Hi Blackfoot sorry I was away and didn't get right back to you I apologize ! I do not know the history on this 1744 it's scheduled to clear customs and be delivered to me next Wednesday !! Any info plz share will be greatly appreciated thanxs Aj
When your 1744 was ordered, the order was placed by a (then) Tucker dealer in Alaska; Fraley Equipment and Supply. In talking with the Tucker factory, they speculated that this 1744 was ordered for Aleyska, the pipeline company. That's a good thing, as they tended to take great care of their equipment. But that was in Alaska, how it ended up in Maryland I don't have a clue...
Here's the order sheet, which provides a great deal of information on the components it left the factory with, which can be very handy when looking for parts.
View attachment S-N 3773326.pdf
Some things to note, that may be of concern. Tucker 1300, 1500, and 1600 series machines were equipped with Dana 60 rear axles. Dana built these in huge numbers, and parts are both readily obtainable from a huge number of sources and reasonably priced. You'll note on the order sheet the differentials specified are "D-300" units. Those are International Harvester supplied axles and parts are very challenging to find (according to Tucker). This also has a chain-drive transfer case which Tucker used for a short time. If you need parts for that, it may be very difficult to get them as well (this info is also from Tucker).
It looks like a very heavily optioned machine and the cab at 64" wide is a very, very nice feature. The standard Tucker cab width back then was either 48" or 52". While 52" is decidedly better in my opinion, 64" would be really nice.
I'm trying to think of a nice way to put this... Tucker is expensive. I don't know what their hourly rate is currently, but maybe eight years ago (plus or minus) it was $140, and back then most repair shops were under $100/hour. I'm certain it is higher today.
I recently bought some wheel seals, and got pricing on some other parts. I then compared current prices with prices on those same parts from about eight years ago. According to an online inflation calculator, prices have generally risen about 18% in that time span. Tucker parts pricing has gone up an astounding 62%. My snowcat buddy and I just bought track belting for a machine we were working on. Tucker's price per belt (and there are 16 total on a four track Tucker) was over $125 higher per belt than any other supplier. I very much doubt Tucker would restore a machine without using their parts.
In short, my feeling is having them restore the machine will be hugely expensive. I'm sure it will look very nice, but one should have a very deep (and open) checkbook if seriously contemplating that option.
Good Luck, and please keep us posted on your progress.