450c john deere

[dahlin]

What are your thoughts on a john deere 450c under carriage is 90% motor is strong its a 1978 model 6 way blade 18" tracks tin is good about 3,000 hours. sure could use some opinions on this crawler. thanks Randy

 

[Jim.ME]

450Cs are good machines and have wet steering clutches and brakes which is a plus. By your limited description, it sounds very good, a few pictures might help. But a few questions.

Has the year been confirmed by the serial number?

Buying or selling? Is there a current price on it? How does price compare to similar machines in the area? Where is the general location?

Dozer or loader? If loader what type track pads and regular or 4way bucket? Winch or other attachments?

90% undercarriage life left or 90% worn? Was it measured completely by someone who knows how to measure them or is that someone's opinion?

3000 hours in 42 years, possible, but it sounds low. Is it one owner that is sure the hour meter has not been changed?

 

[Roy Suomi]

Jim had some great facts to look for.. Hours sound a bit on the low side for it's age. Does it shift high to reverse and vice versa without throwing you out of the seat backwards or throwing you over the hood on forward to reverse shift.. These shifts should be done without using the clutch pedal.. Also, With the gear shifter [ 4 speed] in the dealer modified neutral , brakes locked, run the engine at about half speed, shift the ranges high, low reverse and listen to the engine.. The rpm's should stay somewhat the same in all ranges. If there is a drastic change in rpm's , chances are there are 2 clutches trying to engage at the same time. You will notice a change in RPM's from one direction to another , but it should go back up to preset speed after direction change. Look it over for missing /broken bolts in the frames, clutch housing and broken engine frame rails back by the steering clutch housings.. I haven't seen a lot of people have much luck welding the frame rails, ever taking them out.. Seems the metal gets fatigued and breaks again.. After market engine frame rails are available and much more reasonable than Deere's [if available]..

 

[dahlin]

Thanks Roy that is what i was looking for I plan on going to run the crawler next week . this was a DNR cat that is why the hours are so low the year is correct with the serial # the tracks look all most new the sprockets show a little wear I looked at where the frame rails connect to the steering housing didn't see any cracks I have had 2 john deer 420s and 1 430 but not much to do with a 450 thanks for the advice. Randy