I'd sure add a blade to my Cat 311B. Anyone know where I might find a used one? Anyone out there done this or know if it is feasible? Thanks Stacy
Biggest problem is you will most likely have to change out the hydraulic rotary manifold in the center for one with two more oil passages to operate the blade. Then if you don't have an auxiliary double acting valve section in your machine from the factory that will have to be added. I would imaging the blade and cylinder mounts come welded to the carbody as well so it's a long shot. Might be able to find a burned unit in for salvage and get the whole carbody/blade/swivel package. Then again might be money ahead to just look for one with the blade already on it?
Without a Serial Number it's difficult to be precise, however a blade was available as an attachment for a 311B therefore all the fittings will be there even if the blade itself isn't. It appears as though the swivel for a 311B is "standard" and therefore it would just be a case of piping the additional lines for the blade into existing empty ports. Similarly in the case of the pilot controls and the main control valve the relevant parts would have to be added in order to operate the blade. So in summary it's not too difficult a job technically to install a blade, whether you can do it at a cost that you're happy with is another matter.
Even though Serial Number is imprinted on my machine as 8hro1237, Cat tells me that it is actually is 8gro1237 thanks Stacy
If you need a blade in a hurry, you can get blade attachments. http://www.excavatingsolutions.com/dozer_bucket.htm
Comments in post #3 above still apply.
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