Rescue Party Saves 22 Caterpillar

Tackling the driveline

As all tractor enthusiasts know, repairing an internal driveline problem requires it to be broken in half. That is one of the major hurdles that must be overcome in such a repair. Since crawlers are basically large hunks of cast iron with components that weigh a sizable amount, that “breaking in two” requires a lot of work. Unlike wheel tractors that can, with the proper technique, be separated and the two sections rolled back on the wheels, crawlers require the tracks be removed, which most often means the body of the tractor is basically flat on the ground. Just rolling the parts apart isn’t an option.      

With enough effort it is possible to get things separated so repairs to the steering clutches are possible. Fortunately the parts supply for old tractors of most kinds has improved in recent years so the 22 Caterpillar can regain its proper mobility. It then becomes part of the larger old tractor family. In this case it and its siblings all have yellow paint. FC 

A retired high school history teacher, Clell Ballard has worked on farms since he was in grade school. For more than 50 years he’s worked on his uncle’s hay and grain ranch during the summer. Currently they swath, rake and big bale 1,000 acres of dry land hay each summer. He also is a dealer of World War II-era military vehicles and parts. Contact him at (208) 764-2313 MST or by e-mail at cballard@northrim.net.