I have a D4C series 2 with broken plate on C-frame as shown in picture. I understand this plate limits the maximum angle of the blade and still does. It also appears to have another function as it's broken. What is that other function? Should I repair it? Will fabricate my own part as Cat wants $458 for this part.
You’re talking about the 117-4635 Plate Assy #12 I assume.? TBH I can’t see that plate limiting the angle of the blade, especially when you look at the shape of a new one. I wonder if the wear/damage on it was caused by badly worn C-frame bearings at some point.? Is there a significant amount of play in the bearings now because something in the alignment doesn’t look right. It could be a trick if the photo I suppose. Fabricating a new one probably wouldn’t be hard but the dimensions would be the hardest thing to come by.
Nige, Thanks yes it's 12 in the above and yes the C-Frame bearings were clearly shot at one point. A repair had been made to both sides. In fact the pin may have fallen out on one side. That makes sense as to why it's broken. It gives me confidence I can leave it as is. The other side of the plate in the photo isn't as "broken" so could get good dimensions on the curve.
Also yes you have a good eye. The two plates holding the pin and bushing are not parallel. I'd need to bend the upper plate down to correct but don't see a need.
Maybe the whole thing was re-bored at one time without straightening the plates.? If that was the case then getting them parallel now would require the whole thing to be re-bored again.?
Just checked and it doesn't limit angle or tilt. Which begs the question. What's it's purpose. Here's a picture of an intact setup.
With that slot in it, is it designed as some sort of “stop” so that if the bearing or whatever collapsed it stops everything falling apart.?
That plate serves to keep the blade from going forward when your in a push the newer machines have a adjustable link on top of the c frame to the blade. I see no reason you can't make one based off what you have and a bit of study off a few pictures. I have repaired them before but it only had one side cracked iirc.
See the link in the center is what replaced the slotted plate
Thanks that makes sense. Especially since this dozers past life was a logging cat including brush rake. I can see the brush rake adding more leverage on that link. It's fairly simple to fix so I will.