Cat 312B

1. #1Coaldust2021-11-02 18:23

   Let’s check to see if it’s a grey market. What’s the serial number? I remember these machines from when I worked new machine set up at the dealership. One of the things we commonly did was add more counterweight. Cut a hole in top of the counterweight, chisel out a cavity in the mortar mix and fill it with molten lead. Leaving enough mortar to insulate the paint and that very expensive Cat decal. Then, weld the plate back on and touch up the paint. Imagine doing that today? Molten lead? Lol. Also, installed lots of thumbs on those.

2. #2Tugger22021-11-02 21:18

   6GK00685 I havent gone and looked at the machine yet,its up coast ,but it would suit my needs for a bigger excavator. Ive done the lead trick before on a brand new John Deere 892.The customer wanted his extra fuel tank built into the counterweight instead of an extra tank perched on top of the counterweight. Tiger torches melting lead .Overhead crane picking the pot and dumping it into the chiseled out hole. Just git er done in those days.

3. #3skyking12021-11-02 21:21

   I've run a couple of them when they were new-er. Nothing comes to mind from an operator's viewpoint.

4. #4Tugger22021-11-02 21:32

   Ive had good luck with my older Cat stuff so far. The excavator is more of a tool for my different jobs not a full time digger. I do a bit of clearing work to.This one is fully guarded from rock guards to the cab which is a plus .

5. #5skyking12021-11-02 21:40

   It is nice and they are a super handy size for moving, 102" wide and 28K.

6. #6Tugger22021-11-02 21:52

   And it will move nice on my lowbed.

7. #7skyking12021-11-02 22:03

   Like it wasn't even there. You could even bring along a skidsteer on the same trip if you got creative loading.

8. #8Tugger22021-11-02 22:43

   I pack my 910 loader up front and the 303.5 exc at the back with a couple of 2.5" blocks holding the tracks off the tires.

9. #9Nige2021-11-03 07:38

   Not a grey import which is good as regards availability of service & parts info. Listed in the system as a 312A not a 312B. Built July 1994.

10. #10Tugger22021-11-03 09:33

    Thanks Nige . Next step is to make the trek up there and have a look at it.

11. #11Bluox2021-11-03 09:39

    A 6Gk is listed as a 312 Japan sourced machine . Bob

12. #12Tugger22021-11-03 09:41

    Thanks Bob.Any negatives associated with the Japan sourced machine?

13. #13Bluox2021-11-03 10:03

    During that time frame almost all of the small excavators were from Japan or France . On a machine that old the big concern is how abused it is and how cobbled up repairs are. Bob

14. #14heymccall2021-11-03 17:19

    I had one in the fleet for 10k hours or so. No outstanding issues of great consequence. Front crank seal, pump coupling, undercarriage, you know, just normal stuff.

15. #15heymccall2021-11-03 17:21
16. #16Tugger22021-11-03 21:03

    Thanks for the info.

17. #17AzIron2021-11-05 00:03

    All the pool diggers had those for a long time they only got replaced because cat came out with the 314

18. #18Tugger22021-11-13 11:57

    Thanks for the info on the 312,i dragged my heels a bit too long and it sold before i could get up to look at it.