Starting a WWII Caterpillar D-7 [1080p HD]

[@jimkey920]

Loved it. I just experienced road building off the Normandy beaches! Very much like a diesel powered time machine. I always thought the starting motor on these larger cats were called, "Donkey ' motors. Pony was applied to D2's and D4's. I had a D2's some years ago. When I was a young teen the family had 2 D4's, we operated a saw mill and they were used for skidding logs, they had wider tracks for boggy areas. I just love all the old CATs! especially the cable machines! Thanks for the trip back in time.

[@edifyguy]

Donkey, pony......there's another name for it too, but it escapes me just now. What they're called depends almost entirely on where you live.

[@RFagricontracting]

Us brits call it a donkey engine but it makes no difference

[@earlborchardt4358]

You could. Ifin you was in Aussie you would call it a pilot motor. Can't expect to much from Roos calling pick up trucks utes.

[@altecman21]

Yep Had a Cable D8 Started it up and left it running all day!! It sure did the job hehe I was just a kid my dad bought it and I cleared 11 acres for our new garage in 1960!! Thanks for bringing back good times for me!! ...Jimmy...

[@dalecs47]

Thanks for in information and the memories, so many, not all good. I remember that the pony motor used to like to shake itself off the side of the engine. Never could get the carburetor to work and ended up putting a carb off a chev 235, which did work. But at least we kept the old D-7 going until it was finally sold to a collector. Thanks much.

[@regsparkes6507]

I usually 'hate' music with video like this, BUT this music is perfectly matched and silenced when it was more important to hear this wonderful old diesel purr to life. And besides that I LOVE military music. It's good for the heart !

[@manuelabendano1140]

P00q%0 1 wwwssssssqs

[@simonperry330]

The exaust for the Donkey engine could do with turning so it doesnt blow straight into your face.

[@robetech1]

I used to operate a 1961 d7E. The pony engine was electric start and hard to get going. Pull lever to engage the flywheel on the main engine. Big 4 cylinder engine with 6 inch bore and two heads in line. Enough metal in each head to make a 350 chevy block. A real monster. 2000 rpm max. Clutch lever on the left, forward reverse lever, gears 1 thru 5, blade up down and tilt, rippers up down all on the right. Two brakes, two differential levers and a kickdown pedal. At the end of the shift you were DONE.

[@M21L35]

That "Marching" music was & always will be STUPENDOUS!

[@richardpalleschi4807]

Special thank you for your service & keeping us safe & free!!

[@dimidomo7946]

That WWII Caterpillar D-7 'sucka' is in great shape ~ looks awesome too. Thanks VETS for all your dedicated and selfless service when you were asked to protect and defend the USA. Right on!!!

[@moparpirate4628]

couldn't agree more you took the words right out of my mouth

[@jamaljohnson5335]

My Granddad told me WW II stories years ago about clearing snow off Army runways in Greenland with Caterpillar road graders and pushing it to the side with these D7 dozers. Built/carved them into the side of mountains

[@MyRofaith]

Nicely done... and hats off to all of the WWII vets...

[@richardhoepfner1633]

Brings back memories.. Trained on this at Ft. Leonard Wood in 1967. That pony engine will break your thumbs if the crank doesn't dis-engage and you're holding it wrong. In Vietnam worked with the then current model of Cat D-7.

[@TheKuskokid]

When in mechanics school had a Viet Era D9 with pony, it would do the exact same thing! Had to be careful. Magneto bit me once, almost fell off the tracks! HA! The pony started easy, would let it warm up good then rev up and engage the clutch to the main engine. First time I did this instructor was standing there nodding his head giving me encouragement, (I had watched the movie Kill Dozer so I was just a leeetle scared), but when that big D9 fired up..dang. And had to be so quick to disengage the pony so it didn't over-rev. Ohhh the memories of busted knuckles, being up to my ass in mud, freezing said ass in the rain and mud...diesel in busted knuckle-cuts is the worst. :)

[@2naturesownplace]

My father may have been one of your Instructors back then. Hit me up with a reply if you read this.

[@TheKuskokid]

This was in Seward Alaska.@@2naturesownplace

[@kobusdutoitbosman6240]

after so long yet SO strong! (beautiful noise...) Great to hear and see.Thnk you kindly.

[@esquad5406]

My first dozer. Then the D-8 2U

[@dalecs47]

True, but actually the intent at that time was for the gasoline pony motor to run long enough to bring the diesel engine up to near operating temperature before starting it. The pony would rotate the large engine in a kind of no compression mode so that warm water circulated and oil pressure was up before starting it. I had a d-7 in 1982, and I hated that pony motor. Mine cranked from a hole in the top cover near the large exhaust pipe. Blade wench was mounted on the front, behind the blade

[@williamdelk2016]

dalecs47 a pony mother was not designed to crank the big heavy diesel for 20 minutes to warm it up unless you put a5 gallon gas tank on it, On a 36A D8 in the rocky mountains in Sealy Lake Montana in January when the temperature is 10 degree below I have only cranked the big engine for 5 minutes and it started just fine, Thank you for letting me voice my experiences:

[@howdafkshdino8902]

The exhaust in the face is so typical of a govt. project its funny.

[@JSchrumm]

Pony motor exhaust keeps you warm on a cold morning. Gag hack.

[@aussiebogan9896]

a pice of history what a beast

[@antonow23]

Esse tipo de partida desses tratores, é um perigo quando não está bem regulado. Interessante também é o direcionamento dos gazes do escapamento do motor a gasolina que joga toda fumaça na cara do operador. Natal, RN-Brasil

[@sparty94]

thank you for taking the trouble to show that old girl in action. someone cares about her...

[@DesertDigger1]

The main jet in the carb on the pony motor is bad or plugged....try just letting in run awhile.

[@ramairgto72]

When you have an engine to start an engine... Love it.

[@brusewilliams2746]

I remember those pony engine starters . I started out on a cable Cat that was older than that one.

[@dennissorensen9320]

Why would they make the exhaust to be pointed directly where the person is standing trying to start the diesel?

[@lbbradley55]

My Father = Still with us was in the Army Corps of Engineers During Korean War. They were sent to England From Cal. soon as it started. Their first orders were to go to Korea but we're changed at last moment. He Ran D-8 Cat Dozier's with 1hp Brigs & Stratton Pony I feel certain this would be that same Pony as these D-7 preceded them. D-8 was Biggest of Cat Dozier's during Korea. Also ran Pans & Graders Ect They Built Runways in England. He will enjoy this Video. He has told many stories about freezing Temps & starting these ponies & hard to start Diesel Engines. Tracks Frozen to the ground. & He lost end of his toe 1 Frozen Morning in a Accident. A tree stump that he was asked to dig up & so many others.

[@9005067]

Howdy ,i really enjoyed that ,.My Uncle sold Caterpillar Tractors and i saw the building of the Alaska Highway on 8 mm or 35 mm film in the late 50s

[@ThePaulmonty]

love the way the exhuast is aming at the operator trying to start the main engine if he stands there for to long he will be exfixiated by the fumes..!

[@AngeliqueKaga]

What a great piece of Americana running.

[@michaelraymount4108]

What a kewl old tractor, thanks guys.

[@michaelmacluskie6089]

When I heard the rattle of the dummy machine gun fire I first thought that the old guy with the grey hat had a serious Gas problem.

[@MrGrxxx123]

this is a cable dozer ,,,before hydraulics were used.. great stuff to see

[@rkelsey3341]

I like the guy who shows up in the middle of a field full of knee deep weeds wearing shorts and flip flops...then strikes a pose. You can tell he's going to be a lot of help!

[@jamesb.9155]

2:50 : Idle air screw adjustment: remedies searching idle.But not that important on a pony engine!

[@khadijagwen]

Can't understand why anyone that ever saw action would ever want to see these machines again.

[@edifyguy]

War isn't all horror. Well, WAR is, but being in the service is definitely not. There's a camaraderie that living in danger develops that most of us will never understand fully. This can definitely extend to the machinery as well. Men in particular develop sentimental attachments to machines that have served us well, especially when they're awesome in their own right. All that to say, I do understand. :D

[@user-zn4do5cv8l]

ну какой нам искусственный интеллект, в 80-ые годы мы на таких еще работали(производства ЧТЗ)

[@olskool3967]

I like the M1 Garand strapped on the side,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@xr7coug]

I'm surprised those guys didnt hit the dirt when the tank started firing! Thank all of you for your service.

[@dennisspencer1113]

Sounds like you had a 3T model, dale. The one in the video appears to be a 7m. The fun part of cranking the pony motor on a 7m was the low mount crank port. If the pony motor 'kicked' and they would occasionally do that, it would jerk your hand back against the track if you weren't careful.

[@Journeyman-Fixit]

What a great vintage machine...

[@rustonesiefer6481]

awesome...great American power

[@altonriggs2352]

Damm...that looks like a fun party!!!

[@bbrown-ed6if]

Some guys have all the fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lotuslotus718]

What a wonderful machine

[@MikeSmith-lu2xe]

Hey. Don't look down. I'm the first to notice the pony motor's exhaust is aimed right in the face of the guy starting the diesel.

[@johngnipper1454]

Sound of a 7 under load sweet!

[@ch0as]

Dude knew exactly how to start n run it. Awesome.

[@donaldbartram6315]

My 1st job for a concrete block co. we had one exactly like this. (still in Army green) That was in 73', We used it for pushing sand, & aggregate piles as well as plowing snow when it got deep. My boss had plans of mounting a small jet motor he purchased from Sikorsky Helicopter. Wanted to mount it where the blade was so he could melt snow between the rows of block.. It never happened but I knew he was a crazy fkr when I heard that. LOL

[@kobusdutoitbosman6240]

crazee stuff!

[@nomon95]

anything is shooting at the beginning??

[@screwmachine6]

I was thinking the same thing. Out of all the place they could point the pony motor exhaust it's right at the operator trying to start the thing. Haha.

[@benters3509]

That pony motor is a recipe for skinned knuckles.

[@43128lucky4]

the pony engines needs a carb rebuild

[@edifyguy]

Or possibly just adjusted, but it certainly is not running correctly, as the loping no-load proves.

[@veiledzorba]

AND it looked like it was shut down with the magneto switch, it should be allowed to run the carb bowl dry.

[@brianforney2696]

My grandpa hit the Normandy beach on D Day on a cat d8 with the Corps of Engineers.Soldiers still pinned down got behind the dozer!!also had to bury concentration camp victims!

[@luuko656]

No, he did not...

[@karlsymons9470]

thats my m75 in the backgroubd

[@michaelconlon3243]

I run an old cat no 6 shovel -dozer with a 6 volt donkey start

[@floodedcar123]

Nice old d 7

[@bigpig187]

looks very hard to drive

[@deksper]

1943 D7T

[@wallaceweninger1737]

Cool! I like the pony engine starter.

[@lineshaftrestorations7903]

I'll bet you guys didn't read the manual for proper starting procedure.

[@domingopolizvazquez3049]

que bonito los tractores antiguo

[@trwagner1]

What is the location this was filmed at?

[@xmodrock]

this is true.. but i think a mechanical motor would be easier to maintain than constantly replacing a weak electric one

[@Zer0kbps]

I bet that thing has done some grim work in it life.

[@samhouston4326]

Shouldn't they be ducking under that gunfire?

[@raymondgrimaldi9207]

It's a D7 4T

[@p47br]

Super, thks for posting!!!!

[@ms5221]

But geez! Let some oil pressure build before you open the fuel!!!!

[@kylekisner7107]

You know its badass when you need an engine to start another engine.

[@leewatkins1610]

+Guy Van Brussel that pony motor runs at 5700 rpm.the water jacket from the pony runs into the one on the 4 cyl.on a cold morning ,you could pull the starter in and run off and let the big motor crank,with the fuel off and compression lever down.

[@michaelbauers8800]

Iron ships and wooden men as they say, or vice versa :)

[@edifyguy]

+Lee Watkins Yep, and then you get back and the diesel's warmed up and ready. Close the decompressor and turn on the fuel and it starts almost instantly.

[@alvie2]

who was the practical joker that pointed the pony motor exhaust pipe right at the poor shmuck who has to work the levers?

[@wilmamcdermott3065]

A 4 t model

[@lexioncombine9403]

Beautiful.

[@matthouston4068]

Gunfire? My first thought was it’s the pony engine starting

[@fourfortyroadrunner]

Why is it necessary, LOL, to have the pony motor squirt oily exhaust all over the victim starting the thing?

[@donaldbartram6315]

Because it's WWII

[@johngnipper1454]

Yes , embrace the suck!

[@glblb3030]

pushing dirt and inhaling smoke

[@goldmamba2468]

I doubt they randomly started bulldozing in the middle of a firefight.

[@earlharman2040]

Why do they need to need to wear camouflage? Are they hiding?

[@markparker3175]

Well done starting it but can not drive it

[@calvinkelley6745]

man tat damn poney motor...about gave tat old man a heart attack

[@johnsummers614]

Daddy had a RD-8 from the '30s, serial # was like 2006 I think ( I was around 12). The pony was cranked from the front,you had to climb over the blade to get to it. Also the pony had a common water jacket with the diesel. In the winter, start the pony and let it run a couple minutes. Next put pony tranny in low and turn the diesel over for about 5 minutes to get oil loosened up. Next was put pony in high gear and the compression release half way,( it had 3 settings 0-1/2- full). Let it run another couple minutes until water temp started moving up,throw comp to full, throw the fuel lever on and it was running on the first revolution. We had a Letourneau cable pan from a D-7 on it. That would give you a workout!

[@micheleliscidini8768]

caterpillar engineers?

[@josephclemons4308]

I don't like the way you have to get it started if that thing takes off you are fk standing in front of the tracks like that

[@insetoproducoes8344]

Ac !!

[@xmodrock]

i like the pony motor design, no little electric motor to burn out

[@4gauge10]

Last of the truly American built Caterpillars,Caterpillars now feature Chinese or Japanese parts...go figure!.

[@bill45colt]

looks like your actors werent as interested as you in providing a good video for the rest of us,,,,,

[@tonyhohepawhite6826]

Should let the man who started it drive dozer

[@fourfortyroadrunner]

Pretty sure I heard either a Rolls or Allison fly by

[@davidcarder6364]

This is America.

[@roberttallent5291]

hurry and get starded your taking on hevy fire

[@genjishimada8744]

The bulldozer says booger kid

[@macweathers2584]

Love old bulldozers

[@HarryAirborne]

Caterpillar by name & nature, called the Slug, what a piece of crap! Pony motor!? Allis Chalmers HD-7 WW2 equivalent from mid 30's had 12v electric start on the sweetest sounding 3cyl GM 2 stroke diesel , with......... Full Hydraulics... yep! Blade & rippers. meanwhile the Slug didn't get any of those until mid 1960's

[@Colt-tf6xf]

HarryAirborne Longevity is the word, Caterpillar didn't overpower their machines to prevent self-destruction, nearly all other machines were overpowered and spun the growzers off the tracks, took out final drives and clutches and transmissions while the Caterpillar (the guys who wrote the book ) kept running and running. The standard sales pitch for Allis and International was "as good as a D-8 , D-4 whatever".

[@nomon95]

y agree if a couple starter and the pony may be available, the pony may run a lot of minutes without battery compromise. and if one of those fails,the other is available

[@UB80MAX]

Schieben kann er nich😁

[@scootdean4269]

Might be blowing junk out like your lawn mower.

[@teoballn]

just hate the pony engine noise...