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Help identifying Unit Dragline and Shovel

racolton

Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2011
Messages
8
Location
Moorhead, MN
Occupation
Systems Administrator
Hello,
I visited my grandpa's place again and took more pictures of the Dragline and Shovel I am thinking of buying, but I still haven't been able to identify what the exact model number is. I'm *guessing* they are 614s because they look a lot alike and that's the only model number they have in common on the plate in the cab, but I'd like to know for certain so I can start tracking down manuals and parts lists for them. I have tiny pictures attached to this message, but you can see the huge original pictures by going to the page I created for them: http://www.thecoltons.org/unit

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thepumpguysc

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2010
Messages
7,556
Location
Sunny South Carolina
Occupation
Master Inj.Pump rebuilder
Being from Milwauke as the name plate says, I would guess Waukashaw engine? as far as the actual equipment model goes, I dont have a clue.
 

ror76a

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 18, 2007
Messages
211
Location
Michigan
I am aobut 80% sure they are 614 or 617s. Are the counterweights smooth or do they have ribs cast into them? There is a plate with the model and serial number on the top of the gear box next to the cable drums. If the plate is missing it should be stamped into the gear box in this location. The engine is a Detroit Diesel 3-71 in the dragline, 2-71 in the shovel. One nice thing about Units is that most of the models used a lot of the same parts, and they changed very little from about 1948 to the mid 70s.
 
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D&GExcavating

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 1, 2010
Messages
341
Location
Minnesota
Just make sure the rack is free on those detroits before you try to start them. Or have the intake ducting unhooked and have a 2x4 ready
 

D&GExcavating

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 1, 2010
Messages
341
Location
Minnesota
Luckily I haven't had to experience that yet, but i've heard stories from the old timers of parts flying off, sparks and hot pieces of metal flying out of the exhaust, and the engines just completely flying apart.
 

racolton

Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2011
Messages
8
Location
Moorhead, MN
Occupation
Systems Administrator
Ha, I finally found the model plates! The dragline is a Unit 617 made in 1959 and the power shovel is a Unit 614 made in 1952. Does anyone have some documentation on these? Maintenance manual, parts diagrams, etc? Many thanks!
 

racolton

Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2011
Messages
8
Location
Moorhead, MN
Occupation
Systems Administrator
Talked with John today - great guy who seems to really love these old Units. I should have an owner's/parts manual within a week, thanks ror76a!
 

UnitCrane514

Member
Joined
Jun 27, 2011
Messages
12
Location
Michigan
Occupation
Machinist
I also have manuals too these machines on PDF file, I could have saved you some money and sent them to you over email for free. I have a Unit 1020A Dragline with a 3-71. It used to be gas but the old owners put a Detroit in before they sold it to use. My email is michaelkulpa1386@gmail.com ask me any questions, I know these machines inside and out! Put up more pictures, id like to see the controls in the shovel.
 
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