catagator

[swampballs]

Hello everyone,
Im a longtime collector of unusual things that go through the woods and i recently found a 1966 catagator that was all there including the gigantic kohler engine and all 16 tires and tracks, ive paid for it and should have it home the weekend, but im curious if anyone knows how these things go in the woods, top speed ? climbing ? floating ? it looks like its easy to work on stuff and i know i can get it working, but what should i expect when im ready for the trial run, i usually get so excited i go for the swamp and 3hrs later i get her home after i pay a wrecker to winch me out.
need input in new hampshire, thanks

[Joe M]

Hi swampballs,
Catagators are not fast. I have two of the sixteen wheel models with tracks. When you get it running just remember the steering levers are spring loaded and it is always in forward. When you engage the clutch it will move forward. When you pull back on the sticks it will go in reverse. No transmission to shift. Mine both have the Kohler k662 opposed twin engine. No parts are available for these engines. Never had mine in the water, so I don't know how they will do. Here's a video of one of my Catagators.

[swampballs]

the catagator

hi joe,
im laughing cause ive watched you in that thing 10 times last week after i found the one i bought and ran to the computer to see what i could find on it,
you have already replied to a private post, thank you for your help.
the one i found has a manual hydraulic valve mounted on the left side under the window, it looks like you flip the lever to engage and flip it back to disengage,, so tight manuvering in trees will have to be done going slow!
you mentioned you pumped your pedal to engage and had a button activated salanoid on the lever. if thats original mine has been mickeyed. oh well i still like it and i do have that nice big pedal that says POWER still in good shape,,i,ll send you some pics when i get her here.
thanks again, sonny in new hampshire

[Joe M]

Look forward to seeing the photos.

Joe