Looking at an International 250C

[jinman]

This next Sunday, I'm going to look at an Int'l 250C track loader. It's very similar to the Dresser TD20, but it is a loader configuraton with a 2+ yard bucket. I just want a dozer to use around my property to build ponds and do some dirt moving.

Has anyone used one of these? I'm told this one starts easily and runs strong. The curl cylinders have some seeping, but not much. I haven't been able to find it they have any specific problems or much else, but I did find a sales brochure spec sheet. This is an impressive dozer. It weighs about 45k lb and has a 142 hp turbocharged 8-cyl diesel.

Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Dozernut]

I had a 500C Dresser dozer, good dozer but parts for it and the Internationals are getting hard to find. The hydraulic pump on the 500C had the pump shaft snap off. I could not find a replacement pump for it and had to go to a oilfield pump shop to get a pump and have an adapter coupling custom made to match the shaft off the engine to the new pump(they have a front mounted pump that runs directly off the motor). Good dozers and track loaders but hard to find parts for them today.

 

[jinman]

they have a front mounted pump that runs directly off the motor

I'm not sure if the 250C is the same way. The spec sheet (I attached the whole thing below.) seems to say on page 2 that the hydraulic pump is 79.4 gpm and driven off the torque converter instead of directly off the engine. Am I reading this correctly? I did notice that I misstated the engine hp. It's 190 hp instead of 142.

Just so you know what I'm talking about in price, the guy is asking $8500. If it runs okay and seems to be pretty solid, that $8500 (or less if I can deal) is a pretty darn good price for a "farm" dozer.

 

[Dozernut]

I should have been clearer, my Dresser 500C dozer had a direct drive front mounted pump. This would not apply to all dozers or track loaders as they come in different configurations on the pump location and their means of drive. My point is that they no longer manufacture these models and parts are hard to come by. You can get after market undercarriage parts but be prepared for "sticker shock".
Look the undercarriage over carefully, specifically look at the sprockets, rails, track adjuster, idlers and frame pieces for cracks. Check the steering clutches to make sure they engage, check the radiator for leaks or damage. All of the items mentioned plus some others not, are high dollar items if you can find the parts. If it looks good and you found a diamond in the rough, go for it, that is a good price. You could recoup some of the price by scrapping out the 250c or parting it out if it is not workable. Good luck!

 

[jinman]

Thanks, Dozernut, good info and good advice.

 

[MODiesel]

Jim:

Something like that would be a blast to own, especially at that price. But, man, is filling it up going to generate some expense -- 110 gallons! And the Int'l motors have never been fuel misers, so be sure to have plenty on hand!

- Jay

 

[jinman]

Jim:

Something like that would be a blast to own, especially at that price. But, man, is filling it up going to generate some expense -- 110 gallons! And the Int'l motors have never been fuel misers, so be sure to have plenty on hand!

- Jay

Jay, you are so right! That 110 gal fuel tank caught my eye. Also the nearly 50 gallons of hydraulic fluid and 6-1/2 gallons of engine oil will take some serious planning at changeout time. You can bet there won't be too much joyriding going on with this dozer.

 

[tlbuser]

About parts availability, check with Heavyquip - aftermarket heavy equipment parts - final drive, torque converter, undercarriage, ground engaging, transmission, asphalt paver parts, steering, roller frame, these guys and Crawler Heaven - Construction Equipment Parts in Palmyra, NY - The Source for All of Your Bulldozer Parts Needs were great in helping me with my older JD350B.
If you think fuel, oil and filters are pricey don't buy it. According to allparts, an alternator is $452.55 Undercarriage can run into literally thousands for a rebuild.

On the bright side, they are way cool toys and will get a ton of stuff done in a hurry.

 

[crashz]

The picture doesn't do it justice. My father has a TD15 dozer and that thing is a monster.

Good luck and I hope you come home with it. If not, I think they were paying $500 a ton fro scrap machines not long ago, you could actually make money on it just by scrapping it!

 

[jinman]

The picture doesn't do it justice. My father has a TD15 dozer and that thing is a monster.

Thanks for reminding me. I will try to remember to take my camera and get some photos.

Here's the story the owner told me about the dozer. He said his neighbor is a farmer and used the dozer several years ago to build a pond. Now, mostly, it sits in his shed and is used very little. The current owner has been trying to convince the farmer to sell him the dozer. Recently, the owner found another newer dozer and made a deal for it. No sooner than getting the dozer home, the farmer called and made him an offer to sell the dozer at a great price. So now the owner has two dozers and only needs one. Since his other dozer is newer, he wants to sell the 250C. Of course, the story could be malarky, but it also sounds like it could be true.