Minneapolis-Moline Prototype Crawler

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[@MrDwrench1]

This is the crawler that hooked me to your channel. Your attention to detail and clear explanations kept me. I am here for the long haul.

[@highdesertbill]

Unique doesn't even begin to describe this crawler. Always appreciate seeing this track tractor prototype. Thanks Toby ................

[@jmailbell]

The Minneapolis-Moline Prototype with all those pretty Fall colors looks like a glossy sales brochure. That tractor is a head turner!

[@rustyreckman2892]

That crawler is so neat. You did such a great job on the paint. I really don’t have words for how much I like it.

[@ericcorse]

Ditto

[@rustyreckman2892]

@@squatch253 both machines are beautiful

[@DismayingObservation]

Matching the faux patina on the hood was some real labor! At least you won’t have to worry about waxing it. 😜

[@samrotheray5805]

I saw you first video of this. I wish they would have put them into production. I have 3 445s among many other molines. I saw you with moline Dan on his last video. It reminded me of this. Awesome machine and history behind it.

[@cartersharp92]

Absolutely beautiful little crawler. Amazing job on the restoration man. Always a treat to see it. Knowing the uphill battle to get it to this point makes it that much more impressive

[@michelbrodeur6055]

Nice to see X253 run and crawl on a beautiful Fall day. Paint looks great and you did a fantastic job on restoration and the explanation of how it came to be and its shortfalls being a prototype. Thanks Toby.

[@paullewis5045]

The colors and setting on the intro of the MM are just great!

[@troyduncan7257]

Boy if there was ever a picture for a antique calendar, the one in front of that big beautiful fall tree was it. Thanks Squatch really nice crawler.

[@Adamu98]

Its going to be awesome to see x253 and x231 next to each other at the tractor show.

[@smaggies]

Beautiful fall colors along with the MM, Thank you...... :)

[@bobuk5722]

Hi, guess it was what would now be called "a proof of concept". Predates a prototype in some ways if it was only for display. Well done for preserving this bit of tracked tractor history Toby. I watched the series about it when the algorithm introduced your channel and I've stayed ever since. It's not only the machinery, it is the way you and Dad go about life, it is uplifting.

[@davidkimmel4216]

Beautiful absolutely beautiful. Thank You so much for taking time to restore the old MM’s

[@JosephOliver550]

Hey Squatch long time viewer first time commenter! I believe the first video I ever saw from you was that first walkaround of this crawler. I know you have touched on it some throughout the years on other videos, but I would love to hear about the restoration of X253. How hard was it to put back together and find all the original pieces after you saved it from the scrap yard? Also what life did it live from the time it was built to the point you acquired it? Thank you for all of the content you create! Your videos are always one of the highlights of my day! Hope you and Senior are having a great week!

[@claytonhaffner384]

This is the unit that made me subscribe to your channel. And I've been watching religiously with a cup of coffee ever since

[@sterff89]

I really like that little machine. It will look good with X231 next to it too! I am envious of your container!

[@kylechrist]

We want rock crusher!

[@rickyjessome4359]

Man that's such a cool tractor! You done an amazing job on it.

[@arthurirwin8235]

The colors of fall with the beautiful artistic look of your tractor made for a great watch. Enjoyed every minute!

[@albertalt4542]

I had forgotten about ole X253. I started following after seeing videos of X231.

[@kylechrist]

We want rock crusher!

[@Ckktopa]

Hey Squatch, she is a stunning stunning piece of American history, beautifully restored both mechanically and aesthetically. She looks beautiful in the autumn colours (fall in north america) .

[@wingnutwelding]

It was a LeSueur swap meet video that first got me to click on your channel. But it was this crawler and x231 that officially got me hooked. Now I find myself looking at every old Caterpillar I come across! Excited to hear you will have it at Jordan next year so I can get my eyes on it up close.

[@kylechrist]

We want rock crusher!

[@Taxpayeroftherepublic]

Thank you for the reply. Good to have an idea regarding cost. All the best.

[@charlesward8196]

I hate to sound repetitious, but that is a BEAUTIFUL tractor. A real joy to see it run. Fall colors make for a perfect video. Thanks!

[@00nutt]

Absolute beautiful restoration!!! It fit right in with the fall leaves!!! Now it's waiting on its cousin to be finished!!!!

[@whathasxgottodowithit3919.]

Very nice, the colour scheme matches the Autumn (Fall) colours precisely.

[@coles201]

Great to see the old girl out again! She is a testament to your work.

[@Dudleymiddleton]

Great little machine with such character - must be pretty rare being a prototype, so this is where the 253 number in your channel name comes from I guess! Yes, winter is coming upon us again, but the beautiful colours of autumn (we in the UK call it that instead of fall for some reason!) make it worth while, almost! Thank you for sharing.

[@ZigZagMarquis]

Beautiful crawler. Goes great with the fall colors around your property. Thanks for making this video!

[@justinblain928]

A 3 bottom moline 3 point plow would look amazing on that! I’ve been watching your channel since you did this machine. You got another lifer here man!

[@paulsilva3346]

I'm guessing that the Gray Caterpillar Ten is next.? OUTSTANDING Videography, fall leaves and the Moline tractor.!

[@jazzerbyte]

Way cool looking tractor! For a prototype with awkward controls, the engine and operation sound so smooth!

[@michaelbrash8843]

I see senior is vacant leaves. Boy that small pond looked low. We are august dry here in easr central illinois. Thanks for vid.

[@clydeschwartz2167]

x253 looks really nice out with the fall colors it's a nice blend that is a really neat prototype tractor

[@realliferepair9285]

Now that's what I'm talking about!!!!!! Absolutely love that old girl.it was good to see it again👍

[@rswany16]

The viscous drag for the belt pulley/PTO is just a minnie mo thing. I think 85% of our (that don't utilize a hand clutch) spin the PTO. It's great to see the X253 out for a stroll!!! This crawler and the prototype Z/445 are why i initially subscribed.

[@kevinknight470]

Excellent restoration, thanx Squatch. Great vid shots with the color of the machine and the leaves.😃

[@cmh1984]

It was this thing that made me start following ages ago. I've always been interested in Moline iron, and the X253 stuff got me hooked and interesting in all the other stuff!

[@dancaszatt7573]

What a quiet machine!!!

[@CarlHargreavesRustyRelicsUK]

The engine note of the M-M Crawler, reminds me of my ZTU. Which hasn't been out the shed in a while.

[@grantgronau3553]

Great looking crawler! I’d like to see a full machinery tour of all the old machines you got on the property. You do an excellent job fixing up/restoring these old crawlers. Keep it up!

[@dougjones9493]

What about pulling clips from your videos and make a compilation of all your equipment.

[@snowflake9558]

I’ll come help and lower your prep time ;)

[@rawbsworld6604]

@Jambo 40 min to vid script highlights edit possibly voice over too! 🤦‍♂️ 🤔 never made a watchable vid eh? 😂😂 … 🤷‍♂️ just saying … talking a dozen or so pieces of machinery & equipment

[@rawbsworld6604]

@Jambo slurper extraordinaire 😋

[@rawbsworld6604]

@Jambo

[@daningrim475]

Toby you certainly nailed it with doing this video outdoors with the orange Moline in front of all those beautiful fall trees and downed leaves!

[@Fatamus]

Always liked that X235. Quit an interesting history. Thanks for the great advice on lifting the conex off the ground.😁👍 Thanks again for your time and the video.

[@KennyKizzleRustyNutzRanch]

Good to see old X253 out and about. Man it sure was a treat getting to take it for a spin at Nowthen. I'm slowly catching up on your videos. Been a LONG couple weeks of work..

[@boe4448]

What a beautiful fall video.👌

[@keithwarkentin]

The way the tin is fashioned it looks like a racing machine you should be very proud of that restoration! It was also really cool when you were driving and it went from shady to sunshine a few times it almost looked like it went from yellow to orange very smart what you said about the seacan you guys don’t do anything half@ss, looks like that container was painted inside and outside! Very Boys!

[@johnblecker4206]

Your Prototype Crawler sure is a mean looking tractor to use.

[@artreed8098]

That really is a beautiful crawler.

[@texasjetman]

Absolutely an amazing Crawler video and such a beautiful fall setting at your place, thank you for sharing

[@SuperMAZ007]

Love to see the X253 making a comeback after so many years. I can imagine that shipping container might have costed a fortune.

[@rawbsworld6604]

Contrary to popular belief they’re not that costly 🤷‍♂️ cost being a relative opinion.. 🤔😳 ✌️

[@kentuckycowboy2]

Absolutely beautiful old machine, job well done!

[@gregorycross612]

Seat issue: I'm a tall guy too, all legs and arms! I had an Allis HD-5, built a simple 2x6 frame to put under and elevate the bottom seat cushion; easy in and out, not permanently affixed. Made all of the difference in comfort and working long hours. I pushed a 13' brush rake mounted on the ag loader kit for a couple years with it. Wish I still had it. Have a door day!

[@oldironsfury]

Like looking at a diesel locomotive verse a steam The steam just has the romance in its design The intricate parts and individual elegance of these classic pieces of old iron . Never grows old !! Beautiful crawler !

[@douglasmayherjr.5733]

What a neat old crawler. Hopefully your pulling the batteries out as well, just in case. You don’t want a priceless smoker. Thanks for sharing the one of a kind piece of history.

[@scrotiemcboogerballs1981]

Beautiful crawler you did a wonderful job on it I was just watching a video on prototypes tractors lol this works great for me thanks for sharing

[@Cinder2008]

Excellent! This project started my Squatch addiction. I took the bait and you set the hook. I hope this was the first annual Leaf Crawl. Next time, let us hear the engine run for 10-20 seconds without any narration. It sounds so good.

[@evankibbe590]

I had never seen before!!!!! Nice nice machine!!!! X231 is why I started watching your channel!!!! I figure some day you will start in on it again!!! But the D2 was really cool 😎

[@kylechrist]

We want rock crusher!

[@shaneharrison4775]

You picked me up the day X235 went to the show and I was hooked in the beginning of X231

[@kylechrist]

We want rock crusher!

[@DismayingObservation]

Now I need to go back and watch the restoration videos from the start. I didn’t discover the channel until the start of the 5J1113 restoration. Guess we won’t be seeing the cab go on anytime soon, but that’s OK. Still one of the best channels on this site!

[@bradwarner8933]

That is one sharp little crawler! Yep, that was the first video I seen and have watched every one since. Keep them coming squatch, your the best.

[@Shockedbywater]

So I am in construction and the first thing I thought of is how much condensation we get in those containers. Then you go on and explain what you do to stop it. I learned something, thanks! If I have another one placed on a job we will put it up on something.

[@glennstasse5698]

Looks like Autumn is about a month ahead of us in MD. It’s a beautiful time of year but one that represents considerable work preparing for Winter. That is a really cool looking crawler. One wonders how a production model would be different.

[@elevator9592]

That is really a great restoration. It’s a shame they never sold any. Thanks for the content.

[@steelrail-rs1sk]

Great teamwork on the videography! The shots look great especially with the fall colors.

[@horstszibulski19]

Would it really bad sacrilege to shorten that gear lever so that it doesn't hit anything? 🤔 The dashbord looks really futuristic for that era, making it work would be a 101% restoration, better than from factory...😉 Thx for showing, good idea with raising the container from the ground, thinking of condensation was my fist idea as soon you showed it, we have them at work too, they are a mess in changing conditions... 💧💧💧

[@1976benita]

Thanks for the info on the container looking at getting one myself!

[@davidpierce3386]

What is called... a signature Squatch253 film shot, driving over the camera showing ground clearance. For so reason, I love those experimental MM units. The designs line are so soft.

[@dolvaran]

A great picture of the crawler against the fall tree!

[@dennishayes65]

Toby, I love the look of that MM crawler. Love the paint colors. U of Mn colors. Watching from rural Tracy, Mn. Hope to see you at the Le Seur, Mn swap meet some day. I think I have talked to you there but that was before I watched your videos !

[@richvandervoort2950]

I am completely amazed that you were able to keep the original quirks and not fix them. I know it's part of the machine and it's character. I would still be tempted by the "what if" factor.

[@akfarmboy49]

Thank you for showing and reexplaining that rare machine

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

I actually never seen one of those! That looks like a pretty cool crawler! Looks brand new!👌😎👍

[@LeewardStudios]

She is a beauty. The top shell arch just screams “speed”.

[@mabmachine]

Awesome, love to see this out and about. Makes me think maybe you should do a 2023 Squatch253 Crawler Calendar

[@S_F_U_L]

Brilliant video. First time I've seen X253 in action. Love the sound made by that 445 engine.

[@connerbrandl5103]

I can’t wait to see you finish X231

[@kylechrist]

We want rock crusher!

[@connerbrandl5103]

@@kylechrist too shaaay!!!

[@connerbrandl5103]

I just went back to the x231 videos, hard to believe that we left off on it 3 years ago, not saying it’s bad or anything, just amazing how fast and how large the channels grown since then.

[@bobpaterson1845]

That is a really good looking little tractor 🙄👌 she runs and drives beautifully 👍

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

I was wondering about X253 sometime back,glad to see it out

[@RustyCarnahan]

As if I hadn't just binge-watched the X231 series, now you tease me with X253.

[@kylechrist]

We want rock crusher!

[@2xKTfc]

What in the world 😂 You could ride this one to Sunday coffee it's so shiny and stylish!

[@heavymachinery2843]

Beautifull tractor 👍👍

[@darploin5071]

I love that Minneapolis Moline crawler you had the first time I saw it on your channel I thought it was the most homeless looking thing but it's looks really did grow on me and if you look at it from the side it looks like it's going a million miles an hour

[@aserta]

I know that some are particular to the M or other horses in your stable, but for me... this little gem is still the best. To quote a Top Gear line: "it really is as pretty as the sun setting over Charlize Theron."

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

I'm definitely going to have to check out the build on this unit!

[@coolhandluke5557]

Abdolutely stunning crawler , there is no comparison to art deco styling , simply beautiful

[@jamesweaver9636]

Wow, that’s beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

[@StubProductions]

That’s a valuable little crawler you have there. It couldn’t have a better home.

[@TheRealMercDave]

I love that you ran the gas out of it instead of shutting it off!

[@wilmamcdermott3065]

Been here long enought to have seen u put it together

[@kylechrist]

@@squatch253 We want rock crusher!

[@GosselinFarmsEdGosselin]

Interesting that you can keep the container up and have it stay dry inside. My in-laws have had one for years, it's a foot off the ground. Lost a lot of 100++ year old family heirlooms to moisture. We have one, it's a foot+ off the ground, but has a dehumidifier in it. Evening is fine..

[@GosselinFarmsEdGosselin]

@@squatch253 nice 👍.. just different climate..

[@93Martin]

You've got to be quite proud to have restored something that a tractor show would ask specifically for you to bring out.

[@mtronics]

so glad to see this piece back. Was looking in the back of the videos to see if I could catch a glimpse of it..... * I know there's a Mini crawler there somewhere lol *

[@DavidLeslie65]

I spotted it under a tarp once I think it was in the back of the garage where mama squatch parks her car during the super m project.

[@davewebb5737]

Wow that’s the first time I have seen that lovely old lady

[@johnlottes7440]

SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed) was forced to watch this and has become hooked. She is however a museum professional so I did get a bit of a jump start.

[@harmlesscreationsofthegree1248]

I love the old girl! One of my favourite series on the channel for sure. Good to see her out and about 🙂

[@darylullman7083]

I like the looks of that crawler. Maybe you will be working on 231 sometime soon

[@kylechrist]

We want rock crusher!

[@markdelpiere4788]

Oh man that's a sweet crawler, nice to it out making a lap or two. I'm a Tucker Sno-Cat owner (1953 Model 443) and that orange does it for me. Tucker's are "Omaha Orange" - real close to your MM.

[@jazzerbyte]

It's great to see that the museum-worthy pieces have appropriate storage to guard against excessive humidity and especially rodents!

[@rawbsworld6604]

🤔… 😂😂😂 kubota aside what isn’t museum worthy on squatch253 acres??? 😝 ✌️

[@johnbize5736]

That's such a beautiful tractor. But since you've put it away for the winter, and the D2 cabin was in front of it, that means we won't be seeing that for a while. I was really looking forward to seeing it all together.

[@MitzvosGolem1]

Wow! I think Oliver was involved with MM? Beautiful colors

[@stevekeast2297]

Good to see the MM out for a drive it’s been awhile