Cat 814 1981 with small crane mount

Hello to everyone, just wondering if anyone knows more details about this 1981 CAT 814 model. Mostly about its version and use. Thanks

Hi, gregtsap99.

One interesting little jigger. I doubt that either of those attachments are 'factory options'. I think both coule be classified as 'after-market' and 'special application'.

If it came from the factory 'fully dressed', it would likely have had a somewhat more 'business-like' 'dozer blade on the front where the current one is mounted as they were built as a wheel 'dozer.

The compactor version is the 815.

Just my 0.02.

Hi Deas ,

Thanks ! really appreciate your reply.

Yes the blade was fitted in Belgium, the crane seems to be factory fitted in Iowa plant. I have compared it to other 814 but this one has many different add ons like hydraulic suspension and lots more reinforced steel plates than the ordinary 814.

With the serial number I have checked it in Cat website but it shows it as an ordinary 814 wheel dozer which it clearly isnt

Now I have it in my yard and would really like to know more about it's design background I'll just keep on looking for more info.

Thanks, Greg

Hi, Gregtsap99

If you can post some detail photos, it might stir some cobwebs here on the forum. Sounds like it was fairly extensively modified for a particular job. Do you have any idea what the 'dangly' thing on the end of the boom might be?

Just my 0.02.

Hi Deas,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts for my questions!

Here is a youtube vid of the 814 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz9Mp4dA1Fg

The yard i bought it from, told me that the dangly thing attached at the crane was used from caterpillar europe, to roll up dozer tracks .

My question is why did they install these supar heavy wheel archees (especially front ones) which are about 1.5cm thick, hydraulic suspensions and also other add ons compared to a regular 814 of 1980, but never made a different model code for this variation. Is it a model used only by caterpillar facilities around the globe and not for commercial use, so produced in limited numbers?

Thanks,

Greg

Hi, gregtsap99.

You've got me stumped. If it was intended for crane type work, why would it want a hydraulic suspension? It wouldn't be the 'friendliest' thing to take out in peak hour traffic - or even in light traffic with that 'dangly' thing flopping around out front.

The extra counterweight close in under the back end would seem to back up the crane work possibility but they've gone to some trouble to mount it like that when there was already a bolt on counterweight available for the 966 loader which is what I'm told the 814 was based on.

Head scratch time.

Just my 0.02.

Yup, i also have all these questions. The sure thing is that the crane was fitted in the caterpillar Iowa plant also all the extra features, except the snow blade.

One scenario that i was thinking about is maybe it is a us army canselled order back in late 70's early 80's(because of the so reinforced steel wheel arches and very thick steel plates under the machine , maybe protection from land mines???).

I have seen several mil-spec dozers and this seems like one , (except the drivers cabin which has no bulletproof glass or steel)

Maybe....or maybe something else, hope some member has a clue. Thanks again

Just some speculations. After reading about snowplowing on here this morning, is the blade for moving snow? Since it has the wheel to keep from digging to much. But since I do my best to avoid the cold white stuff , maybe you don't put wheels on a snow blade.

The top 2 sections of the crane look a lot like they came from a backhoe.

Hi Ray54,

Yes blade is for snow, wheels are adjustable so you can lower down totally the blade on the road.

The crane is an IMT Iowa made with original controllers in cabin.

Best regards, Greg

I am inclined to say that machine was specialized for use at an airfield. Highway snow removal does not normally use wheels on the plows, relies on the blade contacting the surface of the roadway. Airfields would demand special care as any portions of the wearing blade could potentially cause damage to the tires and engines of a plane. The "extra" plate on the bottom of the frame at the hinge point would definitely strengthen that portion but what about the two hinge pins and bosses? Were they changed also to reflect the extra load caused by the extended boom? I agree, the boom shows the same general construction as an extend-a-hoe with the exception of the swing if I am seeing correctly. The "grapples" remind me of an "orange peel" used on many machines for picking up odd shaped rocks, etc. Could this have been a specialized device for handling cargo or airport traffic control devices? Even though not painted in OD - various military use? - cts

Hi, cts.

If what I have been told is 'kee-wrecked', the 814 was/is based on the 966 loader frame which is designed strong enough to take all sorts of loads, including having the rear wheels right off the ground while digging with the bucket. I cain't imagine that the loads that you could put on that crane would be any worse.

Just my 0.02.