Case 310 in Maine

[beanim6]

https://maine.craigslist.org/grd/d/freedom-caase-310-bulldozer-crawler/6813314501.html

I'm looking into the dozer in the above link to clean up my land and push snow back in the winter (only about 12 acres - wooded).

I know it's gas and obviously quite old, however I imagine the power will be enough for what I need it for and it sounds as though from the Ad that he has invested some money into the engine.

He did mention that he needs to tighten the track somewhat often and that it has come off in the past when not paying attention to it (Said it tightens with a couple wrenches). I tinker on my own trucks/wheelers, however am COMPLETELY clueless when it comes to these rigs. What should I look for when looking at it? Is the track issue common with these? Its the only thing in my price range for sale at the moment up here. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Don L.]

Sounds like a bit much.
Don L.

 

[mEl]

Usually the chain coming off indicates pin and bushing wear on the chain links, Usually when inspecting the undercarriage with worn pins and bushings the rear sprockets wear as well as the wear in the pins and bushing actually causes the wear pattern on the sprockets to change to the stretched chain pitch, usually people will do a complete rebuild on the undercarriage including rear sprockets, front Idlers and all bottom rollers. If the chains are not worn thin where they ride on the carrier rollers (bottom) there are places which will repin and bush your old chain. Maintaining a crawler undercarriage is a costly proposition. If you decide to buy expect a few extra thousand dollars to do it correctly.

 

[pinball]

proper adjustment is needed for the tracks. most people don't realize there is suppose to be an 1 1/2 sag to keep from wearing out the sprockets. bad sprocket, bad pin wear, bad bearings, bad adjustment all contribute to that. first thing to do is look at the sprockets. great sprockets will have approx 1/2 in thickness on the end of a cog. pointed cogs means there all wore out. pins will feel like there all rounded is great. real flat one side on pins means there all wore out. if you get lucky and its a nice machine it will last along time doing small jobs and proper maintenance. if your not so lucky you might have a serious problems getting parts. not for the motor, just everything else. good luck.

 

[beanim6]

I really appreciate the help. Great info. While it sounds as though it could be a money pit i'll still check it out this weekend.

 

[pinball]

I would to you never know. as far as the tracks coming off if you are on even ground and your tracks try to come off then its probably a bad bearing in your front idler. if it comes off on uneven ground then it could be the same or needs some adjustments. just don't adjust them tight. for small jobs it will do that for sure.