70J 997L what is it?

That would be called a Track Type Loader.

The 70J "L" model is a Japanese built machine with 3306 (44V) engine. 190hp sleeve metering fuel system. A heavy weight at 48,500 lbs.
Built from 1968 to 1978 with 3705 units total. The "K" model became "L" model at s/n 1303.

Thanks Old Magnet

Is it unusual to see Japanese machines in North America? Did other north American machines have the torque converter?

Power shift (torque converter) is standard. Comparable to the late 11K and 14X USA models.
Lots of Cat models built in Japan in North America. In some model cases that is the main source.

That is good to hear, thought it might be an odd ball as the parts guy at my local Finning branch told me that the 70J was not a valid serial number for a 977.
I know track loaders are not that popular these days as most people think you have to do everything with an excavator. What I am doing is making flat areas
along the side of a mountain. I dig into the high side and dump on the low and end up making a flat area about 150 to 200 ft wide and 500 ft long then go up the hill and do it again.
The old 225 works great for the first pass along the hill, but as you get wider you have to move the material two or three times and production drops off fast. So I thing the 977 would work good after the first pass with the 225 when there is some room to move. It will dig most of the material and move it to the edge in one go.

I'm curious as to what the terracing is for?

The lower level has house garage shop and a shed for some restored tractor. The upper level will be for storage of parts and parts machines so they are out of sight.
You know how it is with old iron, one piece attracts another and another etc and soon you need more space!

yeah mate these old pieces of gear sought of bread when your not looking 😆 I went to a place a while ago and realised I dont have a problem at all compared to some or at least thats what I told my wife :noidea:

Paul

Thanks for the explanation. Though maybe you were working up a housing development or similar, not just private use. That's about as bad as me buying a backhoe years ago to plant some rose bushes for the wife....