12 9K grader advice

Hi, acprimus.
This post might give you some ideas on what to check. Cat graders were not bulletproof from day one but closer to it than most of their competition. 'Course, they came from a pretty good 'pedigree' - Russell graders were about as good as it got when Cat bought them out back in about 1929.

http://www.acmoc.org/bb/showthread.php?20409-Cat-12-Graders-Pre-G-series

Just my 0.02.

i had a 9K number 807 as my first Cat. i see that yours has the power steering kit,that is great. in my experience the 9K was an a good old grader but slow to shift if the transmission brake is bad. but all in all i wish i had it back.

Thanks guys. Deas, I've read that thread a couple times now. I'm gonna have to bookmark it for future reference whether I get this one or another one. Bursitis yes the PS should be a nice feature. I'm told many old blades had aftermarket systems put on. I'll find out how well it runs within a few weeks.

What is the hour meter reading ? check for slop at the blade circle shoes, lift arms etc. Any shims left a balls on lift arms? The blade lift gears on the front of the cab can be turned to make the lift more efficient. If the gears are in good shape, you should be able to lift the front wheels without the control levers kicking you back. It does take a good physical engagement and hold even in good shape. Take a look into the chain boxes. Drive chains good, not too much slop. Oil in tandem chain boxes.