New guy

[sears]

I recently aquired what I believe to be a pre Oliver cletrac hg (the original paint color is orange under some very badly applied industrial yellow). Someone had stuffed a 6 cyl Chevy engine into the thing and destroyed the frame rails. The tracks and related running gear are in rough shape and I have stripped it down to bare transaxle (probably not the right term). My biggest concern right off the bat is that he right axle shaft is damaged from running it with a bad bearing. Are these shafts replacable? Is there any way to accurately determine the vintage of this machine without the original engine? I would like to put this thing together and use it but is there any point in going to the expense of trying to obtain an original motor? Is there a single source (a book perhaps) that would be a good starting point? This forum is the most informative I have found and any experienced input would be appreciated. Thanks, Dave

[550DarrinWI]

Most on this site would start by saying, "Get to know Landis Zimmerman."

He is quite the source of information and parts.  www.olivercletrac.com

The second most popular piece of advice is to obtain a parts manual & the operators manual.  Available at the Floyd County Histoical Society (give them a call at (641) 228-1099.  Also, they are quite frequently available on ebay.

As to identifying your machine without an engine or a tag?  Hmm. . .smarter folks than me may be able to indentify subtle differences in the frame & undercarriage to narrow it down to a range of years.

Can you find an engine?  Sure they're out there - it may take some time and money.

Will you spend a lot of money?  Oh yeah -  how much is the question?!?

Indentifying the key ares of concern and learning the costs and efforts to fix those areas is how you will eventually build an estimated budget.  Then ad another 25% for everything you missed or underestimated.

It sounds like your machine could be a candidate to serve as a donor machine.  You may need to find another one in need of help and make 1 out of 2. . .good luck and keep asking questions on this forum.  I think you will find it most helpful.  I know I have learned a ton from the good folks on this forum.

[sears]

Thank you for the response. I have already spoken to Zimmerman several times and hace manuals on the way. I would still like to get closer on the vintage and it seems as if the paint color, as I read more about these machines, should be a clue. Thanks again for your response. Dave

[Mike Shanley]

There are four different lengths of  Main Drive Shafts (drive axel).  They are based on the width of your machine; the different widths are 31", 42", 60" and 68".  Also there are two styles of shafts -- the older style has ball bearings and the newer style has tapered roller bearings.

If you need an older style 42" (ball bearings) I have a couple.  Also, there is a guy by the name of Les Darsow in Minnesota who has a Hercules motor that will fit your machine.  (At least he had one a year ago.)  I think Darrin has his telephone number.

As for the frame, it's hard to find an HG that has not been damaged and repaired numerous times.  You can find them in the strangest places but when all else fails, call Landis!  He had at least 12 when I was there last spring.

Mike Shanley

[550DarrinWI]

Sears, I do have Les Darsow's number if you need it.  

However, I thought you wanted that engine Mike?  Did you find a different one?  Does that mean your pto is available?

How goes the battle?  Have you started putting your OC-3 back together or have you been working on the Cletrac B?  Drop me an email.  I may have some fabricating jobs that you may be interested in working on.

[Les Darsow]

Hey Mike, I keep trying to reach you. I still have the motor for you. I hope I still have first dibs on the PTO. Sorry to hi-jack the thread.

Les