Buying A Huge Cat 977k Track Loader

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[@heatherlane9270]

What would we ever do without good friends like Charlie! They are worth their weight in gold.

[@daveammerman8274]

Hey Chris did Charlie get a trailer yet

[@kiljoysvnzr0]

5:03 "There's no dipstick, you just pour a gallon of oil in every time you crank it", Oh man thats hilarious!

[@raystaugustfla31]

Looking forward to a series of getting this piece of equipment in order.

[@claystarke7406]

Gotta love Charlies reference to Jeff Anderson's named equipment

[@MortenBulskov]

Well you can always ask Diesel Creek about maintenance. He just got one that's a tad older 😊

[@DieselCreek]

Oooo I like Betty….. makes me wanna go play with my 977! Also I’m sure there’s a comment on it already but the throttle is designed to not let you rev the engine past half throttle until you have sufficient oil pressure. Oh and if you think a few buckets of hyd oil and fuel are pricy you’d better buckle up when you service the transmission lol

[@letsdig18]

wait you have to service that too LOL

[@bernlew977]

Yes popi

[@robmatthewswoodturning4988]

Came to see if he'd bought yours!

[@george8873]

Was curious if you were gonna comment on Chris's purchase Matt, lol.

[@brucebenson9651]

If this had trees growing through it, DC would be the man! Love it!

[@bennetts-revenge_2]

Wow so cool to see old equipment getting a new life. You'll have her looking good in no time Chris. Charlie sure sounds like a friend of my husband at one time.

[@sterny4720]

Chris, we drain and pressure wash old tanks with hot water all the time. Take out every plug and access panel in the tank. It's a fabtastic way to clean out the majority of the rust. Also, after cleaning,, you can adapt the primary fuel filter setup from a 950B Cat wheel loader to act as your strainer before your fuel filters. It has a wire mesh element that is cheap and easy to change in no time at all. It'll pay for itself in clogged fuel filters in no time. Blow out all the steel fuel lines with compressed air, or replace with new fuel lines when you're cleaning the fuel system. I'll try to send an email with those part numbers to you

[@zzirSnipzz1]

We have an external filter on our fuel tank it has to go through before it goes into the tank as the new engines hate dirt does nothing but cause problems

[@goaheadmakeourdayscooterpe9644]

Seeing this brought back memories of using a 977 back in the late 70's and early 80's at Bethlehem Steel for cleaning out under the electric arc furnaces after they tapped a heat. You had 10 -15 minutes to clean out all the hot slag and often steel when they overflowed the ladle or had a burn thru.The warning light would go on within 30 secs. from the intense heat but that thing would slow but never quit. What a beast of a machine in it's day.

[@two-strokesmoke7289]

Got a Ditch Witch 7610 that had been sitting for years, fuel smelled awful, fought it a couple of years. I finally took the plug out the bottom of the tank and pressure washed the tank, has not missed a lick since, runs like a race car!!!!!!

[@MichaelJones1527]

Glad to see you buy some old school equipment. NON EGR, no computer, my type of dozer. When you finish with it you'll love it.

[@user-es6jt6eb7t]

But !! - if the Pins n Bushes in the loader arm are goosed !!! itll take some keeping working- its where do ya quit mending

[@MichaelJones1527]

@@user-es6jt6eb7t I would mend on those every week instead of fighting Def problems and sensor problems on the new stuff. You're going to wear out pins and bushings on the new stuff too. At least you don't have to wait a week for a tech to come out and put his computer on it and tell you a no-good emissions sensor d rated your equipment.

[@ringstinga]

That is one big lump of iron Chris !! Great to see friends helping each other out. Respect from Scotland.

[@typeebs93]

I'm starting to see a pattern emerge with KZbin equipment owners and operators. Andrew Camarata has a 977, Matt from diesel creek has a 977 and now Chris has one.

[@snowblowerman5115]

Now let's see chris get a 988 like Andrew has that would be cool

[@michaelsnell4034]

Now we just need Marty T to come over n fix it all.

[@MATTLEism]

@@michaelsnell4034 With very minimal tools he would have those fully rebuilt 😂🤣😂🤣

[@Mike7478F]

The Cats outa the bag!!

[@PiazzaWoodWorks]

This shit gets the views!

[@derrillbalshaw1199]

Old Betty has a frozen link on the left track. A few love taps with a 14lb lump hammer should help free it off.

[@mischef18]

I can just imagine old Jeff will have a big grin on his face bro, Charlie is one of those friends everyone wished they had. Looks a good purchase too so looking forward to the next video. Safe travels up your way

[@railfan439]

Tune in again for the next thrilling episode of, The Loader Repairs! This is almost a Diesel Creek story. Thanks for the video. Jon

[@gwpsr58]

Not enough belt squeal. He wouldn't want it. :)

[@BeytekinConstructionMachinery]

✨ Now we're talking! Congrats to your new old power loader. ✨

[@gthiii]

She is a “beast”, but if anybody can whip her into shape, it’s you Chris. Good luck with her. Tom

[@ConstructionMachineryChannel]

Agree, looking forward to this one.

[@mikeyb5581]

Congrats Chris, on your new old machine. The Cat 977 was the last piece of equipment my dad ran before he retired. He just loved it. He was an operating engineer out of Pittsburgh Pa. Taught me how to work. My wife says that he taught me almost too good. LOL Now I'm retired. Life's lessons were the best way to grow up and grow old. Make Betty shine and work good for ya, Chris! Blessing my man!

[@johndehoog5567]

Well if there's anybody who knows how to apply TLC to heavy equipment its got to be you Chris. I'm really impressed with the maintenance you perform on your equipment. Also you are one of the few owner operators that uses a pressure washer on his equipment. Hope you don't find any surprises on Betty. She may not win any beauty contest bur she a handsome piece of equipment.

[@Tedinoz]

Guys like Charlie and Chris. That’s true friendship. We know Charlie has a to-do backlog that would choke a dog but here he is taking time out to help a mate.

[@simonhow3018]

Spent most my school holidays in 977L still got the ops manual somewhere .. beast of a machine before the 360 took over .. dads old one is still being used for stone trim 👍🏻

[@fivehigh4718]

good to see you got her lets dig, we all know you will keep her in good running condition, these machines are tough and reliable as it gets, built to last and will last many life times over todays new.

[@cullenmiller8170]

Looks like a pretty good machine from my view. They spent some money on the under carriage. Definitely, drop all the belly pans and steam clean all that dirt out of it. Steam cleaner in the tank works pretty good. I had to do that on a bunch of them before. Cat has some screens that go in the filler neck and invest in a lockable fuel cap. That machine will make you cry coming out of all your nice machines with cabs and widgets and gadgets. 🤣🤣

[@trevorvanbremen4718]

This one's a PORSCHE though right?? 977 is visually similar to 911? I think the A/C on the 977 cab would be almost ideal for Jerry over on the DP channel (although I suspect he'd need to adjust the blend doors a bit). It seems like the 977 has become somewhat popular lately - almost as if it was a skid-steer-on-steroids?

[@mikeznel6048]

Them oldins are the good ones. Like you said, don't have to worry about emissions junk leaving you broke down. You can take them through the woods and not worry about breaking them or scratch them. Parts are cheap and they're easy to fix and maintain. Great purchase!

[@snopro1901]

Spent many nights and weekends burning back in the day with one of these. Cat 977k with brush rake and dozer style grouser pads. With the right rake this would work good for pushing to your burn piles. Good luck with the old girl!

[@stevechapman7053]

Soo cool Chris! Please do some videos on gettin Ole Betty back in shape. If the last couple years of watching you and how you take care of your equipment, I know she'll be spit shined.

[@johndeere700h9]

My dad always love the old cat 955-977 they was great for digging rock out. Thanks for sharing Chris.

[@jimm2099]

Dang, that bamboo must have really got on your nerves! Well that and DEF, she really is a beast. Can't wait to see Old Betty working for you. As always thanks for all the vides Chris.

[@jamesvwblack]

So jealous Chris, what a beautiful beast ! Can’t wait to see it in tip top condition and working for you

[@JonDisnard]

Watching letsdig operate is always fun, watching one of his mentor consult is really fun. To think there are guys out there who have so much experience is phenomenal.

[@jasonmckee5030]

I bought one like it bout 4 years ago and used it in my chirt pit to load trucks to keep from having to bring my trackhoe in to load but a man came along that wanted it worse than I did so I sold it and made a little bit off it. It was extremely stout. Mine didn't have a 4 in 1 bucket. Mine was kinda slow but loading my trucks, it did good. Thanks for sharing this video with us Chris. Can't wait to see you operating it.

[@billsmith5581]

Wow this brings back memories….. I had a lot of time on a ‘65 955 and same year as your 977……. It’s definitely a hoss loader and once you get everything fixed up and get her looking good you’ll be proud to run her……. There’s not too much that can stop a good running 977 and we made some decent money with her…… just a pain to haul around hahaha……. You’ll be happy with it Chris……

[@allenbeaulieu7077]

Congrats Chris, a new member of the family. Ole Betty looks like she still has plenty of life in her. Good luck with the fuel system and the leak. Can’t wait to see her getting her pretty little finger nails dirty.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Chris and Charlie stand up comedy hour! That bit with the STP cleaner was hilarious 🤣🤣🤣

[@laurelherbert2879]

No have ever had anything so tight in your life before not since that party in high school

[@skipdillon2770]

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[@skipdillon2770]

@@laurelherbert2879 ed d#Z Z5 re

[@jamesmcateer8707]

@Michael kr j

[@alburnett1775]

Chris you do realize that now DP is going to have to buy something to keep up with the Jones.

[@davidclaudy4822]

I was thinking the same thing. DP is probably chewing on his ball cap right about now in frustration and envy. 😆

[@roygabriel.2753]

And the inventory list is growing. Your going to need a bigger shed !

[@carlwilliams1570]

Trying to work on a 955 or 977 you see why Cat built the rear engine *53 series track loaders. The 977 was the standard stumping machine in my area of Va before excavators took over.

[@bobkohl6779]

Good friends are better than money. That big old Betty is going to need some work! Can't wait to see her cleaned up and working right

[@ralphjelomono9068]

Congrats Chris she is big old and beautiful. Reminds me of my Cat D6C. Just a great machine and so easy to work on

[@phillipjones3342]

Another congratulations to you I do look forward to seeing it in action congratulations and thanks for sharing

[@DoughnutsInspace]

Old Betty will clean up a treat, looking forward to seeing what she can do.

[@David-yf5fo]

Don't forget to put that safety link in place before working under the boom so no one dies. It is that thing seen on the starboard side of the loader tower assembly seen at 30:30.

[@geraldheitman7687]

Nice buy, one of the first machines I learned to use when I worked for the caterpillar dealer up here in Ontario Canada. That then the early D9H with U blade, one mean machine !!!

[@jwdickinson643]

looks like Yellow Betty is gonna be a major star in your future projects, Chris! Congratulations on your acquisition!

[@johnchessari9138]

8

[@craigwavra3495]

Saw this on Instagram this morning. And here’s the video. Hah, thought the same thing - No DEF!!

[@rayshutsa6690]

I enjoyed the comedy about the stp. Congrats on your new 977k loader. 😀❤👍🇨🇦

[@jeffreyneihart1614]

That thing is sweet Chris!!! I can't wait to see you in action with it!!!! Looks like some cleaning and a good service she'll be good as new!! Congratulations I hope she works out just fine!!! I'm sure you know that it's built on a D-7 undercarriage. It will move some dirt for sure!!!

[@pedromatajr8725]

It's great when they show you when things don't go as planned, Charlie is definitely a good friend!

[@troyledbetter6597]

Semper Fi Charlie! Now I know why you are a 1911 man! Me too.

[@samschneider7473]

This is gonna be awesome! Nothing like an ole rebuild party. She does sound good when she runs!

[@j81851]

She's a SWEETIE sounds SOO good wow. Congrats Chris good find. Bet the old girl can move serious dirt! Can't wait to see her work!

[@TheSoloAsylum]

That's a cool machine from a time when safety was third because work was first.

[@brucemitch928]

A real beast, the running gear looks in very good order, hopefully with some basic maintenance and repairs Ol Betty should be a winner 👍

[@graceangel5146]

That must drive you crazy when people don't maintain their equipment properly. But she's in good hands now. Congratulations!

[@williamd6967]

Wow the 917 is a great unit Betty needs TLC and that's right up your alley 18! This is something you badly need Awesome!!! Great seeing Mr Charlie again his advice means the world if he says go on this..go period!

[@ronalddavies2488]

Nice to see you buying some NEW equipment ! No doubt you will whip it into shape, I think you will even give Betty a new coat of paint.👍👍🇬🇧

[@mikebougher3731]

I did some demo work with a 977. 2 1/2" chains hooked to the top of an in ground auto lift that machine would take the lift right out concrete and all. No digging No saw cuts. It was impressive.

[@SakimasRidgeHomestead]

I had the same dirty fuel system issue with the 955H I bought last year. Once I drained the tank and vacuumed all the sludge and sediment out and blew out the lines it runs great. I thought the 955 was big, your new one makes it look like a toy.

[@lovejcdc]

Congratulations Chris on the new addition to your stable. I'm sure it will be a great machine for you

[@timjenkins4637]

Love those machines, I ran quite a few 955s and 977s in my time pretty much grew up in the seat of a 955! Here in NJ nobody uses them anymore

[@dalecherry4044]

I saw Charlie cleaning his glasses. You should let him know he needs to go to Walmart and buy some Zeiss lens cleaner wipes. You would also like them. My first experience with them I was fishing and my glasses were covered with salt and sweat. One cleaner and they were clear. Also work great with oil and grease. I swear by them and they are cheap.

[@justinlarrabee7932]

I hope theres a part 2 to this. It would be really cool to see the transformation. Well have plenty of time to see it in action but only 1 shot to see the maintenance you do to it.

[@ngtflyer]

Oh boy! Charlie's equipment sickness is contagious! Congrats on getting this old girl. Looking forward to seeing how this one cleans up. Will be great to see you putting it to good use!

[@mikedeweese9987]

Nice machine! I have 1966 977, it runs better now after putting a new turbo and water pump. But tracks are stiff. Have fun!!! My name for it is boat anchor!!!

[@dsdragoon]

Old Betty needs a makeover. But it should be great new addition to your stable.

[@TyroneBootlace]

Looking forward to the next instalment :-)

[@martindean1205]

What a fabulous addition to the channel. Cant wait to see her in action.

[@barryhansen6854]

Great to see old iron put back to use, nice purchase Chris.

[@glen3257]

I know it wouldn't be the same adventure with a third wheel; however, I want to go on an outing with you and charlie! Fun video thanks for sharing. I also notice the dynamics of the friendship as you film Charlie under a tank with fuel running down his chest! haha, Good friends are keepers, even when I am the one with fuel running down my chest. Good friends are priceless.

[@bitspieces3885]

Enjoying the fixer upper vids immensely. Now you’ll get some sweet revenge on the next Bamboo grove you tackle. LOL. Nice rig Chris, Cat-977 has a nice tone to it.

[@teebugg66]

I like it! I bought a 1973 D5 yesterday, it’s a low hours machine in good straight shape like that 977. Diesel Creek just acquired one a lot like that one recently.

[@andrewrobinson2869]

Great buy looking forward to part 2. She looks like a beast.

[@vinamerosa1923]

Thanks Chris , Charlie's a cool guy , when I was young and right out of the coast guard I worked for a company and had to rebuild a Case 450 track loader with a 4 in 1 bucket about 1/2 the size of Betty ! , you brought back a lot loved the video brother, can't wait for the next one !!!

[@ronaldheit196]

Nice to see a fellow Coastie Vet as one of Chris's subs. Makes me wish I'd have been a black shoes MK instead of brown shoes AD. I could have gotten into repairing construction equipment instead of ending up fixing arcade and pinball games, Jukeboxes and pool tables for 37 years hanging out in bars with a bunch of drinks. Funny thing is. I ended up being trained by and working for the company that had the pinball game at Coast Guard Airstation Traverse City Michigan's E club. It was a elctro mechanical Soccer pinball game. The last elctro mechanical pin they operated before early digital pins came out. I went there one day to repair a Bally digital pin and several of the guys I'd worked with were there shocked to see me there repairing it. They hadn't seen me since I had transferred to Miami Airstation in 79. I'm originally from Michigan and moved back to Tragic City after getting out in November of 80. Ex hated Miami and we had a 1 year old daughter so back to TC we went to save my doomed marriage. Watching Chris, DP and Deisel Creek is definitely facinating.

[@arnoldromppai5395]

case 450 is a toy to this 977, it will eat that case for a snake. cant beat these old 977

[@paulhammond7489]

Christmas present sorted out for this year :)

[@Ma_Deuce_338]

I am so envious! I left about half my hearing on a 977K back in the late 70,s and early 80's. Just loved the machine till I got an L 14X machine WooHoo we were farming' then!! They are great machines... caveat: do not overheat it. It is a grommet style head. Don't get sloppy about checking the coolant. I still love the tune they play... a little hearing protection is probably a good plan. I would about run one for nothing these days just for the fun of doing it!

[@randybourdon2791]

Ole Betty is a great find Chris! Looking forward to episode 2 .

[@komitadjie]

And *now* you've got a tool you can turn to when the damn emissions stuff starts down-checking all your other equipment. xD

[@raykaye]

This is going to be awesome!!! Can’t wait to see you move some dirt

[@gerryricketts2542]

A great add to your machine list Chris 🧡 it.... we call them track scoop's...great machine! They are a hard worker! with plenty of grunt❗❗

[@raymondwood1453]

You got to take that big filter off & make sure its FULL OF FUEL Then when turning it over take a wrench & crack the nut on the injectors & it will bubble until the AIR is out then TIGHTEN the nut & it will run .I operated a 977 with a JAW BUCKET like yours for years DEMOING BUILDINGS its a GOOD SIZE piece for any kind of work

[@deannamarie4149]

I was watching Green Acre Homestead the other day and he gave you props on explaining how to feather in the end of his new driveway... If you pressure wash/ steam wash this piece of equipment, please show us!

[@allysonhanks7367]

Hi Deanna

[@DirtBrute]

That’s awesome ! Hey you probably don’t remember . long time ago I asked you to ask Charlie about the gear ratio I was changing in my truck. He said 39s and that’s what I did years ago 😂

[@charleschapman2428]

Back in the 70s we had a 955 and later got the 977, great machine for loading trucks.👍

[@dennisholst4322]

They are money makers in the right material

[@garykersteiner4936]

I worked for a quarry back in the 70's when they bought a 977. This was in Ohio where we can have some frigid weather. It wasn't well received by the crew. The dump lever was ass backward and you pulled back to dump and pushing forward to load. They reversed the fan to blow heat on the operator so he wouldn't freeze but of course he was covered with dust. Then there was the time when it broke down in a muddy field and the temperature dropped to zero overnight. Tracks didn't move again forever. No one wept when it left. .

[@markparker2873]

Great video, i look forward to the next one Thank you! :)

[@leonblittle226]

Part of the "KZbin construction inc" fleet, adding to Camerata, Diesel Creek, Dirt Perfect and god alone knows how many more lol

[@johnirwin1837]

Add Jpaydirt to that list.

[@kevinwhitehill7049]

First track loader I ever operated was a 977K and what a brute! I think I was about 11 or 12 years old. Nice machine and I like the grosser pads.

[@chrisw73]

probably needs the injectors and injector pump overhauled as well. If there's that much sludge in the filter, then some has surely made its way through. Good luck Chris, I've been a fan of the track loaders since I was a little tyke!

[@scrapman502]

You should put that filter in the end of a cordless drill, soak it in cleaner and then spin it at high speed. that'll clean the filter out , Kinna like a spin cycle on a washing machine.

[@MichaelBrown-qn9hi]

Looking forward to the next steps, I know the Dozier said " At Last someone is gonna take care of me and I can do what I am supposed to do).

[@John-vd6sk]

The 977 is the Best Track Loader ever made, my Father had all of them a 977H, I remember one 977H it had with a pony gas motor , You had to pull a lever to start the diesel engine, 977K , 977L , And he had a 983B with a 4 way bucket on it...I ran every one of them..Brings back memories...Sure Miss My Dad....Thanks For The Memories...

[@astonmartin2727]

Chris , i want to see Betty restored to her glory. Nice project for you to get her in shape. This machine will help big time with your work. Clean her up. No leaky hoses. No rust. Sort out dust covers. Good coat of CAT yellow. Let the work begin. Looking forward to the build and restoration videos.

[@Toddheenan802]

Haven’t had time to watch yet but it looks exactly like the one #DieselCreek rescued!

[@prinzeugenvansovoyen732]

this one is bigger

[@willb3018]

😂 For sure. Matt will singlehandedly get all old iron in Western PA running before he is done. He is fun to watch too.

[@wyattshoulders1794]

And this has the rops on it the one Matt has is a convertible model lol

[@TheSoloAsylum]

@@prinzeugenvansovoyen732 Nope, Matt got a 977, just like this one.

[@prinzeugenvansovoyen732]

@@TheSoloAsylum a older one without the drott 4 in one

[@chrismadge5472]

Name of the week for the new Cat Chris has to be, like two people mentioned below, `Betty Rubble` lol Just love it!!!! Well done Chris, hope it all works out ok for ya. Well done for the namers below, that was a great quick bit of Wit lol :)

[@allysonhanks7367]

How are you doing Chris. I hope you are doing well and having a good weather where you are. I'm looking for new friend OK!

[@chrismadge5472]

@@allysonhanks7367 Hi Allyson, am doing great thanks, hope all is good with you too?

[@allysonhanks7367]

@@chrismadge5472 I'm doing good thank you for writing back. I hope you don't mind my friendship?

[@BlitzTalos]

Congrats Chris. Nice piece of machinery. We all like new technology, but this one is something else. Is just raw power. Like it so much!!!

[@kirk467]

Looks great Chris, she looks like a beast! Thanks for sharing brother! 👌🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@otigussuga]

The Huge Cat 977k track loader 👍👍

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

I'm at 20:53. Good on you for buying her. But gotta say, imo, she showed such obvious neglect within her fuel system that I'd have been a bit hesitant to throw coin at her. All the best!

[@gregstone1306]

Those old cats will burn whatever you can strain through a bedspring. However when doing hard work have a fuel truck on the job. Lol

[@ke6gwf]

This makes me happy! I spent a lot of time on a D9 of this era as a teenager, and this makes me want to find some little construction company with something like this and get a job for a while playing! Looking forward to future episodes!

[@thenotsojollyrancher-akate9516]

I’ve had a 977L for 6or 7 years, it’s been an adventure. Good luck, you’ll need it. Work 1/2 day, work on it a week! Ugg