I have located a 1999 Komatsu D38E dozer for sale but the steering is weak and according to internet searches this dozer has a steering clutch design similar to a disc brake system on an automobile immersed in oil for cooling. Is there any adjustments that can be made or what is most likely the problem? Also, how big of a job would it be to get into the housing and visually inspect the clutches if necessary? The dozer only has 3900 hours on it.
I know that transmissions and gearboxes that have wet brakes/clutches use GL-1 oil thats compatible with the brakes. Maybe someone used the wrong fluid?
Thank you hvguy for your response. That is very possible, the guy that owns it doesn't seem to know very much about it or dozers in general, I asked him what shape the undercarriage was in and he acted like he didn't know what I was talking about. I was also thinking that the oil might be low in the gear box or maybe have water in it. Do you think that could cause the problem?
Steering is weak as in the turning brakes don't work well, or when you pull one steering clutch lever, the other side stops driving?
Adjust the brakes and it will be no trouble. tctractors
Weak as in it doesn't want to turn and it is joystick controlled, no depressing the brakes or pulling steering levers, which unfamiliar to me.
Thank you tctractors, I didn't realize they could be adjusted, I assumed they were self adjusting.
Familiar machine Tony? I've not seen a 38E it seems.....
If its the model I think it is , the steering valve or joystick could be bypassing or not putting full pressure to the brakes. Simple pressure checks can determine this. Post up some pics. This thing is a Komatsu-ized Dresser. I had a 39E-1 it was a pretty solid little tractor had about the same hours when I sold it.
Thank you Dickjr for your reply. I don't have any pics yet, I asked the owner to send me some but he hasn't done it so far. He is asking $12,500 for it which doesn't seem like a bad price but I don't want to get one that has major problems and from all the information I've received on this forum it seems like this could be a pretty simple fix. Also, from the internet searches I've done I think it is very similar to the 39E. Do you think I should go for it if everything else is ok?
Unless it needs an undercarriage and lots of other work that is a fair price. Keep in mind that a complete u/c could cost up to 10 grand. I would either hire a mechanic to look it over or do it yourself.
Yeah Dickjr, I think I'm at the point that I need to go look it over. I really appreciate all the great advice from everyone on this forum. Thank you all.