$500 Allis Chalmers Crawler, Sitting for Years. (Will It Run?)
Summary
TLDRIn this video, Matt from Diesel Creek brings home another Alice Chalmers HD5G track loader for just $500. Although the machine was running a couple of years ago, the steering clutches are frozen, preventing it from turning left or right. Matt attempts various methods to free the clutches, including shock loading them with a chain attached to another machine. Despite his efforts, the clutches remain stuck. Determined to get the loader operational, Matt plans to disassemble the clutch covers, pry them free, and give the entire machine a thorough service. With its strong 271 Detroit engine and decent hydraulics, this $500 purchase shows promise once the clutch issue is resolved.
Takeaways
- 🚜 The video is about recovering an old Alice Chalmers HD5G track loader that the host purchased for $500.
- 🔐 The main issue with the machine is that both steering clutches are frozen, preventing it from turning left or right.
- 🆙 After some effort, the host is able to get the machine's engine running and maneuver it into a position for loading onto a trailer.
- ⛓️ Attempts to shock load and break free the stuck clutches using chains and another machine are unsuccessful.
- 🔧 The host plans to disassemble the clutch covers and try freeing the clutch packs manually, potentially requiring removal if prying doesn't work.
- 🛠️ Despite the steering issue, the engine, hydraulics, and other components seem to be in decent working condition for the price paid.
- 🚿 Once the clutches are freed, the plan is to steam clean the machine, give it a complete service, and address any other critical issues.
- 📈 The host expresses optimism about getting the machine ready for action after the necessary repairs and maintenance.
- 👍 Viewers are encouraged to like the video and support the channel by purchasing merchandise from the host's website.
- 📝 Overall, the video chronicles the process of attempting to revive an inexpensive but promising tracked loader acquisition.
Q & A
What is the price Matt paid for this Alice Chalmers HD5G track loader?
-Matt paid $500 for this Alice Chalmers HD5G track loader.
What was the main issue with the track loader when Matt acquired it?
-The main issue with the track loader when Matt acquired it was that the steering clutches were frozen, which meant the machine could only go forward and backward but not turn left or right.
What engine powers this Alice Chalmers HD5G track loader?
-The Alice Chalmers HD5G track loader is powered by a 271 Detroit engine.
What method did Matt initially try to free up the frozen steering clutches?
-Matt initially tried to shock load the steering clutches by attaching a chain to an immovable object (the bucket of a skid steer) and driving the track loader against the chain's tension.
Why did Matt decide to steam clean the track loader before attempting further repairs?
-Matt decided to steam clean the track loader first because it was covered in grease, grime, and oil, which made it difficult to see and access the components underneath the engine.
What was Matt's plan after steam cleaning the track loader?
-After steam cleaning the track loader, Matt planned to pull it into the shop and try to free up the steering clutches. If successful, he intended to give the machine a complete service from end to end to ensure it was ready for action.
How did Matt feel about the overall condition of this Alice Chalmers HD5G compared to the previous one he worked on?
-Matt felt that this Alice Chalmers HD5G was in much better condition than the previous one he had worked on. It was not nearly as abused, beat up, or clapped out.
What did Matt say about the engine's performance when he initially started it up?
-Matt was impressed that the engine started without any ether and seemed pretty strong, pushing against the machine without bogging down or dying out.
What did Matt mention about the hydraulics on this track loader?
-Matt mentioned that the hydraulics seemed to function pretty quickly, and the cylinders weren't dumping fluid on the ground, suggesting the packings were bypassing internally but still in decent condition for his needs.
How did Matt encourage viewers to support his channel?
-Matt encouraged viewers to hit the thumbs up button on the video, as it doesn't cost them anything but helps support the channel. He also promoted purchasing merchandise from his website, dieselcreek.com, including the new heavyweight hoodies.
Outlines
🚜 Acquiring and Inspecting the Alice Chalmers HD5G Crawler
The video starts with the acquisition of a used Alice Chalmers HD5G crawler loader for $500. The host, Matt, inspects the machine, noting its better condition compared to a previous loader he worked on. However, he mentions that the steering clutches are frozen, which could pose a challenge. Matt checks the engine oil and coolant levels, observing the general condition of the machine, including the tracks and sprockets, which appear to be in decent shape.
🔧 Attempting to Start the Crawler's Engine
Matt begins the process of trying to start the crawler's 271 Detroit engine. After priming the fuel system and initially failing to get the engine running due to an issue with the fuel rack, he discovers that the fuel shut-down lever was stuck in the on position. After resolving this issue, the engine starts successfully. Matt then attempts to move the crawler back and forth to try and free the frozen steering clutches, but this effort proves unsuccessful.
🔩 Improvising to Reposition the Crawler
Unable to free the steering clutches, Matt devises a plan to reposition the crawler. He hooks a chain to the bucket and secures it to a nearby tree. By driving the crawler forward, the chain tightens and rotates the front of the machine, allowing Matt to align it with the driveway for easier loading onto a trailer. The improvised method works better than expected, and Matt successfully maneuvers the crawler into position.
⚙️ Revisiting the Crawler and Planning to Free the Clutches
Several months later, Matt returns to the crawler with the intention of freeing the stuck steering clutches. He explains that the clutch packs have become seized due to rust or friction, preventing the clutches from separating and allowing steering. Matt plans to attempt breaking the clutches free by shock-loading them, either by slamming on the brakes or hooking a chain to an immovable object and letting the crawler run into it.
🔗 Attempting to Shock-Load the Clutches
Matt hooks the crawler's bucket to the bucket of a larger machine, using the larger machine's weight as an anchor point. He then attempts to shock-load the steering clutches by reversing the crawler and letting it pull against the chain. However, after a few tugs, Matt decides that the chain setup is not suitable and decides to find a more robust cable or chain to try the shock-loading method again.
🛠️ Evaluating the Crawler's Condition and Next Steps
With the shock-loading attempt unsuccessful, Matt acknowledges that he has exhausted his tricks for freeing the clutches. He evaluates the overall condition of the crawler, noting that the engine seems strong, and the hydraulics are functioning adequately for the machine's intended use. Matt plans to steam clean the crawler, pull it into the shop, and properly disassemble and service the clutches to get the machine fully operational.
🎬 Closing Remarks and Channel Promotion
In the closing segment, Matt promotes his channel, encouraging viewers to like the video and visit his online store to support the channel. He mentions the availability of new heavyweight hoodies and provides the website link for viewers interested in purchasing merchandise.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Track Loader
💡Steering Clutches
💡Detroit Diesel Engine
💡Ether
💡Recovery
💡Fuel System
💡Steam Cleaning
💡Clutch Pack
💡Hydraulics
💡Restoration
Highlights
The owner claims the machine was running about 2 years ago, so getting it running should not be too much of an issue, but the steering clutches are frozen.
Checking the engine oil and antifreeze levels before attempting to start the machine.
Jumping the starter with a jump pack to turn the engine over.
Priming the fuel system by bleeding the fuel line and using starting fluid (ether) to help get the engine to start.
Discovering that the fuel shut-off lever was stuck in the "on" position, preventing fuel from reaching the injectors.
Successfully starting the engine after freeing the fuel shut-off lever.
Using a chain and tree to pivot the machine 90 degrees, since the frozen steering clutches prevented turning.
Attempting to shock-load the steering clutches by attaching a chain between the machine and an immovable object (another machine).
Realizing that the chain setup was not strong enough to shock-load the clutches, and deciding to disassemble the clutch covers for manual inspection.
Assessing the overall condition of the machine, highlighting the reasonably good engine, hydraulics, and track components for the $500 purchase price.
Planning to steam clean the machine, pull it into the shop, and attempt to free the clutches, followed by a complete service if successful.
Encouraging viewers to like the video and support the channel by purchasing merchandise from the website.
Introducing the new heavyweight hoodies available on the website, which the host prefers over the previous hoodie designs.
Providing the website link (dieselcreek.com) for viewers to purchase merchandise and support the channel.
Signing off and thanking viewers for watching the episode.
Transcripts
hey everybody welcome back to diesel
Creek my name is Matt behind me just
like Britney Spears oops I Did It Again
this is another Alice chers HD 5G track
load this one also came to me for the
low low price of $500 guys for 500 bucks
I just can't turn one of these things
down they are worth more in scrap than
that this one however is not scrap it is
decidedly better than the one that we
did previous on this channel the fell I
just bought this beauty from tells me it
was running about 2 years ago so
theoretically getting it running should
not be too much of an issue but he tells
me there's bigger problems the steering
clutches are all Frozen that could prove
to be quite an issue so with the
steering clutches Frozen basically this
machine should go forward and backward
but will not turn left or right and if
you can look straight ahead pretty much
no way that you could get a trailer
backed into this thing for it to walk
straight up onto a
trailer and of course behind the machine
more trees and no way to get a trailer
into it so we're going to have to try to
get this thing fired up and then get it
spun about 90° so that we can
potentially get it loaded up onto the
trailer that is all of course provided
that this thing even starts because if
the engine doesn't start that means
we've got a loader bucket that is sunk
into the ground and that is going to add
to the complexity of this recovery so
with a little bit of luck and maybe a
little bit of
ether hopefully our little 271 Detroit
that powers this unit will fire right up
boys look at the grease on this engine
tons of debris packed down in there
around the bottom of the engine looks
like a whole belly pans just full of
stuff out of all my machines I think
this one could probably benefit from a
good steam cleaning the most but it's
that time of year where we're not going
to break out the steam cleaner it's
going to uh going to probably be wearing
this grease until spring and it is
getting colder by the minute out here
but let's go ahead and check some fluids
before we get carried away looks like
our dip sticks down in
here
uhhuh oh yeah she's got
and it's also got dirt all over the
dipstick now since I just drug it across
the track we're going to have to wipe
that off this is how you keep your boots
oiled properly just always wipe
dipsticks on
them keeps the leather very Supple
1540 don't tell my wife this is how I
clean off dipsticks
sometimes sorry our engine oil is good
let's have a gander at this
radiator oh look at this it's got some
Dodge superpower on
here what is going on with this thing oh
that's interesting there's no radiator
cap we'll just we'll just use this
thing well it's not ideal and there's
some dead bugs hiding in there but
there's antifreeze and it's green so
when I showed up here to buy this thing
the whole machine was actually covered
with a tarp which was good and he had
this Bucket over the stack which has
been nice of
him so we shouldn't have any issues with
into the engine
hopefully it's been a while I think
since she's
run that's probably the most wallered
out rain cap I think I've ever seen
too yeah everything is definitely in
much better condition on this machine
than the other one that we have so I'm
feeling good about this purchase
hopefully it just comes to freeing up
some steering clutches well that one
actually
moved we'll see what we can do here
let's try to get this thing fired up
first the fuel tank on this machine is
in slightly better condition than the
other hd5 as well these things take a
beating since they're kind of sticking
out proud back here if you know you're
working in the trees or something it's
very easy to back into a tree when
you're not paying attention dent in that
tank and it's definitely it's seen some
abuse over the years too but nothing
like the other one we have
underc Carriage is in pretty good shape
we got a good bit of rail height left
the rail height if you don't know is the
distance between this flat spot and this
guy right here so that looks about I
don't know 60% maybe the sprockets are
pretty good the sprockets still have
nice squared off teeth on them actually
the sprockets look look real
good looks like they welded some new
ones on there this is all weld here and
it's actually cut in half and rewelded
right
there idlers have also been beefed up by
the looks of it they're nice and squared
off that helps keep the
track on the
rails all in all not bad for 500 bucks I
don't think let's break out the jump
pack and see what happens So based upon
my experience with the last one it's
going to be much easier if we just go
straight to jumping on the
starter which is kind of down in here
really hard to get the camera on you can
barely fish the jumper pack underneath
the boom arm and get it over there on it
but it is possible all right I think
that this machine was originally wired
for two 6vt batteries one in each
armrest here but I just hooked 12 volts
up to one side maybe that'll work
enough get this thing cranking over if I
slide this Rod right here it should
engage the
starter
contact nothing all right that Rod Runs
up here to the operator's platform it's
actually meant to be pushed with your
foot so maybe it just needs a little
more
Jam yet all right hopefully we got our
connected right this time
contact there we go things are happening
all right so we should be ready to turn
this thing over but I know that it's not
going to start at first
because there was no fuel in the tank
the tank was nice and clean but it was
bone dry so I went ahead and dumped a
couple gallon of fuel in
it and now because the tank was empty
we're going to have to Prime the
filters so I have this line right here
open to let the fuel bleed out but it's
after the fuel pump so we're going to
have to crank the engine over to get
that to bleed out all right I'm going to
crank it you guys just holler when you
see
fuel
nothing
yet starting to get a little bit of fuel
fuel starting
to just tighten that back
up fuel should be pretty well primed
up we're going to probably have to help
it out a little bit with The Ether but
hopefully she goes here
contact uh-huh come on
kick the starter
out there we
go oh come on stay
running
h
I
H yeah it's not picking up fuel all the
way I don't know all right it rebled the
fuel system we had an air pocket that I
didn't get
before so hopefully it'll actually take
off this
time
contact come
on yeah we might need some more let me
go see if I have any
more give her another go here got some
more ether and some more
battery still not catching fuel I don't
understand I'm going to try pressurizing
the whole fuel system and force bleeding
it with
air we're getting plenty of fuel coming
out of this fitting it's not making
sense why we're not getting it up to our
injectors I might pull the valve cover
off and check it right there on the
injector see if we're getting fuel right
[Music]
there
seems to be moving
freely
all right so this should be your fuel
line coming into the injector this
should be your return line from the
injector I'm going to crank it over and
make sure we got fuel coming out of
those yep getting all kind of fuel
something about this fuel rack doesn't
seem right like we should be able to
shove these in further I think I'm going
to take the control arm off the side of
the rack and run it manually I think we
found our
issue
yep that is the fuel shut down lever and
it was stuck in the on
position there we go now we're giv full
fuel to the injectors that's what we
needed all right I'm feeling confident
that was our issue
here hopefully this thing fires right up
now I'm going to try not to even give it
any
ether all right
contact there we
go
beautiful
all right it
runs that is great news now we just need
to get it out of
here so my plan is I'm going to try to
walk it back and forth here a few times
and then we'll start trying to work on
getting these clutches to break free
maybe we can get lucky if we can get one
of them free we can get this thing on
the trailer real
easy
all right we'll put it in first gear
here should be that guy right
there and we'll engage the
clutch uh-oh shouldn't like
that there we
go
oh yeah these things tracks haven't
turned in a long
time
all right well it doesn't look like I'm
going to have any luck getting the
clutches to steer well to get this thing
out of here here's my plan I've got a
chain hooked on the side of the bucket
there and we're going to improperly use
a yankum rope so I apologize to those
guys in advance and I've got it
connected up to this tree over here and
what I'm hoping is going to happen is
I'm going to start to drive forward
everything's going to tighten up and
that'll just bring the front of the
machine right around the direction I
need it to
to point down the driveway and then I
can just walk it right up there is my My
Hope here goes
nothing he he hey it's
working
all right I'm not going to lie that
worked way better than even I expected
it
to
here's where my smart smart plan comes
to an end how do I get this unhooked
now it's under tension
still yeah not
happening
[Applause]
[Music]
well and just like that another Track
Loader
[Applause]
[Music]
[Music]
saved
[Music]
what a sweetheart this one runs a heck
of a lot better than the other one
did not nearly as abused or beat up or
clapped
out we get those steering clutches freed
up it might be a decent little
machine there we
go we made her
home okay here we are back with the hd5
a few months later and I want to try to
see if we can get these clutches freed
up today so what actually happens in
there when the clutches stick is that
the friction plates stick to the steel
plates um and basically the clutch pack
just won't separate it doesn't have any
tension on it that's holding it it's
just kind of stition or rust or whatever
it may be in there um so sometimes you
can get lucky and break those clutch
packs free by shock loading the clutches
now you can do that a couple different
ways um but you basically just pull the
clutches and disengage them and then
because you're going no matter what you
pull those and you'll still keep going
and then you can run it into a tree
stump or something hard or hook a chain
to it which is I believe what we're
going to try today and hook it to an
immovable object so that when you get to
the end of the chain it induces a shock
load into that drive line and can break
those clutches free sometimes if you're
lucky that's what I was trying to do the
day we got this thing running
by stabbing the brakes because that can
do it if they're not stuck very bad
sometimes you can just stab the brakes
really hard while you have the clutches
pulled and in our case all I did was
break the the brake linkage on that left
side so let's hook the jump pack up see
if this thing fires up and see what's
going to happen okay here we go
contact bad ground
shocked
Bo it wants to
go get a switcher over to 24 volt real
quick just to make it spin a little bit
faster I bet it goes ready
contact yeah it either goes or we smoke
our
connection come on
t
all right so the old crawler's been
warming up for a little while it's time
to see what we can do about those
steering clutches now remember both
steering clutches are frozen unlike the
other hd5 we worked on a while back so
I've got two choices when operating this
thing I can go forward or I can go
backwards I cannot steer either
direction you're just on a fixed path
so the old cabelo here is going to have
to provide the steering for us today and
I think that we're also going to use it
as the immovable object for to attach
the chain
to
all right so we got the
hd5 tethered off to the bucket of the
cabelo and if you'll notice I have all
the weight of the cabelo actually
sitting on the bucket so we're not
pulling against the Hydraulics really
all as much as uh the ground or at least
the ground is helping quite a bit I'm
not just shock loading that
boom so yeah let's back up and give her
a go
here
[Applause]
all right I'm going to hold off on this
for a second I don't like this apparatus
here I didn't even pull on it super hard
I just gave her a few tugs
and I don't like this chain I this
thing's actually pulling a bit harder
than I thought it was going to be able
to let me try to find a heavier cable or
something to put in between there chains
or cables when they snap can come up and
do some radical stuff and that's why I
have the Anchor Point uh about even with
the hitch point on the machine because
if it snaps theoretically it goes
straight you know if you have it on an
angle it can break and go uh on that
angle
a
well
guys that didn't
work that's the extent of my bag of
tricks on trying to get these clutches
freed up so unfortunately we're going to
have to dive into this thing we're going
to actually have to pull off the fuel
tank the seat all that assembly and the
top of the clutch covers there and
hopefully we can break the clutch packs
free with a pry bar or something without