What Model?

TDLMOMOWERS · July 26, 2010, 02:52:54 PM

When I was a young boy, my Grandfather had a Cletrac. This is where I learned about Cletracs and developed a love for them. I have never been able to make certain what model Cletrac it was. I don't have any pictures to post that would help in identifing it. I will give a description of it, as best as I can remember. It was between 1954 and 1960 when he had it. I don't think it was built in the 50s. The grill did not have round holes like some of the newer ones. It was a diesel with 6 cylinders and was about the size of a D5 cat. It had direct electric starting with 2 batteries located on either side of the operators position. It had hydraulics installed and an 8 foot blade. I remember that it had a compression release on the right side located close to the throttle lever. It was orange and looked like the 36 and up Cletracs. I don't think it said Oliver on it anywhere, that I remember. I do remember that to get into the seat, you had to step over one or the other of the battery boxes. It also didn't have flat plate floor boards like some of the newer Cletracs. Maybe someone on this forum can help identify it. Thanks.

Bob · July 27, 2010, 02:28:23 AM

I don't know about the decompression lever, but it sounds like maybe a DD, or DDH. Hopefully that helps, if not we'll get'er figured out!

Bob

Blake Malkamaki · July 27, 2010, 03:20:59 AM

How many levers did it have for steering? Just two? Or did it have two on each side?

TDLMOMOWERS · July 27, 2010, 03:51:18 AM

It only had 2 steering levers, one for each side. I know there was no hydraulic or air assist on the steering, because I had to push both feet against the dash to steer it. The photos on this site of a DDH look to be about the right size tractor, but there are some differences. I remember that the intake manifold had a large pipe plug that could be removed to preheat the engine. I have the Blow Torch that came with it. The torch was stored in a old building on my Grandmothers property, along with a porcelin sign with a picture of what appears to be an AG Cletrac. The sign is in really nice condition and measures about 18" by about 14''. I have the sign hung up in my garage.

Bob · July 28, 2010, 02:59:43 AM

That would be right for a DD. All the Cletracs with Hercules diesels I have or have seen have the big plug in the intake. Any chance you could send pics of the torch? I've been looking for the right style for my tractors.

Those signs are real rare and a nice piece to have hanging on the wall. Its cool that yours has history too, or at least sentimental value.

TDLMOMOWERS · July 28, 2010, 03:37:57 AM

I can't send or post any photos. My digital camera got damaged by moisture and I haven't had time to replace it yet. When I get a new camera, I will try to post a photo of the torch and sign.

Bob · July 29, 2010, 01:30:15 AM

Cool thanks

TDLMOMOWERS · July 29, 2010, 04:10:51 AM

Bob, What model is the Cletrac with your profile photo? It looks to be a nice clean machine. It seems like a lot of the folks on this forum are from Pa. I was born in Somerset County, but moved to Mansfield, Ohio in 1961 at age 6.

Bob · July 30, 2010, 02:25:46 AM

That is an ADH. If you look me up on the photo album there are more pics of some other crawlers. It wasn't very nice when I got it. I rebuilt basically everything.

Maybe its just a coinsidence that there are a bunch from Pa? Blake is the owner/moderator and he isn't too far away from me. There is a couple that are from Australia on here too, as well as England, Sweden, Greenland, and sure there are many others I haven't seen or remember. A nice bunch if you ask me.

Bob