430C restore - Where to start

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ShaneR
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430C restore - Where to start

Post by ShaneR » Mon Jul 07, 2025 11:01 pm

I all

I have a 430c but not sure where to start with a restore

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Last edited by ShaneR on Tue Jul 08, 2025 10:59 am, edited 1 time in total.
JD 430C serial 145871 from New Zealand

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Lavoy
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Re: 430C restore

Post by Lavoy » Tue Jul 08, 2025 8:12 am

I always do powertrain first, if it doesn't run and steer, pretty paint means nothing.
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Parts and restoration for antique and late model John Deere crawlers.
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ShaneR
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Re: 430C restore

Post by ShaneR » Tue Jul 08, 2025 10:52 am

It hasn’t run for 30 years. One of the reasons it was taken out of use is that the drive—either on the left or right—wasn’t working properly, or possibly not working at all. You could drive it straight, but it wouldn’t turn.

I’ve assumed there was something wrong with the clutch, and I’ve wondered if it might have had an oil leak.

It looks like we start in the transmission.

What’s involved in fixing this?
Do you know the basic procedure?
JD 430C serial 145871 from New Zealand

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ShaneR
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Re: 430C restore

Post by ShaneR » Tue Jul 08, 2025 10:58 am

The other thing i'm trying to work out is can you still buy parts for these things and if so where?
JD 430C serial 145871 from New Zealand

Jim B
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Re: 430C restore - Where to start

Post by Jim B » Tue Jul 08, 2025 1:18 pm

Welcome to the boards.

Lavoy' provider of this site, is in business repairing, restoring and selling parts for machines like your 430C. You should give him a phone call (his number is on the homepage) during CST business hours and start by getting a set of manuals for it from him. You will need the manuals to guide you through things. Lavoy can help with parts and has the technical knowledge to select good quality parts and can back up what he sells with technical knowledge if you have problems with items purchased from him.

If it didn't steer left or right the problem is most likely in a steering clutch, not the transmission. I would start by getting the engine running, then assess it from there. No sense in getting into final drives and steering clutches if the engine is seized.

Get the manuals and study. Step 1. You are going to find this will likely cost a good bit more than you think. Do you have a budget in mind of what you want/can afford to spend on it?

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ShaneR
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Re: 430C restore - Where to start

Post by ShaneR » Tue Jul 08, 2025 2:20 pm

Lavoy' provider of this site, is in business repairing, restoring and selling parts for machines like your 430C. You should give him a phone call (his number is on the homepage) during CST business hours
I was wondering how this forum worked
and start by getting a set of manuals for it from him. You will need the manuals to guide you through things. Lavoy can help with parts and has the technical knowledge to select good quality parts and can back up what he sells with technical knowledge if you have problems with items purchased from him.
Lavoy can we start with a full set of manuals, what the best way of contacting you, We live in New Zealand, we have 1 of the 4 or 5 machines ever sold in NZ. Email is best for me.
If it didn't steer left or right the problem is most likely in a steering clutch, not the transmission. I would start by getting the engine running, then assess it from there. No sense in getting into final drives and steering clutches if the engine is seized.
My plan was to pull the whole engine out and get it full rebuilt by an engine rebuilder, Lavoy kind of put me of this plan
Get the manuals and study. Step 1. You are going to find this will likely cost a good bit more than you think. Do you have a budget in mind of what you want/can afford to spend on it?
We are aware of this, budget is not unlimited but not the limiting factor time, is so the plan was to use contractors where possiable. e.g. engine rebuilders etc At the moment the starter motor is getting fully rebuild by an autoelectrician.

At the moment i just trying to come up with a plan of attack

Im unsure if we should even try to get the engine running or just pull it out?
JD 430C serial 145871 from New Zealand

Jim B
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Re: 430C restore - Where to start

Post by Jim B » Wed Jul 09, 2025 5:59 am

With the info that you plan on sending the engine for a rebuild than yes pull it.

Given your location you may have best luck contacting Lavoy by email. He uses postmaster@jdcrawlers.com

He has asked that people contact him by phone or email for parts, etc., as a post on the discussion boards might get missed. Best to have info around purchases just between you and him.

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Re: 430C restore - Where to start

Post by Lavoy » Thu Jul 10, 2025 9:31 am

Engine parts are not an issue, clutch parts are not a problem, hundreds of pieces in stock.
My email is postmaster@jdcrawers.com Contact me with what you are looking for and we can start figuring out a plan.
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Parts and restoration for antique and late model John Deere crawlers.
Owner and moderator www.jdcrawlers.com

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ShaneR
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Re: 430C restore - Where to start

Post by ShaneR » Thu Jul 10, 2025 1:14 pm

Thanks Lavoy

I have service manuals coming from ebay

I'm also talking to a local engine rebuilder so we will see where we go from there........
JD 430C serial 145871 from New Zealand

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ShaneR
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Re: 430C restore - Where to start

Post by ShaneR » Thu Jul 10, 2025 1:48 pm

The question i should have asked......

What can't be replaced?

What thngs that break make it not worth fixing?
JD 430C serial 145871 from New Zealand

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ShaneR
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Re: 430C restore - Where to start

Post by ShaneR » Thu Jul 10, 2025 5:04 pm

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JD 430C serial 145871 from New Zealand

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jimmydiesel
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Re: 430C restore - Where to start

Post by jimmydiesel » Thu Jul 10, 2025 5:31 pm

Put an l after the w.
440 ICD 602 Blade 3Pt.hitch.
440 ICD 602 Blade Gearmatic winch.
440 ICD 64 6 way Blade Carco winch
440 ICD 831 Loader
440IC 831 Loader
1010c Diesel 612 6 Way Blade
North Central Washington State

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Re: 430C restore - Where to start

Post by dtoots1 » Thu Jul 10, 2025 7:16 pm

i have found the best way to assess what you have...drive or in some fashion move the entire unit up on a solid concrete floor or wooden floor...jack it up at least the height of 2 2x materials together...about 3 inches...place on solid jackstands...not cement blocks....raise it enough on the jackstands to remove the 2x material....if engine running...you can assess the steering clutches and undercarriage..rollers etc to see if needing replacements/repair and can also break the track remove sprockets and finals to replace clutches/brakes and steels...and fix internal movements/etc.. watch for oils where they do not belong....you will find critter nests where you will not believe....center housing as well can be packed solid..check brakes//pedal is supposed to move independent of clutch...if both stuck together it will entail that center section removal as well... these things can be worked on...myself...i am 82 and have removed final on both the dozer i had and now have a front loader 420...you can read my ongoing post of all that i have encountered...which you may as well...i would find out first if engine will even turn over...then consider rebuild if either it starts or does not...i literally pulled the head...soaked my #1 piston will various oils including Miracle Oil for at least a week....took a 2x4 block and gently tapped on the cylinder...after removing the oils and waters in oil pan..and rod from the crank....and was able to loosen cylinder...clean up as well as could...put it back together and started it...found out i had a cracked cylinder...tech put a sleeve in it...then really had more fun....but that is part of what you can get into...also..You may well need a radiator and I believe Lavoy still can furnish a new one...if same as my 420...overall i believe that i have about $3500 or so in it including my original cost...and surprisingly the original hydraulic pump and controls work fine....latest issue was blew hydraulic line that was already frayed and broken...have yet to find cost of both to replace for right lift cylinder...while i have blamed thing out....

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ShaneR
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Re: 430C restore - Where to start

Post by ShaneR » Thu Jul 10, 2025 11:49 pm

Thank you dtoots1 for your exellent post, I used AI to convert it into a how-to

A Guide to Assessing and Commencing Repairs on a John Deere 430C Crawler

This guide provides a procedural framework for inspecting and beginning repairs on a John Deere 430C crawler, based on the hands-on experience of an 82-year-old owner who has tackled similar projects on John Deere 420 and dozer models. This advice is particularly useful for those who have recently acquired a machine and need to determine its overall condition.

I. Initial Setup and Undercarriage Assessment

A solid and level surface is paramount for safety and for accurately assessing the crawler's components.

Step 1: Positioning the Crawler
Move the John Deere 430C onto a solid, level surface such as a concrete or sturdy wooden floor. This will provide a stable base for jacking and subsequent work.

Step 2: Safely Jacking the Machine
  1. Utilize two pieces of 2x lumber stacked together (approximately 3 inches in height) as a preliminary lifting guide.
  2. Jack the crawler up to at least this height.
  3. Securely place heavy-duty jack stands under the machine. Crucially, do not use cement blocks, as they can shatter under load.
  4. Once the crawler is firmly supported on the jack stands, remove the initial lumber blocks. This clearance is essential for inspecting and working on the undercarriage.
Step 3: Undercarriage and Drivetrain Inspection
With the machine safely elevated and the engine running (if possible), you can begin a thorough inspection:
  • Steering Clutches and Brakes: Operate the steering levers and observe the clutches for proper engagement and disengagement.
  • Rollers and Undercarriage Components: Examine the rollers, idlers, and other undercarriage parts for excessive wear, damage, or seizure.
  • Track and Sprockets: This elevated position is also the starting point for more intensive repairs, such as breaking the track to remove sprockets and final drives for access to clutches and brakes.
  • Fluid Leaks: Be vigilant for any oil leaks. The presence of oil in areas where it shouldn't be can indicate failing seals or other internal issues.
  • Critter Nests: It is not uncommon to find nests and debris packed into unexpected places, including the center housing. A thorough cleaning is often a necessary first step.
II. Engine Assessment and Initial Repair

Determining the state of the engine is a critical next step.

Step 1: Initial Engine Check
The first and most fundamental test is to see if the engine will turn over. This will dictate the subsequent path of your repair efforts.

Step 2: Addressing a Seized Engine (Based on Experience)
If the engine is seized, as was the case with a #1 piston in the narrator's experience, the following methodical approach may prove successful:
  1. Remove the Cylinder Head: This provides direct access to the pistons.
  2. Soak the Piston: Apply penetrating oils, such as Marvel Mystery Oil, to the seized piston and allow it to soak for an extended period—at least a week is recommended.
  3. Gently Loosen the Piston: After removing any accumulated fluids from the oil pan and disconnecting the connecting rod from the crankshaft, use a block of wood (such as a 2x4) to gently tap on the piston. This can help to free it without causing damage.
  4. Clean and Reassemble: Once the piston is free, thoroughly clean the cylinder walls and components before reassembly.
Step 3: Be Prepared for Further Complications
Even after successfully freeing a piston and starting the engine, be aware that other issues may arise. In the provided account, a cracked cylinder was discovered, which necessitated the installation of a sleeve by a technician.

III. Potential Component Replacement and Budgetary Considerations

Keep in mind that additional parts and costs are likely to be involved.
  • Radiator: A new radiator may be necessary. It is worth investigating if suppliers who cater to similar models, like the John Deere 420, have compatible parts.
  • Hydraulic System: While the original hydraulic pump and controls may be robust, be prepared for issues like frayed or broken hydraulic lines, which will require replacement.
  • Budget: The narrator estimates an investment of approximately $3,500, including the initial purchase price of the machine. This figure can serve as a rough baseline, though costs will vary depending on the extent of the required repairs.
This systematic approach to assessing and beginning the repair of your John Deere 430C will help you to identify the key issues and work through them in a safe and organized manner.
JD 430C serial 145871 from New Zealand

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ShaneR
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Re: 430C restore - Where to start

Post by ShaneR » Thu Jul 10, 2025 11:54 pm

I suspect $3500 won't go very far, Had a chat with boss and he knows it would be cheaper to purchase a new bulldozer

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JD 430C serial 145871 from New Zealand

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