I stopped to look at a TD-8 G dozer sitting besides the road. They want $8500 and said the 3rd gear slips but one & two were good. Said the screen hydraulic supply was plugged. They had done quite a bit of work to repair the engine, new pistons, rod bearings, replaced some lifting rods etc. The engine started easily and idled well. The tracks are worn, the roller pins had been turned at least once but the sprockets still had life. How much would it cost to repair the transmission? Any comments or recommendations?
Run away. My TD7G was working well. I've poured more money into it in a couple of months than I care to think of. An undercarriage will cost several thousand. A bad torque converter might cost a couple thousand or way more. Just a complete round of fresh fluids, filters, batteries, and cables will be a couple thousand. One hose was $450. A tired machine is no bargain. Bringing them back is very costly. If someone put sleeves. pistons, and bearings in, wonder why they didn't follow through with a rebuild. The other things are worn too. Worn out undercarriage is cause to sell a crawler. Based on measurements, they wear much faster late in life than early. As track chain lengthens, sprocket pitch shortens, the mismatch destroys them both. Pins and bushings can be turned once if done early enough. Too late is too late. Find a very good machine with good undercarriage. Pay an expert to give it a thorough inspection. Then be prepared to spend a few thousand to repair all the fussy stuff. You will have a tractor you can use. I can't stress enough, find a very skilled mechanic, and pay him to give it a very good going over. It'll pay dividends tenfold.