Off-topic: Wanted, crawler tractor

[TruthHammer]

How far are you willing to go to get it?

https://lexington.craigslist.org/grd...190030069.html

[Jerry]

TruthHammer:
Saw this one on a global Craigslist search. While I would consider an east coast trip, at asking price of $2K plus cost of retrieval (around another $1K) puts this over my budget. A west coast run is less expensive for me as I come out of western Colorado. Mid-west or west coast seems to be my best bet.

Scott:
Not worried about bush behind seat. I am thinking I could sell the spare parts to cover retrieval expense and possible cost of getting the rig to run. Not looking for a blade or backhoe, just a puller which this one seems to be. Besides, where is your sense of adventure? I've seen some basket case XSs and XJs turn out pretty well...

From a technical note, the Yreka unit has the optional aux transmission which adds to the value. The aux tranny was offered by Oliver as an option and is a modified Ford Model A 3-speed transmission. This reduces ground speed but increases pulling power as it gives you 9 forward speeds instead of the stock 3-speed. Some collectors say this option alone is worth upwards of $1K depending on condition. Downside is that people would overload the frame and crack it near the bellhousing so I have asked the seller to check the condition of the frame.

Learning as I go...

[TruthHammer]

TruthHammer:
Saw this one on a global Craigslist search. While I would consider an east coast trip, at asking price of $2K plus cost of retrieval (around another $1K) puts this over my budget. A west coast run is less expensive for me as I come out of western Colorado. Mid-west or west coast seems to be my best bet.

Fair enough, though I doubt many in Kentucky consider themselves "east coast". Come to think of it... I don't know what region Kentucky is... Midwest? South?

Sorry to go off topic in your off topic thread...

[Jerry]

Its my Colorado mind set. Anything east of Ohio is "East Coast" to me...

[3Phase]

My sense of adventure? I was chortling at the similarity of the two projects, I think the crawler looks better than my '79 when we cut it out the bush.

1979 XS1100SF: "Bush" W.I.P.

[fredintoon]

As some of you know I am working on cleaning up dead wood from my 7 acre lot which is located in central Colorado. Last spring I bought a 25hp chipper to aid in this effort but I need a way to move it around my not very level lot. My ATV is to light to pull it up the slopes even in 4-wheel drive; just bounces with all 4 tires spinning. (Chipper weighs 1,700 pounds, ATV is rated to pull 1,300 pounds.)
So...I am looking for a small (compact) crawler tractor.
What I have in mind is an Oliver OC3. From an Oliver web site: "The Oliver OC-3 with slight modifications, was actually the Cleveland Tractor Company's Model HG, a compact crawler introduced in 1939. The Model GG was marketed in Canada by Massey-Harris and in the United States by Montgomery Ward and the Farmers Union CO-OP. In 1942, the Model GG was sold to B.F. Avery & Sons, and the Avery Company sold the tractor as the Model A. After Minneapolis-Moline acquired B.F. Avery and Sons in 1951, the tractor was sold as the MM Model BF." The OC3 was built into the mid-50's as far as I can tell.
If any of you happen to come across an old crawler or see a crawler listing please let me know. I can't afford a full restored unit, has to be something that I can work on and repair as needed. Probably a winter project.
A fully restored OC3 (with optional "street" shoes) looks like this:

One reason I'm looking at an OC3 is that the engines were designed to provide lubrication on side hill slopes of up to 35 degrees and straight-on grades of up to 45 degrees. Just what I need for working on my lot. I would also consider a Caterpillar 22 or 25 or any other small crawler.
Thanks.

Hi Jerry,
my inner cheapskate would tie a 2 or 3 to 1 block and tackle to a sturdy tree at the high point of your lot and drag the chipper uphill by driving your quad downhill. It'll take a while but the cost is minimal.

[DiverRay]

Fred, it's the wrong answer! Jerry NEEDS another toy, and he has a good reason for getting it! We just need to help him.
All I have is an old Gibson wheel tractor. Belonged to my Dad and I used to drive it as a kid. I just need to retire so I have time for all my projects....

[natemoen]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Cab-assem...-/282408535641. Add is for the cab but the guy also says the dozer is for sale. Wrong side of the country, but never hurts to ask, price could be right.

[Jerry]

my inner cheapskate would tie a 2 or 3 to 1 block and tackle to a sturdy tree at the high point of your lot and drag the chipper uphill by driving your quad downhill. It'll take a while but the cost is minimal.

Had thought of this but will have several brush piles spread over the 7 acres and would really not have to repeat the process multiple times. Besides, toys are fun...

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Cab-assem...-/282408535641. Add is for the cab but the guy also says the dozer is for sale. Wrong side of the country, but never hurts to ask, price could be right.

I had seen this on eBay but the asking price of the crawler is high. This guy sells to collectors - have seen his Facebook page - and his prices reflect that market.

I've decided to buy the crawler that is in Yreka, CA mostly on the strength of the auxiliary transmission and extra parts. SWMBO is not real happy about this, would prefer something already running but I am hoping I get lucky and it won't take a lot to get it running again.

Now I need to rent a trailer, get some time off, and drive out and get it. Story will be continued...

[fredintoon]

Had thought of this but will have several brush piles spread over the 7 acres and would really not have to repeat the process multiple times. Besides, toys are fun...
Now I need to rent a trailer, get some time off, and drive out and get it. Story will be continued...

Hi Jerry,
what you asked was how to move the chipper to the brush pile and I told you not the easiest but the cheapest way to do that.
Had you asked for a reason to swan off and buy a used crawler to fix, there'd be a different answer.
Like:- You don't need a reason, just go for it!

[Jerry]

Update

The deal in Yreka fell though, on closer inspection the seller said he discovered cracks in the block and returned my payment.

I have acquired a 1953 Oliver OC3 through an on-line auction, one I did not expect to win but did.

I came with a bucket loader and dozer blade. Engine is not frozen but is missing the magneto which I did not know when I placed my bid. Trying to find a mag now, need a WICO XH1113 if anyone has one laying around...



Price came in at $586 but that is only the start. If anyone is interested in following this topic further check in on my blog page, http://www.appleattic.net/blog for updates. I'll also be creating an OC3 page on my site that will feature photos and updates. Looks for it, eventually, under my "Toys" link.

For the record, the bucket and blade are both parts of a Ware 3WI loader system that was marketed for these crawlers. Don't think I will use the bucket but do have a use for the blade, working on my lot's driveway and pushing out stumps. May be ready for that by next year!

[3Phase]

Wow, it was nice of the first seller to return your money after discovering the cracked block.

Good luck finding a magneto, I looked out in the garage and the shed but didn't see one. Now that you have a real front end bucket, you'll use it and wonder how you got by without it.

[CaptonZap]

Try these guys.

http://www.mainelymagnetos.com/magnetosredone.html

CZ

[Jerry]

Try these guys.

http://www.mainelymagnetos.com/magnetosredone.html

I already called these guys after going through a lot of search results. Very friendly folks and they gave me some advice. I bought an American Bosch magneto on eBay ($65.00 including shipping) and will probably end up sending it to them to refurbish if I can't figure it out myself. In any event they are also a good parts source.

American Bosch also made quite a few motorcycle magnetos, by the way.

[natemoen]

https://www.steinertractor.com/FXH2403-coil

Says it fits the xh1113