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Reviving a Vintage Caterpillar Dozer
In the rugged terrain of the Pacific Northwest, a weathered Caterpillar dozer sat dormant for nearly a decade before being coaxed back to life. The machine, likely a D6 or D7 from the 1950s or early 1960s, bore the marks of hard labor—rusted panels, faded paint, and a canopy that may have once carried the Fleco brand, a company known for producing forestry protection gear and custom attachments for heavy equipment.
Despite its age, the dozer’s core remained intact. With a few hours of effort, a pair of operators managed to start the engine, load it onto a trailer, and deliver it to its new home. The process involved checking fuel lines, priming the injectors, and manually engaging the starter—a testament to the mechanical simplicity and resilience of early Caterpillar designs.
Fleco Canopies and Forestry Adaptations
Fleco, short for Florida Equipment Company, was a prominent supplier of aftermarket attachments in the mid-20th century. Their forestry canopies were designed to shield operators from falling limbs and debris during logging operations. These structures were often bolted directly to the dozer’s frame and featured reinforced mesh and steel plating.
In regions like Oregon and Washington, Fleco-equipped dozers were common in timber clearing and road building. The canopy seen in the revived machine may have been part of such a setup, though its markings were no longer visible. Fleco ceased operations in the early 2000s, but their legacy lives on in the equipment still working in the woods.
Starting Old Equipment After Long Storage
Bringing a dormant dozer back to life requires patience and mechanical intuition. Key steps include:
Preserving and Operating Vintage Dozers
While modern equipment offers electronic diagnostics and ergonomic controls, vintage dozers remain valuable for their simplicity and durability. They are often used for:
Conclusion
The revival of an old Caterpillar dozer in the Pacific Northwest is more than a mechanical success—it’s a tribute to the enduring legacy of heavy equipment built for hard work and harsh conditions. With a little effort and respect for the past, these machines continue to serve, reminding us that old iron still has a place in the modern world.
In the rugged terrain of the Pacific Northwest, a weathered Caterpillar dozer sat dormant for nearly a decade before being coaxed back to life. The machine, likely a D6 or D7 from the 1950s or early 1960s, bore the marks of hard labor—rusted panels, faded paint, and a canopy that may have once carried the Fleco brand, a company known for producing forestry protection gear and custom attachments for heavy equipment.
Despite its age, the dozer’s core remained intact. With a few hours of effort, a pair of operators managed to start the engine, load it onto a trailer, and deliver it to its new home. The process involved checking fuel lines, priming the injectors, and manually engaging the starter—a testament to the mechanical simplicity and resilience of early Caterpillar designs.
Fleco Canopies and Forestry Adaptations
Fleco, short for Florida Equipment Company, was a prominent supplier of aftermarket attachments in the mid-20th century. Their forestry canopies were designed to shield operators from falling limbs and debris during logging operations. These structures were often bolted directly to the dozer’s frame and featured reinforced mesh and steel plating.
In regions like Oregon and Washington, Fleco-equipped dozers were common in timber clearing and road building. The canopy seen in the revived machine may have been part of such a setup, though its markings were no longer visible. Fleco ceased operations in the early 2000s, but their legacy lives on in the equipment still working in the woods.
Starting Old Equipment After Long Storage
Bringing a dormant dozer back to life requires patience and mechanical intuition. Key steps include:
- Fuel system inspection: Drain old diesel, replace filters, and check for water contamination
- Battery and electrical check: Clean terminals, test voltage, and inspect starter solenoid
- Oil and coolant levels: Ensure fluids are topped off and free of sludge
- Manual priming: Use hand pumps or gravity feed to get fuel to the injectors
- Starter engagement: Older models may require manual lever operation or external jump-starting
Preserving and Operating Vintage Dozers
While modern equipment offers electronic diagnostics and ergonomic controls, vintage dozers remain valuable for their simplicity and durability. They are often used for:
- Land clearing on private property
- Road maintenance in remote areas
- Historical demonstrations and restoration projects
- Training grounds for mechanical apprentices
- Sourcing parts from salvage yards or specialty suppliers
- Using non-detergent oils compatible with older seals and gaskets
- Installing auxiliary fuel filters to protect injectors
- Documenting serial numbers and build dates for accurate service
Conclusion
The revival of an old Caterpillar dozer in the Pacific Northwest is more than a mechanical success—it’s a tribute to the enduring legacy of heavy equipment built for hard work and harsh conditions. With a little effort and respect for the past, these machines continue to serve, reminding us that old iron still has a place in the modern world.
