Another DDH to the collection

Mackay baja · December 19, 2014, 08:58:35 PM

Hi all we picked this up to add to the collection 1000 Klms away a couple of months ago from the side of a mountain where it sat a long time. Had to replace the clutch before trying to start and move It. Took two days of working on it to getting it going so we could move it over the mountain down to a area ware it could be loaded on a drop deck. Will strip it down and fully rebuild it in the next couple of years to excellent working order.

Cheers Keith

Blake Malkamaki · December 20, 2014, 08:14:04 PM

Great job Mackay! I love to hear stories of tractors being driven out of their decades-long hiding places under their own power.

Mackay baja · December 20, 2014, 09:59:07 PM

Hi Blake, they drove it till the throw out went threw the clutch fingers. It was covered in giant prickly pear before we looked at it and when we got to it it had small prickly pear growing out of everywhere. it took a lot of time to coax the engine into life one cylinder at a time

. How they drove it amaised me as the steering bands were steel on steel so getting it of the mountain was difficult and onto the truck without steering. The only things that worked ok was the blade and ripper. I have some video of starting it and moving it i will post later when i work how to do so. Cheers Keith

Mackay baja · October 31, 2015, 09:16:11 PM

Hi all we have been working on the DDH and as it turns out the steering bands are ok and drums are like new so they must have put the wrong oil in it. The engine is mounted in the USA made air craft engine handler for repair. The engine has been severely dusted but with a little tlc will be ok. My DDH 3L i owned a few years is back home so i can do some earth works and then the owner and i will pull the finals as one is leaking crack test both drive shafts and replace all bearings and seals. This 3L was a bare plow tractor when i bought it so i fitted Hiel side arms Bristand a frame TD14 bull blade and made it tilt Mf 400 or Hanomag 400 rippers also manufactured the canopy and all garding also reinforced the track guards. I built this machine back in 1988-1989.

Mackay baja · November 08, 2015, 09:04:21 PM

Tom got a little more done on the weekend removed blade rams side arms and sprockets. Should have it fully stripped soon and start with the repairs and mods. While we weren't looking she rolled back of the tracks.

Richard Borgaro · November 09, 2015, 02:15:55 PM

A great rescue story Mackay. Like Blake said, very satisfying to be able to drive your Cletrac out of it's resting place. Enjoying the photos of your rescue and restoration, keep up the progress, and keep us updated.

Mackay baja · November 16, 2015, 07:27:25 AM

Thanks Richard we did a little moor on the weekend. Maybe this weekend coming we will finish stripping it.

oliverchris · November 20, 2015, 08:01:57 AM

Bravo!

Mackay baja · January 01, 2016, 06:07:35 AM

Well Tom has done some moor and found when the clutch failed they tried to get into gear without the clutch and destroyed the first reverse pinion gear so we lifted another transmission and chassis into the shed and have nearly finished stripping it out. We will use this transmission and chassis for the rebuild as it is a 2L as well.