Champion 720A

[buddfalen]

Hello
I have never used a forum before so I may be doig this all wrong. I just aquired a 1982 710A. I would like to find a manul and I would be very thankful to be able ask questions of someone who is familiar with this machine. Can I do that here?

 

[willie59]

Welcome to the forum buddfalen. :usa

After you make 3 posts at any thread (except TGIF) you will become a Junior Member and be able to start a new thread about your question. Go to the Welcome thread and introduce yourself, that will be another post closer to becoming a Junior Member. Here's a link for ya'.

https://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=279

 

[Grader4me]

Hello
I have never used a forum before so I may be doig this all wrong. I just aquired a 1982 710A. I would like to find a manul and I would be very thankful to be able ask questions of someone who is familiar with this machine. Can I do that here?

Welcome to HEF buddfalen! Do you have any pictures of your grader? What questions do you have? I have some experience with the older Champions.

 

[Motor Grader]

I know Champion started building their own transmissions in 1984 with the introduction of the 8400 Series transmission. I don't know if they offered different trannys during this time or not. Now that the BIG Champion graders are now Volvo they are using Volvo trannys. If this is a 8400 model transmission then I don't know how available parts are going to be today and more importantly in the future.

 

[buddfalen]

Welcome to the forum buddfalen. :usa

After you make 3 posts at any thread (except TGIF) you will become a Junior Member and be able to start a new thread about your question. Go to the Welcome thread and introduce yourself, that will be another post closer to becoming a Junior Member. Here's a link for ya'.

https://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=279

Thanks

I have followed your advice. This is new but I am learning.

 

[buddfalen]

Welcome to HEF buddfalen! Do you have any pictures of your grader? What questions do you have? I have some experience with the older Champions.

I tried to respond once but I am not sure it went. I am sorry if this shows up twice. I do have a few pictures. I will have to learn how to get them into the computer and how to send them.

Initially, I would like to find a owners/maintenance manual. Once I become more familiar with the machine, I should be able to ask better questions. Do you know where I can find the manual?

 

[Grader4me]

Do you know where I can find the manual?

No, I'm sorry but I don't. Maybe some of the other guys can help you out.

 

[kith]

Need to keep the shifter area clear of metal chips from drilling or grinding,it can make shifter do weird things!

 

[decee]

I bought an older 740.

I got my manuals from FleaBay

 

[mtrgrdr]

Looks like you made a great deal on this 1989 Series II Champion grader. The Series III was introduced in later in that year and your machine likey has many of the Series III changes except for sheet metal. It will have a Gearco (Champion) 8400 transmission which is full powershift direct drive, shifted with electric / hydraulic solenoids.There were over 25,000 of these transmissions built in Goderich, Ontario from 1984 until introduction of the Volvo-built transmissions in 2006. Despite some early issues in the first few years, the 8400 is fairly bullet proof and easily rebuilt. If you have erradic shifting check the easy things first including all electric connections and ground straps. The machine relies on good battery power and good continuity in all connections. Things improved significantly when the 24v system was introduced but 12v is OK if connections are good.

This machine will have an engine clutch which was built by Rockford and is very reliable if the freeplay at the clutch throw out lever is adjusted periodically. If you loose freeplay it won't be long before you'll be purchasing a new clutch assembly. Because the clutch is disengaged with hydraulic master cylinder you can have good freeplay at the pedal but be "riding" the clutch at the slave cylinder end.

Make sure to keep good, clean oil in the hydraulic system and transmission. Try to avoid deadheading cylinders, putting the hydraulic system over relief regularly and max'ing out the pump and you'll have great luck with this grader for many years.

 

[kith]

What have you used on the circles for lube?

 

[mtrgrdr]

Early Champion 700 Series I, II and III graders use cast iron circle support guides and clamp plates. While the cast iron components are supposed to be softer than the steel circle, these machines absolutely require some type of circle lubrication with most operators using spray-on graphite or a good quality HP grease. These systems should NOT be run without some form of circle lubrication but opinions very on which is best.

Later Series III and all further 700 Series Champions and Volvos use the company's trademark "Duramide" circle support system. There is no metal to metal contact in these systems and no external lubrication is required. Running these systems dry can actually improve circle turn power since grease attracts dirt and in extreme case can actually increase friction while under down pressure as opposed to running the circle dry.

All earlier 700 Series graders can be retrofitted with the Duramide clamps and guides. Each system is shim adjustable and should be maintained with about 1/16 - 1/8" verticle and horizontal clearance provided that all componennts are in good condition.

If you have an earlier (cast iron) machine with circle wear, you may have to play with the adjustment a bit, increase the clearance and do the best you can.

 

[chansey]

Hi All,

Can anyone discern the year of manufacture for Champion 720A SN: 720-54-117-0530-2, M00222745. Not real firm on this since someone else took down the numbers. It has a 6 cy Allis-Chalmers engine that is in pieces with all new parts including new crank, etc. Only known missing items at this time are the injectors.

Overall condition is good with 2570 Hrs, 80% tires and new cutting edge.

Would like some idea of value. Need to have it hauled about 200 miles to get it home.

Thanks

 

[Silveroddo]

The serial number breaks down to this
It came with the Allis motor
Its got a clark power shift trans
There were 117 made just like it
There were 530 machines in that serial number system when it was produced
It was made in South Carolina

I would guess its an early 80's machine, I would also assume at this point that that 2570 hours is on the repower, not the actual hours. Unless there are records to indicate otherwise I'd just assume it had 10000 hours on it prior to the repower, because unless you have documentation no one really knows.

A good running machine in decent shape should bring 15k +/- . In my opinion the 670T Allis is a detraction in its value,
Size and condition of the rubber will also affect its value by a few thousand bucks. Given what it sounds like I probably wouldn't pay more than 5k for it unless your have a plan or an inside track on something,
* just reread your post, with 80% rubber (Bias or radials?) you have some money in tires there so it maybe worth a little more

 

[chansey]

Silveroddo,

Thanks for the info.

Called the local Volvo dealer to try and get some info based on the SN but they couldn't help me. The Service Manager said he'd call me if he found any thing. He called back 2 hrs later. He said that in 2008 the machine had been in for service and had the same ser# on the work order but could not determine the age of the grader. He also stated that the hrs on the machine in 2008 was 2137.

The agency that has the grader bought it new and is in a very remote area. I believe that the hr meter has original hours. The machine looks to be in great condition, no rust or noticeable wear. The only repair work that I can see is the tilt brackets are new. According to the shop mechanic, operator left the machine running on a steep incline and it just did not get enough oil.

Looks like the machine can be had in the $1,000 range because it is remote. I have a 6BTT in my garage that would be a good candidate for a repower. Although all of the new parts are with the the machine, a Allis-Chalmers diesel just doesn't appeal to many people. Because of condition and proximity to my home, I can afford to put some extra money into the machine for a new Cummins diesel. I got the engine as "boot" in a trade so I really don't have anything in the engine. Swapping in a 4BT in a Trojan 1500Z to replace a 5 cylinder Deutz. Again, the detraction factor. I know it is a bargain given what junkers go for at auction. I plan to keep the grader around for a few years. I also have a lot of work for one.

Just for my own FYI, how/where did you find the info on this machine whereas the dealer had no clue?

Thanks .... Paul

USMC Vietnam Vet 1964-65

 

[Silveroddo]

I've had that same experience with any Volvo parts guy I've talk to, pretty much worthless when it comes to Champion. Jade Equipment out of Canada is really on the ball and there was a place in SD I believe that was still selling parts but I can't seem to locate them now.
http://www.varvayanis.com/sp/Equipm...s_I_Operators_Manual_Revision_1_8-24-1977.pdf Somewhere around page 10 of that is the Champion serial # break down, its located in all of their service and operator manuals.
http://www.varvayanis.com/sp/Equipment/Champion_730A.htm these guys have a few of the manuals online in digital format.

I'd say for $1000 you couldn't go wrong, (Apparently they don't know its value as scrap, lol) and swapping in an 8.3 would be the ideal scenario. If you get into that project I'd be curious to know what it takes, or find out what you have for 670T parts left over as I'm working on resurrecting one at the moment (And wishing it had been repowered with an 8.3 instead of the Allis, lol)

 

[Silveroddo]

Actually looking at your S/N again I missed something. It looks like that machine is a straight 720, not an articulated model. I have an identical machine (720-54-109-0417-2) . This changes the value quite a bit because its pretty likely this is a series 1 machine and not a series 2 which makes it roughly 1979-1982. Value on these is quite a bit less but they are still a good machine and for the money I still don't think you could go wrong.

 

[chansey]

The machine is definitely articulated

Am I understanding that Allis-Chalmers engines were not OEM to the grader? According to the agency mechanic, it was received with the A/C in it.

I'm set on getting the unit because I have not been able to find anything with in the state that even comes close to this. I too feel it a good choice for many reasons. The 4BT of my Trojan Loader is similar to this. Had all 4 new tires, excellent overall condition, 5 miles from the house and only $3,000. 4BT came with Sae#2 housing and flywheel. Torque converter on the loader was SAE #2. Made an adapter to go from SAE #2 to #3 and now making a filler plate to take care of the gap between the flywheel and flex plates. Actually pretty straight forward. Grader should about the same.


Adapter to go from SAE 2 to SAE #3


This plate will go behind the flex plate so that the plates can be connected to the flywheel--That's basically it, The only other fab item is the motor mounts. Fits nicely and I go from 98 HP Deutz to 4BT 138 HP.

 

[chansey]

720A Instruction Manual

Silveraddo,

Really want to thank you for the links you provided--gona save a lot of trial and error time figuring out what the functions are.

From what I've read, the A/C engine was an option. Now I understand why so many have the 4-71's, it was the standard power source.

I'll know where I stand on buying it in the next few days.

Paul

 

[DSS]

Hi guys. Can anyone tell me where the best place would be to either buy a rebuilt transmission controller, or to send mine to be rebuilt? It's a 1987 740. We tried swapping the controller with a known good one and all the problems went away, so we're sure that's it.

Thanks