Heavy Equipment Salvage: SOLD - 1980 Caterpillar D550/D44B articulating dump truck, Weare, NH

HIGH BID = $2,200.00

BIDDER = COADY'S GARAGE & TOWING

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Please submit your bid direct to us by Deadline April 6, 2009.

1980 Caterpillar D550 model articulated off-road dump truck, equipped with a Cat 3408 450HP diesel engine, a 4-speed transmission, 2 axles, all wheel drive, 33.25-29 tires (air filled). The rear frame and dump body are a D44 model configuration of a single rear drive axle and 31 cubic yard dump body. Serial number 55DB2924.

These articulated off highway dump trucks were manufactured in England by DJB Engineering. They had Caterpillar engines, transmissions and axles, and about 30% of all trucks made came to the U.S. The serial number plate does not have a model number, but the serial number suggests a D550 model number. The D550; however, is a tandem rear axle truck that is 4’ longer. It has the same 4x4 drive axle configuration as the D44 – the rear axle is not a drive axle.

The owner did not know the age of the truck, or the hours, but said that when they order parts, they have to order from a Caterpillar D550 model number. We contacted Caterpillar, who confirmed their system shows the truck is a 1980 D550.

We have researched the differences and find that the D44 and D550 were essentially the same truck, separated only by the difference of a larger dump body and tandem axle configuration that made the D550 larger, and able to carry more pay load. We have concluded that someone dismantled the truck at some point and matched the D550 front frame to a D44 rear frame/dump body.

Damages were sustained to the entire cab, engine compartment wiring, plumbing, hydraulics, fuel lines, engine accessories & belts, intake & exhaust, because of fire. The transmission was in close proximity to the fire, the transfer case is farther back.