Just got a hold of an HG (I think 1946 - will confirm). The background: Crawler doesn't run but engine is free. Needs....well a lot. Tin is bad, but the price reflected that. Mostly complete, tracks and undercarriage in surprisingly good condition.
This crawler came with a Ware loader with a bucket and blade. The loader has been cobbled with pounds of weld and needs to be rebuilt to make usable again.
So here's my question: Because I've never owned a crawler and have a tractor with a loader, is the Ware loader worth saving - or maybe trading for the parts I need? All I wanted was a crawler to pull firewood.
Thanks for your thoughts or suggestions.
I like the 3-WI loader on my OC-3 and I would consider at least saving the loader even if you take it off. At some time you may want/need it even if it isn't pretty.
Did you happen to buy that in Spring Hill, KS a few weeks ago? There was one on an auction about like you have described yours. If it was an OC-3 I would have bought it for the undercarriage and tracks for mine, but didn't stay to see it sell since the tracks don't interchange.
Geoffrey
Why do they not interchange?
Yes, the loader is handy, but the machine was not built for it, so you would be advised not to push it too much. Frame cracking is a common problem on overloaded HGs.
OC3s equipped with loaders were usually industrial models specifically balanced (rolled back final drives) and ballasted with rear weights for loading.
What model loader is it?
Really depends on what you want to use it for. Most Ware HG/OC3 loaders will lift about 2000 lbs.
Quote from: "Oliver_collector"I like the 3-WI loader on my OC-3 and I would consider at least saving the loader even if you take it off. At some time you may want/need it even if it isn't pretty.
Did you happen to buy that in Spring Hill, KS a few weeks ago? There was one on an auction about like you have described yours. If it was an OC-3 I would have bought it for the undercarriage and tracks for mine, but didn't stay to see it sell since the tracks don't interchange.
Geoffrey
That may be a good suggestion. I bought this one in Michigan about three weeks ago. The guy I bought it from was pretty clueless, I doubt it ever ran when he had it. Tracks and undercarriage are in good shape so I'm encouraged to get it back into good condition.
Quote from: "chrisvdv"Yes, the loader is handy, but the machine was not built for it, so you would be advised not to push it too much. Frame cracking is a common problem on overloaded HGs.
OC3s equipped with loaders were usually industrial models specifically balanced (rolled back final drives) and ballasted with rear weights for loading.
What model loader is it?
Really depends on what you want to use it for. Most Ware HG/OC3 loaders will lift about 2000 lbs.
I'll have to look into repairing the frame once I get the loader off. I noticed the RH front "track support" (the cast support that goes between the frame and the carriage) has had the flange partially torched off to let the loader frame bolt in. This is where the frame cracked - of course. So, I'll have to find another support.
The loader tag reads Model:HG, Serial #:B234 (this is hard to read though). I'm impressed it will lift that much weight! Really all I want is a unique crawler to go with my old John Deere (it's a '41 BO - near to a crawler as I ever got!)
I have a single page brochure of a HG-42 with a WARE loader. It lists a 46 inch wide bucket. Lifting capacity 2000 pounds.