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The International TD-15C dozer equipped with a D600 blade—originally Massey Ferguson, later Hanomag and eventually Terex—requires careful sourcing and fitting of cutting edges and trunnion components due to legacy design transitions and limited aftermarket support.
TD-15C Background and Blade Evolution
The TD-15C crawler tractor was produced by International Harvester during the 1970s and 1980s, designed for mid-size earthmoving, forestry, and construction work. With an operating weight around 35,000 lbs and powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, the TD-15C was known for its balance of power and maneuverability. It featured torque converter drive, hydraulic blade control, and a modular undercarriage.
The D600 blade attached to some TD-15C units was originally manufactured by Massey Ferguson, a company better known for agricultural equipment. Massey’s construction division was acquired by Hanomag, a German manufacturer, which was later absorbed by Terex. This lineage complicates parts sourcing, as blade components may carry Massey, Hanomag, or Terex identifiers.
Terminology and Component Overview
Finding a replacement cutting edge for the D600 blade involves several complications:
A contractor in Maine reported difficulty finding trunnion balls for his D600 blade. After failing to locate a salvage Hanomag unit, he opted to machine custom balls from hardened steel. The process required precise lathe work and heat treatment but restored full blade articulation.
Another operator in Alberta found that his cutting edge bolt holes were misaligned due to a previous weld repair. He used a magnetic drill to re-bore the holes and installed a segmented edge to allow easier future replacement.
Preventive Measures and Long-Term Maintenance
Replacing the cutting edge on a TD-15C with a D600 blade requires more than just bolt-on installation—it demands attention to legacy part compatibility, accurate measurement, and sometimes custom fabrication. With careful planning and proactive maintenance, operators can keep these classic machines productive and precise, even decades after their original manufacture.
TD-15C Background and Blade Evolution
The TD-15C crawler tractor was produced by International Harvester during the 1970s and 1980s, designed for mid-size earthmoving, forestry, and construction work. With an operating weight around 35,000 lbs and powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, the TD-15C was known for its balance of power and maneuverability. It featured torque converter drive, hydraulic blade control, and a modular undercarriage.
The D600 blade attached to some TD-15C units was originally manufactured by Massey Ferguson, a company better known for agricultural equipment. Massey’s construction division was acquired by Hanomag, a German manufacturer, which was later absorbed by Terex. This lineage complicates parts sourcing, as blade components may carry Massey, Hanomag, or Terex identifiers.
Terminology and Component Overview
- Cutting Edge: The hardened steel strip bolted to the bottom of the blade, responsible for slicing into soil and material.
- Trunnion Ball: A spherical bearing that allows blade tilt and articulation, mounted between the blade arms and push frame.
- Blade Moldboard: The curved surface of the blade that rolls material forward.
- Bolt Pattern: The spacing and layout of bolt holes used to secure the cutting edge to the blade.
Finding a replacement cutting edge for the D600 blade involves several complications:
- Manufacturer transitions: With Massey Ferguson’s construction division passing through Hanomag and Terex, part numbers and catalogs may be inconsistent.
- Blade identification: Some blades were retrofitted or modified, making visual inspection and measurement essential.
- Trunnion compatibility: The original TD-15C trunnion balls may not fit the Hanomag-style blade mounts, requiring machining or salvage parts.
- Measure the cutting edge dimensions: Length, thickness, bolt spacing, and hole diameter must be recorded precisely.
- Inspect the blade moldboard for wear or warping. A new edge may not seat properly if the blade is distorted.
- Contact specialized suppliers who deal in legacy dozer blades. Some may stock Hanomag or Terex-compatible edges.
- Consider custom fabrication if OEM parts are unavailable. Many machine shops can cut and drill hardened edges to spec.
- Replace trunnion balls with matched sets. Mixing old International balls with Hanomag sockets may cause binding or uneven wear.
A contractor in Maine reported difficulty finding trunnion balls for his D600 blade. After failing to locate a salvage Hanomag unit, he opted to machine custom balls from hardened steel. The process required precise lathe work and heat treatment but restored full blade articulation.
Another operator in Alberta found that his cutting edge bolt holes were misaligned due to a previous weld repair. He used a magnetic drill to re-bore the holes and installed a segmented edge to allow easier future replacement.
Preventive Measures and Long-Term Maintenance
- Inspect cutting edge wear monthly, especially in rocky or abrasive conditions.
- Tighten edge bolts regularly to prevent loosening and blade damage.
- Grease trunnion bearings weekly to reduce friction and extend life.
- Keep a parts log with blade serial numbers and measurements for future sourcing.
- Store spare edges indoors to prevent rust and pitting before installation.
Replacing the cutting edge on a TD-15C with a D600 blade requires more than just bolt-on installation—it demands attention to legacy part compatibility, accurate measurement, and sometimes custom fabrication. With careful planning and proactive maintenance, operators can keep these classic machines productive and precise, even decades after their original manufacture.
