Caterpillar 304C CR, right track does not move

[Nipmuck]

I bought a CAT 304C CR model 2006 with 4900 hours. When it was delivered, the driver who brought it from PA to MA had to straighten it out every 2 feet by lifting the front and push it over while driving it off the trailer.
Once on the ground, I lifted the under carriage with the boom and bucket on the right so the track was in the air and pushed the travel control from the right track forward ... no movements at all! However the whining sound from the pump? was normal like the sound of the left track which works.
Any ideas what is broke and causes this?
Final Drive Motor? Could it be something else?
I paid $24'500 plus buyers premium and fees; the auctioneer claimed that all functions were tested and working; there was even a video on youtube showing the machine in action.
The driver stated, "Now I do know why he wanted to load it himself."

 

[Nige]

Can you post a Serial Number please.

When you lift the right track in the air and attempt to move the travel motor can you see the two hydraulic hoses for the track motor "tense" as the presure comes on.? You may have to lift a guard or to so that you can see the hoses.

 

[Nipmuck]

Great idea Nige, I will do that tomorrow and post my observations here with the serial number..
Thank you so much for your help.

 

[Nipmuck]

Here is the serial #: FPK00792.
I called a friend of mine to feel the hydraulic hoses while I moved the travel control back and forth.
While doing so, he noticed a noise coming from the final drive.
Please listen to the attached mp3 file I made with the iPhone of the noise holding it close to the final drive.
I think it is safe to say that hydraulic oil gets to the final drive, otherwise it would not make that noise?
Is the sound indicative of a defective final drive?
To hear the noise, click on link below!
Thank you,

https://www.rarestfinds.com/rfa/CAT-304-C-final-drive-noise.mp3

 

[pittsburgh cat man]

To me it sounds like no splines on the motor

 

[reganj]

Stupidly I will ask, what options do you have regarding whoever sold you a non working machine that claims it was a good working machine???

 

[Nipmuck]

Can you post a Serial Number please.

When you lift the right track in the air and attempt to move the travel motor can you see the two hydraulic hoses for the track motor "tense" as the presure comes on.? You may have to lift a guard or to so that you can see the hoses.

Great idea Nige, here is the serial #: FPK00792. I will check on the hydraulic hoses ...
Thank you so much for your help.

 

[Nipmuck]

Stupidly I will ask, what options do you have regarding whoever sold you a non working machine that claims it was a good working machine???

The auctioneer has that lengthy disclaimer, you buy it you own it, as is, no warranties, and it goes on and on. I'm sure you are familiar with it ...
However this auctioneer posts a YouTube video for each piece of equipment. This video shows the machine turning both directions. Here a link:

 

[Nipmuck]

To me it sounds like no splines on the motor

Did you actually have a failed travel motor/final drive which sounded like this?
https://www.rarestfinds.com/rfa/CAT-304-C-final-drive-noise.mp3

 

[Nige]

Did you actually have a failed travel motor/final drive which sounded like this?
https://www.rarestfinds.com/rfa/CAT-304-C-final-drive-noise.mp3

I think it's unlikely anyone can answer that question without physically being next to the machine but based on the YouTube video (is it actually the same one that you bought.?) it appeared to be performing adequately.
Have you contacted the auctioneer regarding your concerns.?
Did you get any sort of statement from the driver who delivered it, especially in view of the fact that the auction house insisted on loading the machine themselves.?

TBH the first thing I would suggest would be to check the oil level in the final drive and inspect it for the presence of metallic particles.

 

[pittsburgh cat man]

Like Nige said drain final and check for metal I have heard that noise before we normaly would replace final with a or. The sound I'm pretty sure is the motor turning without a connection to final. Try varying travelspeed and see if noise matchs input

 

[Nipmuck]

I think it's unlikely anyone can answer that question without physically being next to the machine but based on the YouTube video (is it actually the same one that you bought.?)

It is the same machine as the spots on the machine in the YouTube video where the paint is missing, or the machine is dirty, matches my machine.

it appeared to be performing adequately.
Have you contacted the auctioneer regarding your concerns.?

No, I have not yet; I want to know as much as I can to write an informed email.

Did you get any sort of statement from the driver who delivered it, especially in view of the fact that the auction house insisted on loading the machine themselves.?

No statement, I did not ask ... If this would develop into a legal matter, I can depose the driver and he would have to testify under oath. I think you would be truthful as he seemed to be upset himself over it.

TBH the first thing I would suggest would be to check the oil level in the final drive and inspect it for the presence of metallic particles.

The machine is outside and the highs for the next two days will be 16 degrees; once it will improve I will check the oil. There is a YouTube video of an owner of a CAT 304C CR draining the metal laden oil on a travel motor/final drive and ending up replacing it; very interesting for a guy like me.
I have all the tools and think I could change this motor/drive myself (not at 14 degrees!).

 

[Nipmuck]

Like Nige said drain final and check for metal I have heard that noise before we normaly would replace final with a or.

we normally would replace final with "a or." With a or? As with an original? Please explain.

The sound I'm pretty sure is the motor turning without a connection to final. Try varying travelspeed and see if noise matchs input,

I shall try that too, once the outdoor temps go back to normal, great idea, thanks!

 

[Nige]

we normally would replace final with "a or." With a or? As with an original? Please explain.

"0R" is shorthand for a Reman (remanufactured) component, available from a Caterpillar dealer or sometimes from aftermarket component specialists. This is where you exchange your damaged component for a completely rebuilt unit that comes complete with a warranty.

 

[Nipmuck]

"0R" is shorthand for a Reman (remanufactured) component, available from a Caterpillar dealer or sometimes from aftermarket component specialists. This is where you exchange your damaged component for a completely rebuilt unit that comes complete with a warranty.

Nige, thanks for explaining "OR."
I heard from a friend that Caterpillar keeps track of maintenance done to any CAT equipment if done at dealerships and does that nationwide; do you think that CAT would share that record with me?

 

[Nige]

I heard from a friend that Caterpillar keeps track of maintenance done to any CAT equipment if done at dealerships and does that nationwide; do you think that CAT would share that record with me?

That comment would only apply if the dealership had done all the maintenance on the machine during its lifetime as opposed to the customer (machine owner) doing it.

 

[Nipmuck]

That comment would only apply if the dealership had done all the maintenance on the machine during its lifetime as opposed to the customer (machine owner) doing it.

Understood, in other words, the dealership will share records with me if they have some?
Do I just call them if they do?

 

[Nige]

Understood, in other words, the dealership will share records with me if they have some?
Do I just call them if they do?

Start by calling the service department. Be prepared to get the run-around in your search to find someone to help you.

 

[Nipmuck]

Start by calling the service department. Be prepared to get the run-around in your search to find someone to help you.

Thanks Nige, I will do that.

 

[Nipmuck]

OK, I decided it is time to email the auctioneer; here is my email I sent:
I bought online your reference #215717, a Caterpillar 304C CR mini excavator.
Since I only have 500 characters here, I urge you to read my post here:

https://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/threads/caterpillar-304c-cr-right-track-does-not-move.115411/

Please explain the difference between your YouTube video showing the excavator with both tracks working, and what was delivered to me.
You claim to have "Old Fashioned Business Values," if something is wrong, we will do our best to make it right.
___________________________________________________

Since the web-based email server only allowed 500 characters to be typed, I just included a link to this website as you can see, to explain the situation.
The "Old Fashioned Business Values" published just above the window where you type your email are:
McGrew Equipment Company takes pride in our old fashioned business values and we are very family oriented. Many of our employees are family or close friends. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional customer service. If something is wrong, we will do our best to make it right. No matter how large the business grows, we will always place customers first.

Interesting to see what the response will be.