Yesterday, 05:25 PM
The Rise of Clark Michigan and the 675 Series
The Michigan 675 wheel loader was produced by Clark Equipment Company, a manufacturer founded in 1903 and known for pioneering industrial and construction machinery. By the 1960s and 1970s, Clark Michigan loaders had become a staple in mining, quarrying, and heavy earthmoving operations. The 675 model, part of the mid-to-large class, featured a robust frame, high-capacity bucket, and a direct-drive powertrain suited for demanding environments.
With an operating weight exceeding 50,000 lbs and a bucket capacity around 6.5 cubic yards, the 675 was powered by a Detroit Diesel 2-stroke engine, typically the 8V71 or 12V71 depending on configuration. These engines were known for their distinctive sound and high torque output, making the 675 a favorite in coal yards and aggregate pits.
Terminology Notes
One technician recalled assembling a Michigan 675 at Drummond Coal in Jasper, Alabama. The loader arrived in crates and required field installation of the cab, lift arms, and drivetrain. Without a roof or enclosed cab, the operator sat exposed to the elements—a common setup in early models. Despite the lack of comfort, the machine’s performance was praised for its raw power and reliability.
Operators often described the experience as visceral. The Detroit Diesel engine roared with a signature growl, and the loader’s massive tires crushed gravel with authority. Visibility was excellent due to the open cab, but safety was minimal by modern standards.
Video Footage and Nostalgia
Vintage footage of the Michigan 675 shows the loader in action, scooping and dumping material with fluid motion. The absence of a cab roof highlights the era’s design priorities—function over comfort. Viewers often comment on the loader’s sound, the rhythmic clatter of the diesel engine, and the simplicity of its controls.
These videos evoke strong nostalgia among retired operators and mechanics. One viewer noted that the 675 reminded him of his first job in Georgia, where he ran a similar loader in a granite quarry. Another recalled the loader’s ability to push through wet clay without bogging down, thanks to its torque-heavy drivetrain.
Maintenance and Operational Tips
The Michigan 675 loader stands as a symbol of mid-century industrial strength. Its open cab, roaring diesel engine, and massive frame reflect a time when durability and power were paramount. Though no longer in production, the 675 lives on in videos, memories, and the occasional restoration project. For those who operated or assembled these machines, the experience was unforgettable—raw, loud, and deeply satisfying. The legacy of Clark Michigan continues to echo through the gravel pits and coal yards where these giants once ruled.
The Michigan 675 wheel loader was produced by Clark Equipment Company, a manufacturer founded in 1903 and known for pioneering industrial and construction machinery. By the 1960s and 1970s, Clark Michigan loaders had become a staple in mining, quarrying, and heavy earthmoving operations. The 675 model, part of the mid-to-large class, featured a robust frame, high-capacity bucket, and a direct-drive powertrain suited for demanding environments.
With an operating weight exceeding 50,000 lbs and a bucket capacity around 6.5 cubic yards, the 675 was powered by a Detroit Diesel 2-stroke engine, typically the 8V71 or 12V71 depending on configuration. These engines were known for their distinctive sound and high torque output, making the 675 a favorite in coal yards and aggregate pits.
Terminology Notes
- Articulated Steering: A central pivot allows the front and rear frames to turn independently, improving maneuverability.
- Direct Drive Transmission: A mechanical linkage between engine and wheels, offering efficient power transfer.
- ROPS: Roll-Over Protective Structure, often absent in early models, leaving operators exposed.
- Hydraulic Lift Arms: Cylinders that raise and lower the bucket, critical for load control.
One technician recalled assembling a Michigan 675 at Drummond Coal in Jasper, Alabama. The loader arrived in crates and required field installation of the cab, lift arms, and drivetrain. Without a roof or enclosed cab, the operator sat exposed to the elements—a common setup in early models. Despite the lack of comfort, the machine’s performance was praised for its raw power and reliability.
Operators often described the experience as visceral. The Detroit Diesel engine roared with a signature growl, and the loader’s massive tires crushed gravel with authority. Visibility was excellent due to the open cab, but safety was minimal by modern standards.
Video Footage and Nostalgia
Vintage footage of the Michigan 675 shows the loader in action, scooping and dumping material with fluid motion. The absence of a cab roof highlights the era’s design priorities—function over comfort. Viewers often comment on the loader’s sound, the rhythmic clatter of the diesel engine, and the simplicity of its controls.
These videos evoke strong nostalgia among retired operators and mechanics. One viewer noted that the 675 reminded him of his first job in Georgia, where he ran a similar loader in a granite quarry. Another recalled the loader’s ability to push through wet clay without bogging down, thanks to its torque-heavy drivetrain.
Maintenance and Operational Tips
- Monitor Hydraulic Fluid Levels: The lift arms rely on consistent pressure; leaks can reduce lifting power.
- Inspect Tire Integrity: Large bias-ply tires are prone to sidewall damage in rocky terrain.
- Grease Pivot Points Weekly: Articulated joints and lift arm pins require regular lubrication.
- Check Transmission Linkage: Direct drive systems need precise adjustment to prevent gear slippage.
- Upgrade Lighting and Safety Features: Retrofit with LED work lights and ROPS if operating in modern settings.
The Michigan 675 loader stands as a symbol of mid-century industrial strength. Its open cab, roaring diesel engine, and massive frame reflect a time when durability and power were paramount. Though no longer in production, the 675 lives on in videos, memories, and the occasional restoration project. For those who operated or assembled these machines, the experience was unforgettable—raw, loud, and deeply satisfying. The legacy of Clark Michigan continues to echo through the gravel pits and coal yards where these giants once ruled.
