Hello all, It was raining today and I was on the computer looking through classified ads and stumbled across a 1994 Cat 426B with 4005hrs for $10K about 9 miles from the house....so I bought it! It's a EROPS with heat and AC, 2wd, GP bucket, plumbed with extra hydraulics front & rear. I can see the outline of an old Fabick sticker on it, It's number 279 from the 1994 production run, USA built (6KL). The owner roaded it here and in the time it took I figure he had to have a 20mph speed average!
The hour meter appears to be the original and it's working. I do believe I got a good deal finally! What a Beast the 426 is! I have had a 416B and lastly a JD 310D, this pig will outwork either one I believe. I feel like I saved this old Cat from an owner who was abusing it. All fluids were low, kids were operating it, grease zerk's dry, ect, ect. I will start by base lining it with fluid flush and all new filters & fluids. Brakes are great, it starts easy, turbo spins up good and hydraulics are very strong. There seems to be almost zero slop in the driveline from forward to reverse so I'm thinking I may have a good 'ol hoe for the farm again. Don't get me wrong, she has been rode hard and put up wet for a year but....it's a Cat!
QUESTIONS; It has 2 hydraulic lines capped at the front bucket, there is a hole in the loader control rubber for a second stick. Is this going to be easy to add a 4 in 1 or Multi purpose bucket too? I HOPE SO!
Would it be worth converting to 4 wheel drive? I'm guessing a transmission change (with transfer case front drive) front axle and the electrical harness?
ANY information, experiences and things to look for information would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!
Thanks in advance!
The hour meter appears to be the original and it's working. I do believe I got a good deal finally! What a Beast the 426 is! I have had a 416B and lastly a JD 310D, this pig will outwork either one I believe. I feel like I saved this old Cat from an owner who was abusing it. All fluids were low, kids were operating it, grease zerk's dry, ect, ect. I will start by base lining it with fluid flush and all new filters & fluids. Brakes are great, it starts easy, turbo spins up good and hydraulics are very strong. There seems to be almost zero slop in the driveline from forward to reverse so I'm thinking I may have a good 'ol hoe for the farm again. Don't get me wrong, she has been rode hard and put up wet for a year but....it's a Cat!
QUESTIONS; It has 2 hydraulic lines capped at the front bucket, there is a hole in the loader control rubber for a second stick. Is this going to be easy to add a 4 in 1 or Multi purpose bucket too? I HOPE SO!
Would it be worth converting to 4 wheel drive? I'm guessing a transmission change (with transfer case front drive) front axle and the electrical harness?
ANY information, experiences and things to look for information would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!
Thanks in advance!
