D2 Cat

[shadow753]

My cousin had a 1946 cat d2 and the pony motor was 6volt electric start

 

[Bob Rooks]

My cousin had a 1946 cat d2 and the pony motor was 6volt electric start

If memory serves me, it was Leece-Neville that made aftermarket electric start kits for those starting engines - had two large 6v batteries on the left saddlebag, and I believe Cat bought the rights in the early '50's. You may want to check the date for accuracy though.
This is making my head hurt.:laughing:

 

[Ken45101]

I guess back in the 1940's the equipment operators were tougher than we are today :laughing: Imagine pull starting a bulldozer at 10 degrees vs the heat/air conditioned cabs of today

Seems to me that I've heard of some of the old equipment having an ether injection system for starting?

 

[Bob Rooks]

Seems to me that I've heard of some of the old equipment having an ether injection system for starting?

True, and some had the 'ol "fire-in-the-manifold" trick whereas atomized fuel was sprayed onto a large glow plug, literally starting a fire. This fire would burn for say, 15 seconds or so and then get sucked into the combustion chamber. Can't remember the brand name, it was aftermarket though. Then there was the IH engine with two combustion chambers - started on gasoline, ran on diesel. Boy, those were the good 'ol days huh? The only rigs that had cabs were those in the Arctic. A/C? What's that?:laughing:

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Our early 40s D6 has a rope starter starter motor, usually takes 2-3 pulls.:thumbsup: I've started it in as cold as 20 degree weather, still started the same. I run the starter motor for the time that it takes me to grease the tractor. In that time it warms up the main engine and will start the main engine very easy. I will say that if you are not use to using the starter motor, your in for a sore body after pulling on that rope for many many times. You tend to learn how to use it pretty quick. Either that or you become very strong and have a lot of endurance. :laughing:

 

[ultrarunner]

My Grandfathers Crank Start Diesel tractor had a bunt he would need to light to start in on cold winter mornings...

 

[Bob Rooks]

My Grandfathers Crank Start Diesel tractor had a bunt he would need to light to start in on cold winter mornings...

I believe that's the forerunner of the electric glow plug. Several models of old marine engines had that system too.