Apparently the early '60s were the dawn of the hydraulic age at Cat, and their use on the Model 12 was expanding (along with the extinction of the pony motor). I have two questions illustrated in the attached photos. One is a device on the instrument panel that is not identified, but I'm figuring it's the dash lamp? Second, I have a non-OEM valve in the hydraulics and have not yet figured out its function. Maybe some of you recognize what it does. Thanks!

Thats the most important one there on the dash...its the dash lamp/bulb holder. lol, it's missing the cover.

Hi, Bernard.
I'd guess that the valve you are referring to is a diverter valve to switch from one hydraulic function to another. But I do stand to be corrected.

JUst my 0.02.

maybe a proportioning valve or balancing valve of some kind. i dont think it a diverter unless its auto matic or hydraulically operated as theres no levers on it. or wiring if it was electric controlled

Might be hydraulic circuit for a front "V" plow lift.

Hi Bernard, On your other post in the picture of the machine I'm sure I can see hydraulic powered blade tilt and blade slide, the valve may operate the 2 circuits from one main control in cab and this one possibly works as a diverter to swap function ???

Busso20: That's it. You got it. Blade tilt was added in the field with a range of workmanship quality and parts selections, but it works. That valve interrupts the power steering circuit when in use which seems logical since the two don't need to work simultaneously, and the valve is spring-return to straight through. Instead of a rotary junction assembly as used on the factory side shift, they just use four hoses, two to each of the two rams on either side of the circle. Attached is a photo of one of the rams. This of course puts limits on the continuous 360º infinite rotation allowed by the junction assembly. And by the way, the OEM side shift is NOT spring return, it just keeps going, with bad noises at the end of travel. 

Thanks for all the responses!

Anyhow, I took it out a moved some earth!!

Hi, trainzkid88
Who is your optician? Whoever it is, you may need a second opinion. There is a lever and a control rod sticking out like the proverbial 'restroom in the arid region'.

Just my 0.02.

on second look its hiding at the bottom of the valve. and yes im due a new pair of glasses these bastards are scratched.

Hi Bernard, the blade slide, I would normally think it would be spring return so not to activate after you require it to stop, may need to check how to lubricate spool and spring ? most likely to have some condensation dung in it, that will hold the spool easily in place after you release.Yes the hydraulic system will make cries of help at the end of stoke they all do if you have ears that work.