MT Rancher
Member
Just picked up Cat 977K (S# 46K608) from gsa auction in Yellowstone National Park. Greased and checked levels then did a little work around corrals at ranch. Appears to be nicely maintained and everything worked as it should. I am new to this tracked loader and was impressed with its size and power.
However, it is missing the thick counter weight in the back. I asked the YNP maintenance manager about it and he said it never had it since they acquired it from another govt agency years ago. I had heaping bucket loads of dirt and didn’t notice tipping tendency but I am sure it is on there normally for good reason. I am ultimately interested in having a ripper on back as I think that would be best for my ranch use. I assume ripper mounts directly to machine without counter weight.
How much does that counter weight weigh? Does it have inner section that mounts to machines studs and and outer section that then mounts to it? Looking at pictures of 977k’s with counter weights look like I see 4 studs with nuts in a horizontal line about midway up weight (my machine has large studs running up and down vertically on each side so doesn’t appear to match - see pic).
Just so you know, my machine does have the third hydraulic control and it is plumbed up front for I assume a 4 in 1 bucket or another front implement (it doesn’t currently have 4 in 1 bucket and lines are capped). If I could find a ripper and get it plumbed to existing third valve that would be my preferred option. Is ripper an adequate counter weight and how does ripper weight compare to OEM counterweight?
I have ordered appropriate service/shop manuals and the parts manual but not sure they will be that helpful for my questions. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
MT Rancher
However, it is missing the thick counter weight in the back. I asked the YNP maintenance manager about it and he said it never had it since they acquired it from another govt agency years ago. I had heaping bucket loads of dirt and didn’t notice tipping tendency but I am sure it is on there normally for good reason. I am ultimately interested in having a ripper on back as I think that would be best for my ranch use. I assume ripper mounts directly to machine without counter weight.
How much does that counter weight weigh? Does it have inner section that mounts to machines studs and and outer section that then mounts to it? Looking at pictures of 977k’s with counter weights look like I see 4 studs with nuts in a horizontal line about midway up weight (my machine has large studs running up and down vertically on each side so doesn’t appear to match - see pic).
Just so you know, my machine does have the third hydraulic control and it is plumbed up front for I assume a 4 in 1 bucket or another front implement (it doesn’t currently have 4 in 1 bucket and lines are capped). If I could find a ripper and get it plumbed to existing third valve that would be my preferred option. Is ripper an adequate counter weight and how does ripper weight compare to OEM counterweight?
I have ordered appropriate service/shop manuals and the parts manual but not sure they will be that helpful for my questions. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
MT Rancher