JD450B Steer Clutch Adjustment

[Nick350]

Hey ya'll, I am in the market for a smallish dozer and am considering going to look at a JD450B nearish me (I live in Central TN). He finished the work he needed to and now its been sitting for about a year

The owner says the steering clutches and breaks were replaced before he got it about a year and a half ago-2 years ago. He also said the steering clutches will need to be adjusted for it to steer currently but it brakes good.

I am not new to equipment but am to dozers, is the an easy job? (something I could do there before paying?) Right now he is asking $10k (pics below), below my budget so happy to get a discounted piece if possible / it is a good buy. Let me know ya'lls opinions.


I'm gonna be using one to build a dirt bike track, hoping to get a JD450b/c. Its just the right size given what I'm working with

 

[Diesel Dave]

If you need the procedure it’s in the operators manual.
https://www.johndeeretechinfo.com/search?p0=model&p0_v=450B&p1=search&p1_v=OMT40817_BN&pattr=p0,p1 .
I’m thinking there are more issues involved, if it is only an adjustment required the owner would have attempted it already.

 

[Dave Neubert]

under carriage looks weak

 

[Nick350]

under carriage looks weak

I thought so too, thanks

 

[Welder Dave]

A Cat D3B or D3C would be another good machine to consider and maybe a Case 550G. They were fairly common. A skid steer is a great machine to have for building an MX track. A CTL too but more maintenance and not as good for packing jumps or rollers. The nice thing with a skid steer or CTL is you can see exactly what the bucket edge is doing.

 

[Nick350]

If you need the procedure it’s in the operators manual.
https://www.johndeeretechinfo.com/search?p0=model&p0_v=450B&p1=search&p1_v=OMT40817_BN&pattr=p0,p1 .
I’m thinking there are more issues involved, if it is only an adjustment required the owner would have attempted it already.

Thanks for the manual, I'll be staying away from this machine

A Cat D3B or D3C would be another good machine to consider and maybe a Case 550G. They were fairly common. A skid steer is a great machine to have for building an MX track. A CTL too but more maintenance and not as good for packing jumps or rollers. The nice thing with a skid steer or CTL is you can see exactly what the bucket edge is doing.

Thanks for the advice, I would love a tracked skiddy for the track, would make grooming way easier.

We have a ton of elevation on our track and the dozer will help with cutting some cross slope lanes in.

Been building with a tractor and a big backhoe, takes forever but get the job done

 

[Welder Dave]

Sounds like a good place to build a track.

 

[Nick350]

@Welder Dave Yeah its pretty rad not gonna lie, lots of work but I got my whole life for that.

I have a youtube that I make track building / heavy equipment repair content if you want to see it.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFk3FLNxVPAmUtQIEg5mrOyCt9BxuOBZd

 

[Tyler d4c]

10000 for a 450b is about 9400 too much
Like wd said find something like a little cat.
I may just hate them old deere dozers we use to repair many of them

 

[Nick350]

10000 for a 450b is about 9400 too much
Like wd said find something like a little cat.
I may just hate them old deere dozers we use to repair many of them

I would love a Cat but they are hard to come by in my price range.
Any tips on some things to lookout for on the 450b/c?

 

[Tyler d4c]

Get a c then you get wet clutches.
If it looks like a train wreak it probably is. Make sure where the track frames attach isn't loose with a machine this old it is only worth what the under carrage is as in if the bottom is worn out it's worth next to nothing.

 

[Nick350]

Get a c then you get wet clutches.
If it looks like a train wreak it probably is. Make sure where the track frames attach isn't loose with a machine this old it is only worth what the under carrage is as in if the bottom is worn out it's worth next to nothing.

thanks, appreciate the advice!