Cost of 450c undercarraige and steering clutches

[joelj535]

I'm wondering what the cost will likely be to have the undercarraige professionally rebuilt and the steering clutches professionally replaced on a 1976 JD450C (4cyl diesel).

What should one expect to pay for a 1976 JD450C (4cyl diesel) that runs very well and can still work but needs the undercarraige rebuilt and the steering clutches replaced?

Thanks!

[Lavoy]

It would depend on the shop I would suppose, but the short answer is substantially more than the crawler is worth. At $85 or more per hour, it is not cost effective to have the work you want done at a shop. Plus, if it is at a dealer, they will likely want to use all OEM parts at double or triple the cost.
Lavoy

[digitup2]

A good rule of thumb is that the crawler is worth the under carriage percentage of life left .So if the u/c has 75% life left than it is worth 75% of it's market value .Clutch's and u/c replacement could run you 20G so don't pay too much for a machine with the u/c worn off it .On the other hand it is worth considerable more if this work is done to a nice unit but try not to be the one that bites the bullet on up keep if you can but that machine would be in top shape at one heck of a price.I have a old guy up here that got a D8H 48 A re sleeved and bearings as well as pistons and rings installed when he got done he was real proud of the old Cat in nice shape the work came to $13700.bucks and the Cat dealer offered him $3500 for it after they did the work .Dam near gave the old guy a hart attack but he got over it later and I told him he had an antique for the antique construction equipment club I belong to and he should join .He sure left my shop more at ease but people won't tell you to stop spending till they got all your bucks so if this machine is your pride and joy and 20 G is a spit in the bucket than go for it but if you only want something to stomp around the back forty on and sell in a few years than find something with good u/c and is a good price you should always get good resale with a Deere in nice shape .Digitup.