This dozer has a loader bucket the tracks are 12". The I need to move the equipment but I am unable to tow it to another location, not far. Is there a way to release the tracks so that they will run free. this John Deere is around 1985-1990. Any help will be appreciated. Bert
It depends on several things,will the engine run?Can you tow it backwards?Do you have to load it on a tow vehicle?Try to be more specific based on my reply.Ron G
Ron, The engine will not run at this time. We threw a rod while dogged down. We do not need to load on a tow vehicle. We hope to move the dozer a short distant to a location on the property to pull the engine. We had a friend with a large backhoe to attempt pulling it out of the bog without success since the tracks did not roll. The dozer tracks would not rotate. Thanks for any ideas. Bert
Haven't been on a 450 in awhile but there should be a parking brake and a direct drive transmission with a reverser right? put in transmission in neutral and release brake and should roll? When there un powered and stuck it takes a lot of force to get the tracks to roll if you can get the hoe close enough dig out around it or get some cribbing most likely trees under the dozer and it will move much easier. or if you got a local logger with a winch might pull it out hassle free for a few coins.
If the machine is a G model, there is "some procedure" in the operators manual to release the brakes by fiddling around under the floor board - the procedure is kind of lengthy (about a few steps) and depends on if machine is pedal or lever steer. I found this in the Operators Manual.
That 450 is not very heavy and the tracks not turning is probably not your major problem,as already stated the suction created by the belly pan in that muck is what is holding you back.If you can get close enough to it with the backhoe you could lift it up perhaps to get some cribbing under it to break the suction and drag it along to your work area.Ron G