1982 JD 450C track loader with backhoe

[Richler]

Hello, I am considering purchasing a used 1982 JD 450C trackloader with backhoe. I don't know anything about trackloaders, and am hoping to get insight into the state of the undercarriage, and how much the crawler is likely worth.

The sprockets are fairly pointy, which tells me the undercarriage is probably not in great shape. It is listed for about $18000 canadian. For my purposes, I want to use it to clear about 1.5 acreas of brush thick with poplar trees, and some other work around the acreage. It will have to dig out a fair number of stumps (1.5 feet diameter at base and smaller - most are smaller). I am not using it for long term work, but, I would like to spend appropriately and hopefully have something of sellable value after putting a couple hundred hours on it. If I need to put work into it, an estimate would be helpful.

Things to look for specifically when I go to look at it would be great to know as well.

I am not sure how to get images, but below is my attempt. First with links, then using the img option.

https://ibb.co/GkgNPCM
https://ibb.co/2y6Znjf
https://ibb.co/gRyQvZ1
https://ibb.co/ZGJspk1

[Jim B]

Welcome to the Boards.

From the looks of the sprockets, I have to guess the undercarriage is pretty well shot. It will likely do your work as long as you are careful and not working on side hills or rocky ground. The risk of throwing tracks is higher under those conditions than working on flat ground. When you are ready to sell it that will likely bring the selling price down, if a buyer knows what they are looking at.

Look for cracks and loose bolts in the frame, hoe and loader. try it out and push against something it can't move in low gear and see if both tracks pull. try all the gears and ranges. See if the steering is smooth with a reasonably light pull on the levers.

Pretty hard to know what it might need for work, much less give an estimate. If you had to do the undercarriage it wouldn't surprise me that you might hit $7500 Canadian just in parts.