Dandy Dave and a Cat 12 Grader.

[Dandy Dave]

Have not been around for a while, but have had Caterpillar on the brain as of late.. Most of this spring and summer... Here is a Cat Model 12 with a very rare G-4600 gas engine. With many years of rest it is now up and running. Enjoy, Dandy Dave!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xasIR73jw5s

[Dandy Dave]

The rest of the story, This grader has been around here for about 10 years. It is a model 12 Caterpillar and weighs around 11 tons. It had a split gear case and I had to tear it down to replace it. It is a rare gas engine model. Production totals for the G-4600 engine was less than 100 for all applications. Of this only 56 were installed in road Graders. This is Grader serial number 6M17. There are only two known left to exist after 75 years. Now you folks can see why I have not been around lately. Every spare moment I have had all spring and summer has been reviving this machine. Dandy Dave!

[Dandy Dave]

More Photos.

[Dandy Dave]

And still more Photos cause everyone loves pictures. Notice what was left of the manifold ... And that was the intake/ heat riser. ... I put it back together with some heavy walled pipe and some good quality Cast Iron welding rod. She runs like a railroad watch now. Dandy Dave!

[oehrick]

But it's {GULP} yella an rust instead of blue an rust Dave

Looks like you have quite a project on your hands - is it mostly complete or have you got some hunting / modifying to do ??

[Dandy Dave]

Battery Box Re-build plus. Dandy Dave!

[Dandy Dave]

But it's {GULP} yella an rust instead of blue an rust Dave

Looks like you have quite a project on your hands - is it mostly complete or have you got some hunting / modifying to do ??

Well I did not tell you the worst part. Some druggies decided they needed the radiator for a few hits. Stole it right out of my yard about three years ago. Smashed it for junk and ran with the money to the dealer. I found out who, but too late. I did manage to come up with a radiator from a Diesel model that I had to modify a little to get it to fit, but it is much like the original and works perfect. Other that the Radiator replacement and the manifold repair it is original rust. LOL. Now to paint, or not to paint. That is the question. How bout Fordson Blue and orange wheels. Dandy Dave!

[Dandy Dave]

Here is about where I am now. A few more bolts nuts and screws... Oh, Did I mention that I also have the original engine side covers??? . Dandy Dave.

[oehrick]

on the druggie vandals

As for colours, well I dunno about the rest but in true major fashion, one half of the rad grille should be blue, one half red and one half silver What ? yes I know thats 3 halves and they were all sprayed blue originally, but when you've rebuilt the rest of the beast 3/2 is going to be small fry DD

[Brian]

Great Job Dave1

Wonder how cheap it would be to run over here with petrol around £1.20 per litre. The Dexta and Major seem expensive at times!

(With apologise to Basil Fawltey "Don't mention the grills!!!")

[Pascal]

What a beast!!

[Dandy Dave]

Thanks Guys. It has been quite a challenge to say the least. The worst part wrenching on it was pulling the rear wheels to get to the hydraulic brakes. The nut to hold the wheels on takes a 2 and 7/8th inch socket. Then I had to put together a Hydraulic Puller and still give her a little persuasion with a sizable sledge to get them to pop loose. Photo of the puller and parts.

[BearCreek Majors]

Lots of good work there Dave, That manifold would have scared the hell out of me!

Great job!

Pat