Euclid's C-6 tractor: an overview by Richard Campbell

Introduced by Euclid in 1959 after extensive field testing, the C-6 (half of a TC-12) was classed as a D7-sized track type tractor. Rather individual in appearance, with its radiator in the back, the C-6 didn’t resemble any other track type tractors of the time. This did not detract from the machine’s performance however and the C-6 went on to establish a good reputation for strength and reliability.

The General Motors research and development team did a great deal of work before finally settling on the final layout of the tractor, deliberately keeping the nose free for the mounting of equipment and, at the same time, maintaining a narrow profile for better forward visibility.

Locating the radiator at the back of the tractor also ensured that it was protected from damage and reduced the buildup of trash and leaves that often plague machines with conventionally mounted radiators.

The radiator cooling fan was driven by an extension shaft from the engine.

Although a Cummins engine could be installed at build time as an option, most often the powerplant of preference was the GM Detroit Diesel 6-71, and the Cummins option was subsequently discontinued after a couple of years.

Initially the GM 6-71 was producing 218 horsepower but this was raised quite early in the machine’s life to 227 horsepower.

An Allison full powershift transmission with three forward and three reverse speeds was connected to the engine and the balance of the machine’s powertrain was manufactured by Euclid, including the undercarriage.

Planetary final drives were standard right from the start, Euclid being one of the very first manufacturers to use these in a track type tractor.

The machine was usually supplied with 20 inch track shoes, although there were, of course, many optional sizes that could be fitted depending on the end user’s requirements.

Even on early versions of the tractor, access to the operator’s compartment was easy, with a wide flat deck that provided plenty of legroom.

The air cleaner was moved from the operator’s right to a position under the bonnet, for better visibility reasonably early in the machine’s production run.

From the outset, all the operating levers were mounted close to the operator and, although the number and position of some of them changed as the machine was developed, there were never any projecting through the deck plate other than the master brake pedal and decelerator, making for an exceptionally clean clutter free layout.

As mentioned previously, visibility was very good to most quarters. However, when fitted with the single cylinder hydraulic blade lift ram, visibility straight ahead was somewhat limited, especially when push loading scrapers – the author speaks from experience!

The C-6/82-30 underwent several upgrade phases during its production life. These upgrades changed the machine’s appearance only marginally as most of the improvements were internal.

Machine build phases can be categorized as follows: C-6-2 (first true production model introduced in 1959), C-6-3, C-6-4, C-6-5, 82-30EA, 82-30FA and 82-30FAT (a turbocharged version).

The Terex name was introduced during production of the 82-30 FA.

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