Posted by Hugh Durgin on March 13, 1998 at 20:41:05:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: 440 jd dozer price posted by Lee Bradley on March 13, 1998 at 16:13:18:
: : : : I HAVE CHANCE TO BUY A JD 440 ICD CRAWLER WITH BLADE
: : : : FOR $4000, BUT DO NOT KNOW MUCH ABOUT THEM. SERIAL NO.
: : : : 450571. DOES ANYONE KNOW ABOUT YEAR MADE AND IF I CAN
: : : : GET NEEDED PARTS. IT HAS A TWO-STROKE GM DIESEL
: : : : ENGINE THAT RUNS BUT NEEDS A LITTLE WORK, TRACK IS 48 INCH
: : : : AND IN GOOD TO FAIR SHAPE AS IS THE REST OF THE TRACTOR. IS
: : : : THE PRICE ABOUT RIGHT?
: : : :
: : : Weasel, The only thing I can offer is that I was quoted $10,000 for one but I turned that down quickly. Just off the cuff I'd say it's a little high but I would hasten to add I've not checked much, only on that one. Have a good day, John
: :
: : I purchased a good 440 about 8 months past in Oklahoma, 60%UC with good engine, complete, tight machine and just needed painting. Price was $3500, good luck.
: 440s were built late 50s to early 60s. I haven't
: seen one around here (Pacific Northwest) for
: less than $7000 for a complete machine.
: A word of caution, that 2-53 Jimmy diesel
: happily twist the differential to friction shaft
: off at 3/4 to full throttle.
: Good runners though,
: Lee Bradley
There are still a great number of the 440C's still running in Maine. In fact, all of the production 2 cylinder crawlers are still quite common here (MC, 40C, 420C, 430C, 440C). These tractors were small, easy to work on, easy to transport, very dependable, and affordable. They were ideally suited to the small scale farming and logging operations of the time. Typically, the 440C is advertised for sale in the $3,500 to $4,500 range. Condition is all over the place. Better machines are typically advertised in the $5,500 to $6,500 range.
As the previous message mentioned, the 2 cylinder GM diesel was notorious for providing more torque than the drive train was designed for. Also, the track sounds short. It was common practice to remove a link from the chain when the wear on the pins and bushings exceeded the adjustment available. I have forgotten how nmany links there should be, but, a dealer can tell you. Inquire as to the cost of a new set of chains with pads.