bar you should
be able to do the same thing using a come-a-long
or a 2" ratchet strap to lift the boom and block
it. It's a bunch of work but will make things a
whole lot easier than trying to do it from
underneath.
 

[Noah W]

Thanks for all the replies.

KST... Thought about dropping the belly pan. The solenoid clicks but the starter won't engage. In the past with, with regular use, there has been only been the occasional problem that a good whack on the starter has been able to fix. It sat for a little longer than usual this go round. The hammer whack ain't done much good this time.

RS...I have thought about that approach. Just have to find a jack big enough to do it.

SW... It has a roll cage. Hadn't thought about using a come along or ratchet strap to lift it. Yeah, I dread having to drop the belly pan.

Still studying on it and open to suggestions.

Noah W
 

[randaleky]

have you tried to engage starter by using a screwdriver on the solenoid and bypass them both ? turn key switch on and cross between the positive side (big) lug on solenoid and one of the smaller lugs.
 

[Noah W]

Thanks for all the replies. Finally got the dang thing started. Got the starter to spin by direct power from the solenoid. The Bendix still wouldn't engage with the starter button...just clicked. Then it hit me like an eight pound sledge. See if the Bendix will engage if I go direct to starter with power and at the same time hit the starter button. It did. Burnt up an old screw driver, but it finally started. It is now safely ensconced in the shed with the bucket securely held up by two six inch by eight foot fence posts. Thinking only the solenoid needs replacing since the starter spins like a brand new one(less than 50 starts). Looked all over the net to see if they(solenoids) are available with no luck. Does anyone out there know if you can get the solenoid only?

Thanks,

Noah W
 

[Brian Allen]

Noah
That solenoid should be available at any shop carrying heavy equipment parts.
Brian