Was wondering if anyone can help me tell how old this thing is?
Unable to come up with a serial number!
Help finding it would be awesome!!

Looks like a 53Axxxx series built 1960 to 1967.
S/n on the left rear of the engine block and LH upper rear of steering clutch case.
Seems to be in pretty good shape.

"Old wrote:

Looks like a 53Axxxx series built 1960 to 1967.
S/n on the left rear of the engine block and LH upper rear of steering clutch case.
Seems to be in pretty good shape.

It seems to run ok, not a huge amount of wear on the chains and sprocket. Idler has had some build up on it.
Checked all the rollers under it almost to the back, not loose and easy to turn.
Dump stops have taking a bit of a beating but with that much material it is no wonder.
Hasn't had a lot of run time in the last 20 years from the sounds of it.
Where do you have to go through to see the number on the steering clutch case?
Any issues with this model to look out for?
What would it be worth as a guesstimate?

Needs batteries to get to the number on the engine. Drove it around on the weekend, but today it wouldn't start.
Brakes and clutches work just idling around first and second gear as well. Cool old piece of iron.

Steering clutch s/n tag is probably removed or covered up by the counterweight. Tag is normally located high up on the LH corner/rear of the case. Even with tag gone the case should be stamped under the tag location. I'm not aware of any major faults but I really don't know that much about them. Traxcavators are a hard sell with everybody going to Excavators. I'm only guessing but I'd say something in the 5 to 10K$ for something in good condition but that also depends on location and available options to the prospective buyer. Haven't seen one of these sell in some time so I don't have much reference. Might look at the Machinerytrader web site to see if there are comparable units for sale.
Engine is a D333T 150 hp. Later models have oil cooled brakes and steering clutches plus pedal steering.

The 977H was converted to pedal steer 53A4797 in 1964, so this is an earlier machine, I made and fitted footrests in the first one I ever saw in the winter of 64/65, to stop the operator riding the pedals.
The only weak point on these machines are the loader frame mounts on to the hard bar and track frames, so check all bolts are present and correct.

What Catsilver said makes a lot of sense. My guess would have been 1965, but the pedal steer point is correct.

So this with the hand clutch and foot brakes is older then the 64/65 model year, is that correct?
And with the weights on the back the only s/n that is probably visible will be the one on the engine.
But of course it has to be running to get the loader arms up to get the side covers off! LOL
That sheds a little more light on the system!

For what I need it for doing some driveway work and move trees and such it just might be worth it!

She is a beast, and if I can get the D4 up and running I will have a interesting pair!! LOL

Thanks, for the help folks!!

OK brought the beasty home.

When you pull the clutch levers, it doesn't seem to disconnect completely.
When you pull both levers it should stop, correct?

Brakes work great. but a bit hard to steer with the tracks not disengaging completely. Or at least seems that way.

Anyone actually have experience working on the steer clutches on one of these?

Did you check the fluid level in the steering clutch booster?

"Old wrote:

Did you check the fluid level in the steering clutch booster?

Where is the booster located? They kind of act like they were mechanical but it would make sense if they are hydraulic assisted.
Never played with this version till now. LOL
Any assistance would be great!