what exactly do I have?

[TheGuise]

Hi Guys,
This is my first post here, though I've been reading through the posts for awhile.
I just acquired a 420c, used to be my wife's late great uncle's. His son-in-law bought the farm and didn't want the crawler but wanted it to stay in the family. Its currently not running, 5 years ago it just decided to not start in the middle of a job...... so I may have some work ahead of me....
Based on the posts about serial numbers, mine should be between 80,001 - 136,868, but the tag reads 12625. Is that a valid number? If not, is there another way to identify it?
I have an operators manual (OM-T20-1155) and a service manual (SM-2019). Is there any other manuals that I should be looking to acquire?

[Jim B]

Welcome to the Boards.

The tag in your picture is not a JD model/serial number tag. The tag should be on the left side of the bell/clutch housing, is larger, and has the model and serial number along with more info. If you search John Deere 420 specs (ag tractor not lawn tractor) Tractor Data has a picture of a 420 tag, the 420C tag looks the same (except the model will be 420C).

[Lavoy]

That is an inventory control tag like used at dealerships, municipalities and such to identify a piece of equipment. Look on the LH side of the center section between the sediment bowl, and the front of the transmission. If you have a tag, that is where it will be. You have an "all green" 1956 420, 80,001 and up serial number.
Welcome to the crawler club.
Lavoy

[TheGuise]

Well, it ended up not taking much to get it running. After cleaning out crud from the gas tank, draining water from the distributor and cleaning out the carb, it's running and doesn't sound the worst. I can only steer right though. I opened up the access covers to check the steering clutch/break, and there was about a pint of water inside. Looks like I'll be taking it apart next.
Is there any specialty tools I'll need for this job or anything else that's wise to service while I have it apart?

[Lavoy]

Fix, clean, anti-seize every necessary piece in there, when the final is off is the time to do it. Only tool necessary is the gauge to set the pressure plate, and I have them on hand.
Lavoy

[Canuck 420c]

That is also known as a series one or early 420 crawler (1956).Interesting blade/loader on that crawler looks like a homemade set up ?.Welcome to the forum

[Canuck 420c]

How is the undercarriage on this crawler?

[TheGuise]

Well, I have no experience with crawler undercarriages. Based on what I've found on this forum and others, I'd say ok to good, but here are some pictures and maybe you can tell. The grease fitting on the left Idler is missing, hopefully it wasn't run long without it.
In the last picture, the other end of the tape measure is at the left side of the pin (almost exactly 23")

where do websites get their images

free jpg images

any other measurements that would be indicative of wear?

I suspect the loader/blade setup is partially homemade and partially cobbled together from other equipment.

[Jim B]

Did you put a pin or pipe, wide enough to pick up both rails, in the sprocket and back up to stretch the chain tight? You need to do that to get the correct measurement. I would say those tracks are likely fine for your use, it is no longer a production machine.

[TheGuise]

I didn't put anything in the sprocket to tension the chain, didn't know I had to. thanks for the tip on proper measurement! I couldn't find anything to stick in the sprocket that would survive and was close enough to the right size, so i tried tensioning it another way. not sure exactly how much tension to put it under though, so i just got it tight enough that the springs were starting to compress.

it now measures at 23 1/32"
I ran into another weird thing though. In the service manual the transmission oil capacity is 6.5 qts, the owner manual says fill to top of fill plug.
i was doing a transmission flush, but when i filled it up for the flush, it seemed like a lot less than 6.5 qts, somewhere on the order of 3-4..... am I missing something or could I actually have 3 qts of sludge in the bottom of the transmission?
I haven't re-filled it with oil yet.