Will It Start After Sitting For 20 Years??? Caterpillar D2

[@acewrench]

“We’ll be doing something with it. I guarantee you that”. Soo… just how much popcorn 🍿 should I be stocking up on? Excited!

[@alperrin9310]

In 1977 my father attempted to start his own excavation business prior to retirement as a tool & die mechanic, so he bought an old D2 dozer - nearly identical to this one - a dump truck, trailer and a backhoe. None of us had any experience doing any of that but we put in septic tanks, drain fields and foundation work. I ran that little D2 which didn't have an electric start for the pony motor, so we had to start it with a piece of pull rope from inside the cab. The only problem was, he let my brother run the business and that doomed it from the very beginning. I operated the equipment which only hastened its demise. I eventually went back to college after everything was sold and became a Registered Nurse instead for which I was very much more competent. I did love that little D2, however, so hearing this one start back up again brought back a lot of memories for me. It was a great little machine.

[@michaelshingleton1628]

Steering clutches ok, engine great, track ok. I would just fix the rear drive gears and pony motor and have a non-restored d2 to use. With the larger front idlers I would think about putting a blade on it. Just seems too good to me to part out. I would love to have one to clear my logging roads on the side of the mountain I own. To me even with worn rear gears it still might last me the rest of my lifetime. So for me I would just fix the pony motor and find a blade for it.

[@connerbrandl5103]

I most agree with you, but the grinding rear end would definitely bother me, I’d need to go through it.

[@StubProductions]

No it needs to remain a farm crawler.

[@PilotK]

It says something about the engineering quality of this machine to sit for 20 years, circulate the oil, pop the clutch, add fuel and hum like that. There isn’t many machines built today that would do this.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Has the older diesel with more lube.

[@paulwomack5866]

If you watched tractor (wheeled type) channels, this kind of starting is pretty normal, and after longer than 20 years too. Diesel engines are amazing.

[@jessezs1491]

@@paulwomack5866 yeah it is but modern tractors dosnt start as well like older diesels and often modern engines dosnt run if computer or some electric part dosnt work i like more olders

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Modern Cats will be beyond restoration in 10 to 12 years... and if left to sit, all the computers will be toast.

[@dukeman7595]

@@jessezs1491 Me too, I don't bother with newer tractors they are a mess. I have older machines that have been in service for many years and they will still be running and working long after the newer junk is trashed.

[@jbj27406]

That diesel runs so sweet and so clean, you can just about see how a less knowledgeable former owner who didn't know about the drive sprockets not being pressed on or torqued properly sort of accidentally let the rear mechanisms wear so unfortunately. It was really pleasing to see that engine run so commandingly and so soundly.

[@aserta]

If he ever tears this one down on camera, and finds the bulls in decent order, i'm betting this wasn't the owner's fault, rather he took the machine to a shop and a yokel welded the sprocket crowns on and didn't do the install back to spec. So many tractors, cars, tools, machines, what have you, are in mint condition in 70% of the bodies, and then one thing, one thing repaired by Joe Average is so damaged and so torn, it takes two other things down with it.

[@ironworkerfxr7105]

Saving old iron. One piece at a time.....

[@colin8532]

Awesome! My D2 crack addiction has now had a good day! Something tells me you may not be able to tear this old girl apart for parts. I'd also be surprised if you didn't already have all the parts you need to make her a good member of the Squatch fleet! Thank you for sharing :)

[@eddief3326]

I AGREE.

[@StubProductions]

If you restore this farm Cat to your usual quality I will buy it from you. I’ll drive up to MN to pick it up and pay you cash. Seriously. I don’t have time to restore one but want one for very light use around farm and taking to shows. This Cat is worth saving and I’d be happy to fund it.

[@austinwagoncompany]

Best comment!

[@richardsims1805]

Squatch, this D2 is looking more and more like a rebuild instead of a parts rig. Too bad about the finals, but this old girl doesn't want to die in a pile of parts. I used to work for Caterpillar (Decatur,IL) and still have a soft spot for the tractor.

[@markbehr88]

Well said

[@soundadvicesomewhere9027]

Spot On! Well Said - Keep Her Running TOBY!!

[@richardsims1805]

@@soundadvicesomewhere9027 Music to my ears!!

[@matthewmurray2402]

Sweet! Those bigger idlers on the front really do change the look of the whole machine for the better.

[@Bellboy40]

Very nice. I was kind of surprised that it started so quickly after you finally gave it a go. Looks like everything in the driveline works too. That engine does run smooth and sounds good.

[@randalmentzel7887]

nice to listen to someone who knows there stuff! very informative. thanks

[@DieselCreek]

Man! The rear end may be noisy but it looks and RUNS wayyy to nice to be a parts machine! : -/

[@dougkubash8673]

After you got everything lubed and primed up it started right up like it was just running a couple days ago, and the engine does sounds good!

[@jbj27406]

Yeah, that was a very comprehensive pre-start service.

[@stevenrapp3217]

She may be beat up and bruised, but it was so VERY nice to see she still has a strong and good heart. I'm already in love with the old girl.....it sounds like she is destined for the parts barrel. So Sad.....even in the mechanical world....it's hard getting old.

[@robertrogish1038]

What a thrill to see - I recall that same feeling back in 82 when our Cat 15 came back to life after sitting in the woods for some 22 years.

[@wackowacko8931]

That one loose track pad would drive me crazy if it were mine. You could hear it plain as day when Sr was pulling you around the yard.

[@Nyth63]

I heard it too.

[@ampman3228]

Thanks for the d2 assessment and this starting video...I have a early 50’s d2. My grandfather who has now passed last ran it in the late 90’s. I’d love to be able to start it and use it again some day.

[@SerialDelta]

C'mon Amp Man, what are you waiting for? You've been given the soldiers 5 on what to check/look for.... Don't wait til you're sitting on the porch eating dirt and chewing grass thinking to yourself, "I should have done that" DO IT!!!! Red 2 out....

[@donbullock8790]

Sometimes it's nice when things change. Your parts tractor turned into a prize tractor. Oh sure it has it's problems but what doesn't. Everything has it's problems. I'm sure with your network of enthused tractor rebuilders and your knowledge this would a great project. Sure it would be a ling time down the road but wow what a rebuild this would be. Great video.

[@l0jack]

Brings back fond memories as my first experience operating and I might add fixing dozers was when I was in college running a couple of D2’s for a home builder I worked for. Love the sound and smell of a Cat diesel. I thought they were old machines then!

[@mikemcdonnell1395]

Amazing how an engine sitting for so long comes back to life! Add a computer and emissions crap and it would never run!

[@canvids1]

Nice to get a old machine like that and find out that it is all most in great shape for its age. Happy for you. It sounds great too.

[@bobkrieger5956]

Thanks for the tutorial on the pre start inspection. We have a 5U coming to us that has only run a couple of hours in the last 14 years. I am not familiar enough with it to know what all to check before starting it up and ready for use. This will be a big help.

[@markbehr88]

72 years old and still runs like a charm, albeit a little noisy in the rear end. Too good to part out I reckon. It looks great with the original patina and deserves the Squatch treatment I say.

[@vburke1]

Man, I don't think you can ask for a much better running engine than that.

[@DavidLeslie65]

I kept waiting for you to comment on that funky track link chiming in on every revolution.

[@thecollectoronthecorner7061]

About 30 years ago a D2 was brought into the local scrap yard. The price was way down and it cost the yard owner $75. The engine was not stuck. however the clutch would not release. probably rusted to the flywheel? I put it in gear and sat in the seat and released both steering clutches and we pulled it with a large atriculated front loader. and it fired up and ran really good like yours in this video. It had a good undercarrage and was a tight machine. Even had a PTO. I think he sold it for $1500.

[@erinconnelly7339]

Are you still sure you want to turn this into a parts supply?It would be a shame to “destroy “ a machine that now appears to be 75% good,I bet that pony motor would fire right off if you tried it too.She’s got a tear in her eye showing & pleading with you sqautch she’s not dead. I think I’d keep her whole.

[@markbehr88]

I’ll drink to that.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

I feel you man! I’m on the same page!👍

[@robertelwell4417]

Hope you change your mind about using her for just a parts machine,,,,she just gave you a hug,, that has to be worth something!!

[@ryaneon5456]

Looks like a good machine. I'd love to find one of these for sale, Every time I watch your videos it only makes me want one more!

[@bearbait2221]

i know of a brand new never used d2 deep in the mountains in Alaska still has paint on track pads.

[@markgibson532]

Hi we have a 1942 D2 in scotland ! Been sitting 27yrs now also my little ransoms mg2 Ha the John Deere and chain is waiting ! Some where is the woods the toolbar for the D2 thats a chain saw job as is been min 40yrs in natures garden ;-))

[@stephensaasen8589]

That's one good machine. Worth rebuilding the pony motor, rear and finals. What a champ, and runs so good for over 7,000 hours. That's kind of getting up there. I was told in the forklift business that every 250 hours would be comparable to approximately 3000 miles. (Back in the day, a regular service interval was 250 hours = 3,000 miles.) Anhow, if that's the case, that drive train has been run potentially the equivalent of approximately 194k miles at 7,000 hours.

[@garyjohnson9561]

She’s a good old tub, deserves to live on, too good to break for bits!

[@dougdoug2165]

Ran a d2 in a citrus orchard, seat tank, no electric starter either. Watch out for that spark plug wire when you start it, those mags packed a wallop. We adopted new non tillage methods and seldom used it after that. It had a feeling that is rare today, built to last, engineered with maintainability in mind. It still is running but is mainly a barn resident now.

[@stevevogelman3360]

She’s a real sweetheart. You can’t part that out. She’s gotta live on

[@theblindredneck747]

Considering how well it runs I would think it would be worth while to tear into the back end and rebuild it.

[@dennislarson4960]

My dad had a D2 in great condition - my brother still has it. Love this video with the sound of that diesel purring away. Getting that pony motor started was sometimes are real bitch, but once it was going, the diesel motor fired right up. Those little beasts were good workhorses for sure.

[@npsfam]

Lovely machine. 🥰 I have both a D2 and D4. I need to get back to playing with them more.

[@rogersmith9086]

I purchased a 7U D4 in 1967 and the first thing I did was cut the square holes in the track grouser plates. Scrub builds up on the sprockets and stops the sprockets from engaging the track pins. Cat was the only dozer we had that had this problem. Yours is all gòd to go.

[@brycewiborg8095]

Awesome. Drove a Case crawler a bit 40 years ago. Definitely learning more from you than I thought I knew. A few seconds before you mentioned throwing a track that went through my mind. Thank for the lesson Squatch.

[@6point5by55]

C'mon Sqatch...she's a keeper. Using her as a parts machine would almost be a crime. Full resto and vids series please. She deserves the respect.

[@hazelbell42]

would be a crying shame to see such a complete and working machine be used for parts. Let us keep as many of these old machines complete, original and running as possible

[@michaelshingleton1628]

If it can be done I think it would make a real interesting video series and perfect for this machine as this unit starts easy.

[@frritter8253]

What a nice surprise on a northwoods fall day. Good going!

[@Stevestractoradventures]

That motor runs great! Alright hear me out, we press the drive sprockets on as correctly as possible and we run it till the rear blows. Small detail guess we fix the starting motor. So we can start it easier

[@theblindredneck747]

Definitely agree with you, I think as long as you weren’t flying down the road I think that rear end would growl along for a long time like that.

[@Stevestractoradventures]

@@theblindredneck747 Me giggling to myself its alot quieter than my 9N ford trans. But also see his point as well. If one can save 3 other deals

[@thomasbailey8306]

I would definitely restore this Numbers matching D-2 . I know you can fix any issues this old girl has. As good as that Motor runs and the shape of under carriage. This would be a Great loss using this as a Parts machine..It looks great. And it will last for generations... to see. Just my Suggestion...Great little tractor...

[@wildcatwilly]

What a sweetheart... Thank you squatch you're keeping me inspired to keep plowing forward on my Dozer.

[@clydeschwartz2167]

Awesome video it's nice to see that you got the cat running again it sounds amazing running engine it's definitely needs some help in the back end it's very noisy

[@mdouglaswray]

Neat little crawler! The image I get when I hear the word bulldozer. Classic!

[@trevorzzealley2670]

These little crawlers were all the go on early broadacre farms. They largely predate the big 4WD wheel tractors . Which is why most didn`t have blades fitted. I believe you were right on. Popular also were the Cletrac & Fowler brands for paddock work. But those machines failed to adapt to changing competition like Caterpillar . A big turning point in machinery history.

[@horatiohornblower868]

This old beauty deserves way better than being butchered for parts. This will be your next project, Toby!

[@ajw6715]

I would say that old Cat has a lot of work let in it yet. I would fix the draw bar and use it for light work. Last for years.

[@regsparkes6507]

Sweet starting and running, Thumbs Up!

[@holmesjunction]

And todays word is 'Lubricity'! I love educational channels that I can understand. 😂

[@David-wu7jj]

All the old cats want is someone to love and take care of them id go right through that and make it like new

[@erik_dk842]

It does sound really good, and not smoking either. I like the way you drug it around and only opened up for the fuel when the engine was a bit warm, starting instantly. So many engine abuse videos out there.

[@lakepinesfarm1394]

Make for a good haunted hay ride puller for the kids. Love the old iron!

[@deanehill9730]

Can’t believe you want to part that all original D2 out. As worn as the rear end is, I couldn’t tear it down to be wasted on it being stored away in pieces.

[@thepolkster46]

My 1937 D4G had the same amount of pony motor crank end play and it never caused a problem (if it isn't broke ,don't fix it )

[@kenyonworthenii7389]

Awesome video, you do a great job of explaining the troubleshooting process.

[@dustcommander100]

Wonderful to see it take off like that! It is so hard to make "the call" on something like that. I always tell myself "But it runs, how can I not fix it up". Experience has shown that although it runs well and may even look good, there can be an awful lot of work hiding in there! Me? I've never made the right call - not enough business sense, I guess.

[@markbehr88]

Half the fun is fixing it up.

[@KennyKizzleRustyNutzRanch]

Man, she runs GREAT! Sounds a little worse than the bearings in the Case SC, but I already knew I was going to have to tear into that at some point.... Going to have to go on hold, now.

[@geraldstablein480]

lol, after you showed it the other day i told my wife,"he`s not gonna be able to not try it out" you can always tell a mechanic, can`t wait to play with new toys (26 years as cert master mechanic, 20 years in IT)

[@robertmccully2792]

Need two to make one. This is why I watch this channel.

[@megason2]

LOVE YOUR VIDEOS cant wit till u get bck to work on the Minneapolis-Moline Prototype 445 Tractor

[@scottcarter90]

It's a runner! That's what you wanted to know! That's great!

[@dennishayes65]

Nice buy Squatch, everything works ! Just needs a few improvements !

[@RomeKG471]

I'm sure Chad Enyert or the boys out in Ca. have enough good parts tractors around that you could get rear end parts for it.

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

She busted right off and didn't smoke!!!! Thanks!

[@davidsnyder2000]

I agree…..that engine fired right up and sounds like it runs so good. What a nice machine…..especially for it’s age and number of hours on it. That’s amazing 👍🙂

[@randyscrafts8575]

My grandpappy had one of those when I was a kid. He used to forget to remove the soup can on the exhaust and it'd go flying 15 feet in the air. Loud. The thing was loud. He had a 440 acre farm years ago lots of cattle milkers and beef and all sorts of other farm animals chickens pigs and 2 llamas. That was back when farmers made an honest living without government handouts.

[@ronchappel4812]

I had to laugh.That started better than anything dad ever owned

[@thinman8621]

Looked at the number of your subscribers. Had no idea there were so many of us with bulldozer envy. Wish I had a few acres and a dozer. Cool kids drive Cats.

[@deannajoseph]

Fix er up. Add it to your retirement project list. Mine's full. At the one-in-one out stage now!

[@shamikinani]

Will it start ? even this one much better than others. Very good job man.

[@jamesdiehl8690]

Deja vue! I seem to remember you dragging another one around a while back to start it! 😀😃🙂🙃😊

[@raycollington4310]

You should be a car salesman Squatch!

[@tic-tacking4631]

Though its just a parts tractor I feel it should have a name...you know like the beer can tractor. Lets call it Clank!

[@mandolinman2006]

Am I the only one that can hear the little devil on Squatch's shoulder going, "You know. You could resurrect this thing and make it pristine on KZbin and double your channel in the process."? Also, you've convinced me I need a D2. Now if I could find one with a blade at a decent price.

[@Biffo1262]

That machine has been well maintained during its life.

[@robertjauregui253]

Good buy! Tyen the rearend and put it to work.

[@meggrobi]

Great to see that thing start , lots of fun to be had.

[@familytraditiontransportat7951]

Jeez, runs so nice it's almost a shame to part it. However at the end of the day... I can see both sides of why you would or wouldn't... Yeah it needs work in the back end but is fixable, with the other good and decent parts... Might be maybe a fix and sell to somebody who wants to collect and preserve

[@robertschemonia5617]

@@squatch253 sounds like someone needs to make a business that produces new, obsolete ag equipment parts. It would be expensive, but I'd bet after a while, a few years, it would be quite profitable. You would literally have the market cornered for those parts. And with your experience and expertise you could do a lot to preserve more of this old iron and keep more of it out of the scrap. Hopes and dreams, amirite?

[@paulsilva3346]

Ahh, that rare stuff, called Unobtainium... Sigh.

[@robertschemonia5617]

@@paulsilva3346 indeed so. But, there is a market there. The problem is what will sell the best, and what will it cost to produce such a small number of parts per batch? And, getting the word out to get orders started and paid for to make sure you make enough to pay for them.

[@RodneyPowell-g6m]

That little motor sounds good

[@bobpaterson1845]

That engine started an ran so easily an sweetly thought to myself perhaps this might change the category from bein a donor tractor to a work in progress 🤔👌👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@BigAmp]

Sweet machine, way too good to be a parts machine. I think a large repair rather than a full restoration would be the go then it can be the daily user.

[@kevinbaker6168]

When I was a kid a number of farmers and loggers had those and the D3 because they were small enough to load onto to back of a two ton truck. Just big enough to skid logs and some earth work.

[@Recommended_by_Fred]

I have more confidence in starting my d2 (4u6123). Someone tried to restore it and lost interest when they lost the pony motor at machine shop. I’m in the process of rebuilding the replacement pony. I have no idea how long it has sat. Hopefully it will pop right off like yours!

[@davidsoldiron]

Dang. That old girl sounds good, even with it's issues from the previous video. If it were mine, I'd try tossing some cash into that rear end, especially with the matching numbers, it's to close to being good to part out.

[@wilmamcdermott3065]

Bearings on crosshaft would fix the back end! i just did my d7 17a along with steering clutches and brakes

[@williamingle1684]

Excellent vid! Good for the old tractor! Put a blade on her and get to moving dirt!

[@nathanwoods758]

That thing runs so well. It's a shame that back end wasn't better taken care of because the rest of the machine sure has been.

[@bennyogden4524]

I like that little Dozer it's healthy man sounds good too

[@CarCatCol2023]

I am sure you did this but forgot to mention ( due to your head cold) was inspection of the air cleaners to make sure no critters made a home. Great video as always.

[@geoffweinstock6846]

Congrates on your find. Thanks for sharing.

[@SuperMAZ007]

Very impressed how good the D2 did. Shame you have to part it but then again it's your call. I'm here only to enjoy the show.

[@dustyfarmer]

Being a matching numbers & they way it runs & drives I reckon it's too good to turn into parts. Fix the pony motor crank bearing & operate it how it is.

[@tractorhyatt7044]

Does this mean you won’t be parting it out? That Cat runs pretty darn good! Hope you will keep it together and use it on your property. 🇺🇸🚜👍

[@homeFall1]

I agree, this thing seems to want to live and they aint making any more of them. Seems a shame to part her out over that loose back end. I know that maybe it is more than you want to deal with but perhaps put out feelers for someone willing to buy you out of her for what you have in it that wants to save her? That is if you haven't gotten sweet on her by now and want to save her yourself!

[@435now]

@@homeFall1 The problem is parts availability. If he doesn't have a bunch of serviceable parts from others he's parted out then its going to be hard to find them. If he were closer to the west coast he'd have an easier time since they were more common out there.

[@kenadams3951]

good water/ oil plug thing thank you.

[@ericsargent4551]

Give it a pull… great video. Thx for sharing.