That 225 was new when I started running equipment. No computers or DEF. Plus it will take 30wt in the hyd tank. She started up. It's not old, it's a classic!
The smile this video brought to my face is hard to put into words. My grandfather had a 225 and then a 225D LC for his excavation company and I spent a lot of time around those two kitty cats growing up. The love I have for those machines is something else. I’ve said for years that I’ll have one of those tier zero beats of my own one day and I don’t care if I have to restore it from a bare undercarriage and counterweight.
It's always surprising to me when these old machines start right up even after sitting for decades without being started. Like that one track loader you went to get with Justin. Started right up as soon as you got juice to the starter.
So is there a sequel to this episode, where Chris brings the old girl back to the farm? He was disappointed with the dragline; it would have been a lost cause, but this one looks promising. Of course it’s up to the owner whether he wants to unload it!
That old CAT does have potential. The drag line was toast. But I might spend a few bucks and skin some knuckles to have that old CAT working around the property. Reminds me of my Dad's old stuff that was all parked when health issues took priority before the inevitable years ago. Once health issues take over everything else get's put on the back burner.
Seems there are many old machines sitting in someone's field which with a little T:C will fire up again. Need a museum of these in the Carolinas where there are volunteers enthusiasts to maintain them in working order where possible. LetsDig18's 'exploring' videos are great.
My dad used to run 245B to dig in local dirt pit. He also operated a Bucyrus Erie 88B cable shovel. Those were the fun times riding with him as a kid. That got me to love heavy equipment operation.
Whoa, what a road trip! Blow out on the highway, mountain lion attack in the dragline, nearly blown up in the CAT 225, you might ought to get on back to NC before your luck runs out. 😉
I did laugh my ass off when Chris come jumping out of that machine squealing like a little girl! I thought it was a Racoon at first and then realized it was just a little kitty cat😳😂👍
When you hit that start button and it started right up I was like “you have got to be kiddin” wow and that with the rain flapper off and the air filter out. Unbelievable
Got the old 225 Girl Running but she blew a Hydraulic Line - but as You said - with a New Hose and lots of TLC she will be Working again !!!! No Black Cat this Time - only Lots of Hydraulic Oil - ah what else - still - a Fun Day ! Cheers from Australia !!!!
In the 225s they were reliable, in trucks, not so much. I think the difference is, the excavator is running at a steady RPM most of the time, trucks are always speeding up, then slowing down, etc.
By the way that 3208 was actually a Ford engine cat bought the patent on it. Tore some apart in those machines that had the Ford emblem on the rods and crank shafts.
I’m sorry but when all you young guys talk of something from the eighties being old makes me feel really old. It’s nice to see the old machines kept in service. They may not be practical for high production but there is a place for them for the occasional user. Better than scrapping them.👍
After years of planning and testing in secrecy, Caterpillar finally unveiled its first hydraulic excavator a fair bit later than a lot of the competition. Caterpillar’s first hydraulic excavator, the model 225, was launched in 1972 after a lengthy testing period.
I grew up watching the old cable hoes in the later 50’s and early 60’s. I remember the first hydraulic shovel I saw; it looked naked without all the cables and derrick! I would have thought Cat was earlier than that with their first. Can’t remember the names of the early hydraulics, but I sure remember Northwest and LinkBelt!
She chooched right up. It's all about attitude and confidence. If you believe it will it will. 50,000 dollars in new lines and cylinder seals and she'll scoop up some more.
Those 3208’s were always good starting engines!…I’m surprised they put them in the excavators but they actually have really good service in that application…the 225, 229, and 231 had the 3208…love those old square Cats!
That machine looks ok for a fixer upper. You did not mention worn out bushings and pins, missing teeth, or worn out sprockets. The corrosion doesn't appear to be too bad. It would be a good piece to add to the Dirt Sculpture Equipment Museum.
In my younger days, a 225 was a real sweet heart. The Insley and Bucyrus were the norms. I did operate a 225 with that junk V8 engine, the machine was great but the torque rise was a little slow, it didn't sound as cool as the 6 either, kinda had thay old garbage truck sound to it.
Wow Chris you got your money out of that jumper box. I just thought starter was going to click and say that's all folks. Then it started. Should have known. Your next RU-vid career will be traveling the world and start abandoned heavy machinery. ha ha Thanks Chris.
Gotta love the ole Cats! Who woulda thought it would start? Holy Moly! Makes one want to save this ole girl just because she's a fighter! Thanks, Chris! Great video! ❤👏👍😍❗
3:20 that the Juno box Charlie melted? Oh yeah lol. That machine looks like it’s in pretty decent shape other than the west from being out in the elements.
The level of skill and precision required to operate an excavator like this is simply mind-blowing. This video is a true testament to the operator's abilities
I wondered if Chris would have the presence of mind to get something to act as a rain guard... and he did. A good way to destroy an old engine is let rain water to collect inside the cylinders.
At one time that would have been a Floria special old Charlie would have snapped up that old machine in a heart beat. I'm really surprised that old 3208 flashed off so easy usually they need the Cosby in the can once they get started they blow blue smoke that would kill every mosquito in the area.
Interesting seeing the product we manufacture in your video. We produced the dipstick for this engine(and a lot more) in Greenville, MS. There are probably some tubes on this machine we produced as well.
Maybe you should go back and replace the broken line and grease it up to see if it does move a whole track length that would be great to see as well. Great video
