1982 USMC Caterpillar D7G

[jaws4518]

So, I took a leap of faith and bought this beast. Was it a good decision? I think so, but time will tell... If you are interested in the discussion then just ask. Was it 100% ready to go? No!!! Was it worth the price paid? Maybe, we will see... I am in the process of adding AC and some of my own electronic mods to give it an update. Researching a 3306 compressor mount for it. Yeah, there is one out there but it is for a wheel loader with a 3 groove pulley. I will probably fabricate my own instead of buying into something I have to modify anyway. Mods are what I do so no big deal. There is a C&C YouTube video on this machine. Go check it out. It is a very nice machine. It was a strategic buy and I plan to put it to work.

I have removed the duct board ceiling gaining access to the air handler box. It has a heater core only. I would like to know if the military ever outfitted the D7G with A/C? I don't think so because the TM(s) do not mention or have any chapter related to A/C cooling or part assemblies thereof. C&C has previewed some fantastic equipment over the years but nothing is 100% job site ready. This machine is certainly wants to move dirt but it needs some TLC still. The cab doors and control linkages need tweaking. Not as easy as it sounds. Every control push-rod needs its nuts broken and the threads clean so that you can adjust things. The paint must be removed. Everything needs heat and lubrication to break loose. The fan belt(s) need tightening but to accomplish that things needed to be disassembled. Anyway, the engine sounds perfect and the blade group looks unused except for the end cutting edges. It is an awesome machine no doubt. I will post my rehab pictures with some additional findings. I found the service records behind the seat for this machine along with a few others. Not much other than routine maintenance and received at Tromdale Cove, or Cave? Something like that. I have 5 or 6 folders on different serial# machines. It's hard to read the cursive writing on all of the files. Pretty much a punch list of routine service procedures. These were serviced on or around 2001.

 

[marchplumber]

So, I took a leap of faith and bought this beast. Was it a good decision? I think so, but time will tell... If you are interested in the discussion then just ask. Was it 100% ready to go? No!!! Was it worth the price paid? Maybe, we will see... I am in the process of adding AC and some of my own electronic mods to give it an update. Researching a 3306 compressor mount for it. Yeah, there is one out there but it is for a wheel loader with a 3 groove pulley. I will probably fabricate my own instead of buying into something I have to modify anyway. Mods are what I do so no big deal. There is a C&C YouTube video on this machine. Go check it out. It is a very nice machine. It was a strategic buy and I plan to put it to work.

I have removed the duct board ceiling gaining access to the air handler box. It has a heater core only. I would like to know if the military ever outfitted the D7G with A/C? I don't think so because the TM(s) do not mention or have any chapter related to A/C cooling or part assemblies thereof. C&C has previewed some fantastic equipment over the years but nothing is 100% job site ready. This machine is certainly wants to move dirt but it needs some TLC still. The cab doors and control linkages need tweaking. Not as easy as it sounds. Every control push-rod needs its nuts broken and the threads clean so that you can adjust things. The paint must be removed. Everything needs heat and lubrication to break loose. The fan belt(s) need tightening but to accomplish that things needed to be disassembled. Anyway, the engine sounds perfect and the blade group looks unused except for the end cutting edges. It is an awesome machine no doubt. I will post my rehab pictures with some additional findings. I found the service records behind the seat for this machine along with a few others. Not much other than routine maintenance and received at Tromdale Cove, or Cave? Something like that. I have 5 or 6 folders on different serial# machines. It's hard to read the cursive writing on all of the files. Pretty much a punch list of routine service procedures. These were serviced on or around 2001.

Best of luck to ya!! Ya got some effort ahead, but a good base to go from.

 

[jaws4518]

Well, the D7G had 10 gallons of 15w/40 in the push arm. The tilt cylinder hydraulic hoses were shot. Chaffed totally through the wire braid. C&C rebuilt the tilt cylinder but that was not the real problem. The cab door seals were shot. The cab air system was full of rat poop, dead fire ants, and gecko eggs. I'm not complaining, it gives me a good set of bones to work with. Got new door seals installed. Getting the AC evaporator enclosure modified for AC. The heater coil is good. Got to treat rust and paint. Trying to get the cab pressurized as much as possible. New door seals installed. Thank you 2003 Ford Explorer. The seals were perfect!!!
I have found that nothing MV is perfect but my M929A1 dump was about as perfect as you could get. It had only 17hrs on it from the motor pool rehab. Even then, it needed some improvements. More to come....

 

[swbradley1]

Well now I know who bought the D7s that were over here.

 

[jaws4518]

Well now I know who bought the D7s that were over here.

Have you heard of Trondahl Cove? Some rehab facility? Tennessee?

 

[marchplumber]

Well, like many "sales types", description is exactly what customers wants to hear and believe, truth is sometimes a very different animal indeed......hence statement, "take with a pound of salt" comes to mind.... you're making quick progress and it appears to be thorough too!

 

[jaws4518]

When I was negotiating the sales price for this dozer I asked about its origin. They would not say. I asked for disclosure the condition of some things like current brake and clutch adjustments, track adjusters, history of any refurbishment. They would not disclose anything. It was kind of concerning since they touted it was 100% job ready. It was "As is..." no questions answered other than what the video had to offer. I was very close to backing out of the deal. After some additional research and looking at other dozers in it's class, I decided it had more upside than downside. No DEF, and one of the best engines ever built... I think my refurbishment of the CAT D5b gave me confidence that I can make this one into a winner also. It was a flip, but there are plenty of D7 parts available so that made the purchase and ownership easier to digest. I will add some features like pressurized cab, AC, tachometer, sweeps, backup and forward recording camera(s). I have to give it some modernization. It will be pushing soon. I have to adjust the brakes and steering clutch linkages. All control surfaces are out of adjustment. It will take several days to break everything loose where they can be adjusted. Nope, it is not in drivable condition where safety counts. I do tank dams and creek beds, and I don't need to fall off into something.

 

[FarmingSmallKubota]

When I was negotiating the sales price for this dozer I asked about its origin. They would not say. I asked for disclosure the condition of some things like current brake and clutch adjustments, track adjusters, history of any refurbishment. They would not disclose anything. It was kind of concerning since they touted it was 100% job ready. It was "As is..." no questions answered other than what the video had to offer. I was very close to backing out of the deal. After some additional research and looking at other dozers in it's class, I decided it had more upside than downside. No DEF, and one of the best engines ever built... I think my refurbishment of the CAT D5b gave me confidence that I can make this one into a winner also. It was a flip, but there are plenty of D7 parts available so that made the purchase and ownership easier to digest. I will add some features like pressurized cab, AC, tachometer, sweeps, backup and forward recording camera(s). I have to give it some modernization. It will be pushing soon. I have to adjust the brakes and steering clutch linkages. All control surfaces are out of adjustment. It will take several days to break everything loose where they can be adjusted. Nope, it is not in drivable condition where safety counts. I do tank dams and creek beds, and I don't need to fall off into something.

Glad to know that DirtPerfect on Youtubes first dozer experience from C&C was still the case that is happening. Only Youtubers must get a completely job ready machine. I know everything they sell is used but apparently the camera must not capture the whole picture going on. Glad this is working out for you.

 

[marchplumber]

Glad to know that DirtPerfect on Youtubes first dozer experience from C&C was still the case that is happening. Only Youtubers must get a completely job ready machine. I know everything they sell is used but apparently the camera must not capture the whole picture going on. Glad this is working out for you.

I didnt quite understand that.....youtubers get special attention? or lack of attention? Not be snarky, just tryin to clarify....thks

 

[FarmingSmallKubota]

Well after it was brought up on youtube how bad the first 850jr was by dirtperfect they made it right and untimately he ended up getting a different one, and it seems the D7 that Letsdig18 received had everything done to it that could be. Just my perception. Not trying to high jack this thread, its just good to know information about equipment dealers as i buy sell and upgrade my equipment.

 

[marchplumber]

It doesnt sound like from his desricption that theirs was accurate or that they were helpful, am I wrong?

 

[jaws4518]

It doesnt sound like from his desricption that theirs was accurate or that they were helpful, am I wrong?

I'm not going to bash C & C but it was not job ready and it still is not job ready. It was a flip and that is their business. I understand the limitations in their make-ready scope. I ask them to change the disclosure to include the known facts about the certain condition of things and they could not guarantee anything. I wouldn't either! I had to make a decision based on what I saw. I thought about going there to get a real look and negotiate the price based on what I saw. I tried to do that anyway but they had their bottom dollar firm. If I had passed on the deal would it still be up for sale today? I don't think so. I looked at the sales history of the D7x for the past 15 years. This is a D7G in very good condition. One sold in 2014 or so for 72k without a ripper. Look at what a MV D7 wo/cab or ripper is going for... 62k+
Like I said, time will tell. The old dozers hold their value well if they are in good condition. It's a serious investment which I plan to use. It is in very good condition but I still question the hours on the frame. I think it has gone through rehab because it does not have the original hour meter in it. If so..., that is a good thing. New engine, transmission, chain, pins/bushing, maybe ripper and blade group? There are some things that I will point out in another post that I would like everyone's opinion on what they see. The service folder does not indicate any over haul or hour meter replacement? Not much to go on...? I will do a write up with pictures soon. So in conclusion for this reply, I would say be very careful on heavy trucks and equipment. It could be a very costly mistake. I don't think C&C wants a bad reputation for over selling anything. This is a very clean machine as the video shows. It is everything they said it was and I will take it from there. So far, I have been lucky and blessed. I can't take anything of this earth with me good or bad, so I'm going to do my best to make it better.

 

[marchplumber]

I'm not going to bash C & C but it was not job ready and it still is not job ready. It was a flip and that is their business. I understand the limitations in their make-ready scope. I ask them to change the disclosure to include the known facts about the certain condition of things and they could not guarantee anything. I wouldn't either! I had to make a decision based on what I saw. I thought about going there to get a real look and negotiate the price based on what I saw. I tried to do that anyway but they had their bottom dollar firm. If I had passed on the deal would it still be up for sale today? I don't think so. I looked at the sales history of the D7x for the past 15 years. This is a D7G in very good condition. One sold in 2014 or so for 72k without a ripper. Look at what a MV D7 wo/cab or ripper is going for... 62k+
Like I said, time will tell. The old dozers hold their value well if they are in good condition. It's a serious investment which I plan to use. It is in very good condition but I still question the hours on the frame. I think it has gone through rehab because it does not have the original hour meter in it. If so..., that is a good thing. New engine, transmission, chain, pins/bushing, maybe ripper and blade group? There are some things that I will point out in another post that I would like everyone's opinion on what they see. The service folder does not indicate any over haul or hour meter replacement? Not much to go on...? I will do a write up with pictures soon. So in conclusion for this reply, I would say be very careful on heavy trucks and equipment. It could be a very costly mistake. I don't think C&C wants a bad reputation for over selling anything. This is a very clean machine as the video shows. It is everything they said it was and I will take it from there. So far, I have been lucky and blessed. I can't take anything of this earth with me good or bad, so I'm going to do my best to make it better.

Nice of you! Gentlemanly. Many depend upon accurate seller description....leave it at that and use salt....thank YOU for sharing! Like ya said, buyer makes final decision, true that.

 

[jaws4518]

It doesnt sound like from his desricption that theirs was accurate or that they were helpful, am I wrong?

I think they were successful in selling me a very nice D7G. If I had to do it over I would go see it upfront first. The questions I asked them were from my experience working on these. The control surfaces (brakes & clutch levers) are difficult to adjust after years of paint on them. If there are any track adjuster issues that could be costly. I don't know at this time. The piston seals better be good otherwise they will have to be rebuilt. I'm going to let the air out of the tires and get them adjusted properly. They look too tight right now. I asked them about all of the above. I've got to be honest, I was a little disappointed that the brakes are out of adjustment. The left peddle has no spring in return to neutral position. Good brakes are a must!!! I hope it's not bad brake on the left side? I don't think so because the transmission filters were clean as they showed in the video.

 

[jaws4518]

Well, like many "sales types", description is exactly what customers wants to hear and believe, truth is sometimes a very different animal indeed......hence statement, "take with a pound of salt" comes to mind.... you're making quick progress and it appears to be thorough too!

I agree. It's like that 95% sure statement. That means 5% sure with no chance of coming through. There is a guy in my area who wants a lot of bucks for a M916-A2 or A3 w/M870 trailer. He says it's perfect which it's not! I told him nothing is perfect. He said my money was no good.

 

[jaws4518]

Well after it was brought up on youtube how bad the first 850jr was by dirtperfect they made it right and untimately he ended up getting a different one, and it seems the D7 that Letsdig18 received had everything done to it that could be. Just my perception. Not trying to high jack this thread, its just good to know information about equipment dealers as i buy sell and upgrade my equipment.

Yes sir. These newer auction machines are make-over units. The D7G was attractive for what I believe it is and what it will be. The new paint and look was not a major factor in my decision. My experience with the D5b was the biggest factor. How simple and straight forward to maintain. No ECU, MCU's to deal with. No DEF or re-gen equipment. Good "ole" old school mechanical controls. The 3306 is a great diesel engine. Power-shift transmission, and plenty of cab space. I've operated Deere 550j - 850j. They are very nice but you are at the mercy of the dealership. Too much can go wrong with PCB and sensors. I would never buy a newer model used anything. Especially skid-steer loaders and dozers. They are abused to the max!

 

[jaws4518]

I didnt quite understand that.....youtubers get special attention? or lack of attention? Not be snarky, just tryin to clarify....thks

To their credit, I sold myself on it.

 

[swbradley1]

Have you heard of Trondahl Cove? Some rehab facility? Tennessee?

Nope, never heard of it. This is the pair my Brother and I have been running for a guy that bought them to put a pond (it's a lake) in.

Brother has a 450 Case that I can't grade worth a crap but I hopped into the 850 and run smooth for hundreds of feet at a time. The Cat is a D8N with rippers. First time I pushed with it I ended up rolling the dirt up higher than the hood. Good grief.

Worst thing in it? I forgot to pick the rippers up and ran it for half an area pushing dirt dragging them. I couldn't tell the difference.

I'd like to have a dozer but at my age that ship sailed. One of the best times of my life, my Brother running his Case backhoe digging sides while I was pushing the dirt out of a pond with the 450 Case to my Dad who was using his 450 JD moving it away.

Good day running a dozer is better than a good day at work or fishing.

 

[jaws4518]

Yes sir. It is very nice being out shaping the land and rewarding in many ways. As you know, a large part is equipment maintenance and learning your craft.

 

[jaws4518]

Nope, never heard of it. This is the pair my Brother and I have been running for a guy that bought them to put a pond (it's a lake) in.

Brother has a 450 Case that I can't grade worth a crap but I hopped into the 850 and run smooth for hundreds of feet at a time. The Cat is a D8N with rippers. First time I pushed with it I ended up rolling the dirt up higher than the hood. Good grief.

Worst thing in it? I forgot to pick the rippers up and ran it for half an area pushing dirt dragging them. I couldn't tell the difference.

I'd like to have a dozer but at my age that ship sailed. One of the best times of my life, my Brother running his Case backhoe digging sides while I was pushing the dirt out of a pond with the 450 Case to my Dad who was using his 450 JD moving it away.

Good day running a dozer is better than a good day at work or fishing.

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Last week when thought about removing the seat I looked behind it and saw the seat pocket was full of service folders. The all had a label with the serial number on them. The folder for this machine was there with about 6 others. The writing for the record entries on the face of the folders are hard to read. It's scribble. The dates are even hard to read. Anyway, it says xx/xx/2001 received at Trondahl Cove. Some servicing facility is my guess?