Restoring the World's Largest Cat Track Loader: A 1974 Cat 983

Acquisition of the Cat 983

• 💡 The speaker acquired a 1974 Cat 983, described as Caterpillar's largest track loader ever made, weighing approximately 82,000 lbs with a 5-yard bucket.
• 💰 The purchase was made impulsively at night, with the primary justification being disposable income.
• 🛠️ The machine was rescued from a scrapyard and is noted to be in poor condition, described as a "hunk of junk" but still functional.

Initial Assessment and Fluid Checks

• ⚠️ The loader had significant issues, including poor steering (or no steering at all), low hydraulic oil, and low engine oil.
• 💧 Several gallons of engine oil and hydraulic oil were added, with the speaker noting the engine oil was very black, suggesting a potential leak.
• 🧊 Coolant levels were also checked and found to be very low, with the system holding about 80 gallons.

Addressing Steering Issues

• ⚙️ The primary mechanical issue identified was the steering, which was not functioning.
• 🔧 The speaker investigated by removing covers and attempting to tighten brake clutches to improve steering engagement.
• ✅ A simple adjustment of tightening the brake adjustment bolts by 34 clicks on each side resolved the steering problem, saving potentially thousands of dollars in repairs.

Operational Testing and Observations

• 🔥 Upon starting, a large wasp nest was discovered, and the engine produced significant heat.
• 💨 An exhaust leak was also noted.
• 🚜 The loader was tested in a dirt pile, demonstrating its ability to scoop but lacking traction in mud and having an unclear bucket level indicator.

Fluid Management and Future Plans

• 💰 The speaker opted not to immediately change all fluids due to the high cost (estimated at $5,000-$6,000), preferring to test the machine's functionality first, citing a past expensive lesson with another machine.
• ⛽ Over 50 gallons of fuel were added, and approximately 20-25 gallons of hydraulic oil were added to reach operating specifications.
• ⚠️ Cylinders were observed to be weeping, which was expected given the machine's age and condition.
• 🚧 The plan is to use the loader for moving dirt and to address further issues on a drier day.