977 Loader Question

[nicholasktu]

There is a 977 track loader for sale that is going for 3500, he said it runs and drives but doesn't steer. Before I drive 80 miles to go look at it, is this version of the 977 any good? I know later ones were pedal steer but this one looks like it has clutch levers so I assume it steers like a dozer. Also, is this the one with the D6 final drives?

Thank You,

 

[OzDozer]

The 977D was introduced in early 1956, was powered by the D318 engine rated at 100HP and used D6 undercarriage.
It was fitted with a 2.25 cu yd bucket, had oil master clutch as standard fit, and weighed 31,795lbs.

This traxcavator started with a serial number prefix of 20A, and ran from 1956 to 1958 with S/No's from 20A0001 to 20A2508.

In 1958, the upgraded 977E was introduced. The 977E was fitted with D7 undercarriage and specs were relatively unchanged from the 977D, apart from gaining weight - to 34,740lbs with the heavier undercarriage.
Serial numbers of the 977E, built from 1958 to 1960, ran from 20A2509 to 20A4222.

Both the 977D and 977E were gear (direct) drive, with hand clutch and sliding gear transmission.

In 1960, the "new" 997H was released, this traxcavator was now fitted with the turbocharged D333 engine, was 150HP, came with a powershift transmission, oil-cooled steering clutches, and weighed 36,600lbs.
Serial numbers of the 977H were from 53A0001 to 53A8886. 977H production ended in 1966.

I see nothing about differences in final drives between the models, but I may be missing something in the design changes.
Not sure if the traxcavator in your photos is a 977E or 977H, the transmission type will be the pointer.

That tractor has had a long hard life, and is not worth much if it doesn't steer. Those track pads are worn right out and you'll be struggling for traction with them.
Steering controls are simple levers operating a small hydraulic spool to disengage the steering clutches.

 

[nicholasktu]

If I have a reason to go down through that area I'll take a look at it. It is a power shift machine. I'll see if the clutches still work and take a better look at the under carriage. It would go well with my D7E, good for clearing and moving dirt. I need to see the engine oil, transmission and final drive oil too, see if any has water in it.

 

[OzDozer]

Powershift makes it a 977H for sure then - with oil-cooled clutches/brakes and the D333 engine, they were a good tractor in their day. Undercarriage condition is the major factor in determining tractor value.

 

[IceHole]

The 977D was introduced in early 1956, was powered by the D318 engine rated at 100HP and used D6 undercarriage.
It was fitted with a 2.25 cu yd bucket, had oil master clutch as standard fit, and weighed 31,795lbs.

This traxcavator started with a serial number prefix of 20A, and ran from 1956 to 1958 with S/No's from 20A0001 to 20A2508.

In 1958, the upgraded 977E was introduced. The 977E was fitted with D7 undercarriage and specs were relatively unchanged from the 977D, apart from gaining weight - to 34,740lbs with the heavier undercarriage.
Serial numbers of the 977E, built from 1958 to 1960, ran from 20A2509 to 20A4222.

Both the 977D and 977E were gear (direct) drive, with hand clutch and sliding gear transmission.

In 1960, the "new" 997H was released, this traxcavator was now fitted with the turbocharged D333 engine, was 150HP, came with a powershift transmission, oil-cooled steering clutches, and weighed 36,600lbs.
Serial numbers of the 977H were from 53A0001 to 53A8886. 977H production ended in 1966.

I see nothing about differences in final drives between the models, but I may be missing something in the design changes.
Not sure if the traxcavator in your photos is a 977E or 977H, the transmission type will be the pointer.

That tractor has had a long hard life, and is not worth much if it doesn't steer. Those track pads are worn right out and you'll be struggling for traction with them.
Steering controls are simple levers operating a small hydraulic spool to disengage the steering clutches.

I didn't realize it was a D7 setup.

I have a 977L, doesn't seem that big. Also have a 941B

 

[Dave Neubert]

If you do the repair it is feasible I would get about $3000.00 labor to do it and that is the cost of the machine

 

[nicholasktu]

I plan to go look at it soon, If the brakes need replacement but its otherwise ok, I'll think about. That and as long as the under carriage is in decent shape.

 

[Welder Dave]

The left tracks look in better shape from what I can see. Right tracks the roller flanges look to be getting pretty close to the pin bosses.

 

[Vetech63]

All I see is a LOT of money being spent in the near future.

 

[nicholasktu]

The clutches work fine but the brakes won't grab, sounds like worn out bands at best, bands, drum and bearings at worst

 

[Nige]

All I see is a LOT of money being spent in the near future.

A money pit........

 

[nicholasktu]

If it runs well I'm tempted to pick it up and stick it in a barn until I can either fix it or strip the motor and other good parts off of it. I do have work for it but its work that can wait or be done slower by my other track loader.

 

[OzDozer]

For $3.5K, you actually expect it to run well?? For that kind of money, I'd be expecting something that started with a lot of ether, smoked like a chimney, and breathed heavier than a teenage boy petting his girlfriend.

 

[nicholasktu]

I don't really, but I have to be in that area next week so I can check it out.

 

[Tyler d4c]

For $3.5K, you actually expect it to run well?? For that kind of money, I'd be expecting something that started with a lot of ether, smoked like a chimney, and breathed heavier than a teenage boy petting his girlfriend.

That's the funniest think I've read all week!!!!

 

[Cat977]

I wouldn't put time and money into a lever steer, especially a big one. It's getting harder to get parts and the big machines eat up more money. The pluss would be Cat parts are better supported than most any other make.

 

[nicholasktu]

I was wrong, its just pedal steer. The two levers in the picture are the loader controls

 

[Cat977]

The bucket looks pretty good but I don't think it fits a newer machine. Selling parts could be slow. If..... you could get it working with just a little investment you could scrap it latter and get most of your money back. These old Gals can eat your time and "your pay check" pretty easy without ending up with a valuable machine. just getting it moved can be $$. Since you have a D7 you know. I went looking for track rails for my 977K. $$ and they weren't sure they would keep making them. If you want something to keep... Personally I would think hard about saving up some more money and get a more popular or newer machine.
Best of Luck and if you need help check back in...