Dresser 125e Possible Purchase

[j_henderson]

Hello all,

Just joined the forum, first time poster.
I’m looking at purchasing a Dresser 125e

It has a 9600 serial number so I believe it’s a 1985 model.

Has 4 in 1 bucket, front hydraulics work and engine runs good, unsure on hours.

The owner previous to the current was using it to clear land when it suddenly wouldn’t move forward. The current owner purchased in this condition, changed to trans filter and it moved for a few minutes. Torque converter was leaking fluid so he pulled it off and had it rebuilt. I now won’t move at all - forward or reverse. “it feels like it wants to move when you put it in gear but it doesn’t.” He’s just looking to get rid of it now.

UC is in decent shape, overall straight machine.

What would be the most common culprits of this behavior. I can likely get the machine for a good deal/few thousand bucks, I wouldn’t mind having to put some money into it to get it right.

I haven’t yet gone to look at the machine, just going off what the current owner has said and pictures. What’s the worse case scenario here? Trans rebuild? What would I be looking at worse case cost scenario to get it fixed? Just trying to see what I may be getting into. 

Thanks all!

[Binderdan]

Wonder if he cleaned the transmission suction screen too when he changed the transmission pressure filter? I'd look to see if the driveshaft is spinning when it wont move. That will help determine if its a transmission or a torque converter issue. Keep in mind these machines are designed to be run at full throttle. If not they may seem like a weak transmission or torque converter. 

Probably worst case needs transmission rebuilt. Not a lot of sources of experienced people to rebuild them. Depending where you are I can tell you a few places to call if it comes to that. 

[j_henderson]

Thanks @Binderdan

I'll check on the suction screen. 

Trying to go take a look at the machine early next week. 

I'm in central North Carolina btw. 

[Binderdan]

When you go take a look at it get a photo of the serial tag located usually below the seat. If the floor cover is off or loose get a photo under the operator floor. This will help us identify which transmission it has. 

The filter is under the arm rest so easily accessed. The suction screen is in the transmission itself and accessed through a cover in the belly pan. So often overlooked and neglected. 

NC is a long ways from most of the parts and knowledge sources but not the end of the world. I just left that area a week ago, otherwise I'd go check it out with you. 

[j_henderson]

Just went by to check it out over lunch, owner is out of town but let me come by, battery out so I couldn’t crank it, she’s a little rough, partially disassembled, needs several hoses, throttle linkage, only one leaking cylinder (on the 4in1), UC looks good other than kinked chain, over 6200 hours on it, has the small trans and long driveshaft, it was spinning freely, owner seems to believe there’s something wrong with the selector valve, I’ll try to post some pics

[j_henderson]

He did say he changed filter fluid and cleaned suction screen

[j_henderson]

[Binderdan]

Good looking machine! Looks to be a very early Dresser machine, still had the IH DT239 engine and the "International HOUGH" on the serial tag. I'd send you to my "Crawler Flexplates" thread for some good photos and info but mine has the large transmission so its a little different. Still might be worth a read as the machines are still very similar. 

Looking forward to seeing more on this machine if you get it. Good luck!