I'm glad you got home safely. That is a Heavy Duty Tucker!!! Wow!
Thanks for the photos and information. I've found Jeff at Tucker to be an exceptional resource. He is hugely knowledgeable and generous with his time answering questions and giving suggestions. I think he is a great "ambassador" for Tucker.
The pictures you have posted along with the data sheet and brochure are very interesting.
Considering it's 32 years old and was made for hard usage it looks like it's in excellent condition.
From that info here are some thoughts as to what may be different on your machine than the more conventional 1500 and 1600 series machines. I could be completely wrong on any of these, but here goes:
- It looks like they used heavier wall square tubing on the frame (1/4" vs 3/16") also more supports and gusseting.
- From earlier photos it looks like your lower frame longitudinal members are wider at the ends and curve inward in the middle (probably to allow clearance for the carriers to rotate about the axle housings). The lighter duty Tuckers have straight frame rails.
-Those tracks are very wide. A standard Tucker track of that era is 28". From the brochure those are 46". That's huge. it looks like the rubber track belts are spaced further apart.
-Much heavier machine. Between the Diesel engine, heavier frame, monster axles and wide tracks your Tucker is roughly 2,500 lbs heavier.
This should be considered unsolicited advice, but SnoTrans' offer is a screaming deal. Parts for Tuckers add up -FAST. Used parts can sometimes be found, and even then not cheap. I don't think Tucker made many 2700 series machines, so the chance of finding used parts in good shape would be slim. If I had a 2742...I'd be on the phone already.
Congratulations on your machine!!!
