Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Link‑Belt LS‑4300 C II: Rugged Reliability from Decades of Excavator Engineering
#1
Heritage and Lineage
  • Link‑Belt’s roots date back to hydraulic innovations in the 1930s—it introduced “Speed‑O‑Matic” power hydraulic controls, long-regarded as a milestone in excavator and crane design .
  • The LS‑4300C II carries forward this legacy, embodying decades of evolving design and manufacturing excellence, blending classic mechanical simplicity with robust components.
Core Specifications
  • Weight: Approximately 30 metric tons, reflecting its heavy-duty crawler design .
  • Transport Dimensions:
    • Length: ~10 m
    • Width: ~3 m
    • Height: ~3 m .
  • Bucket Capacity: Up to 1 m³, with a bucket width around 1.219 m .
  • Undercarriage: Standard, featuring 800 mm track shoes—built for stability on varied terrain .
  • Reach & Digging Depth:
    • Maximum horizontal reach: ~11.86 m
    • Excavation depth: ~8.2 m .
  • Tear-Out Force: Roughly 172.6 kN, enabling strong breakout power .
Powertrain Essentials
  • Engine: Isuzu 6SD1T, a reliable six-cylinder diesel engine renowned for field-proven performance .
    • Displacement: ~9.84 L
    • Max torque: ~792 Nm at ~1,500 RPM .
Mechanical Simplicity
  • The LS‑4300 C II is fully mechanical and straightforward—no electronic controllers—making it a strong candidate for operators seeking longevity and ease of service .
  • Older machines like these often attract enthusiasts restoring them—some even reengineer travel circuits using switch-ready solenoids to bypass missing controller setups .
Maintenance & Common Challenges
  • Overheating: Operators report coolant temperature creeping past 200°F, rising past 240°F during heavy-work cycles—highlighting potential cooling-system attention points for older units .
  • Travel System Repairs: One reported issue involved bypassing in travel motors—excessive return flow causing poor movement. Diagnosis required tracing hoses to the swing joint to ensure correct routing .
  • Hydrostatic Components: Replacement or repair of hydrostatic pumps and motors remains possible—spare parts are listed for main pumps ($7,900 USD) and swing or travel motors ($3,600 USD) .
Terminology Highlights
  • Crawler Excavator: Machine on tracks—offering excellent traction and stability on rough terrain.
  • Hydrostatic Drive: Uses hydraulic fluid to transmit power to motors driving movement.
  • Mechanical Simplicity: Refers to fewer electronics and more reliance on hardened mechanical parts.
  • ROPS (Roll‑Over Protective Structure): Safety cab standard for operator protection.
Anecdote from the Field
One restoration enthusiast spent almost a year reviving a 1989 LS‑4300 C II excavator. After overcoming issues like overheating, electrical replacements, and travel motor bypass, they finally got the machine moving again using a hand‑crafted switch console linked to solenoids—a testament to mechanical ingenuity and the excavator’s resilient design .
Key Takeaways
  • Robust Construction: With solid mechanical systems and proven powertrain, it's built for difficult environments.
  • Transparent Serviceability: Ideal for those who prefer wrench-and-wrench diagnostics and repairs.
  • Still Relevant: Even today, excavators like the LS‑4300 C II are sought after by operators who value durability, simplicity, and field adaptability.
Let me know if you'd like a breakdown of restoration parts or a comparison with other legacy Link‑Belt models!
Reply


Possibly Related Threads…
Thread Author Replies Views Last Post
  Kobelco SK70SR-1E Excavator Overview MikePhua 0 13 8 hours ago
Last Post: MikePhua
  Is the CAT E120B Excavator Still Worth Buying Today MikePhua 0 7 Yesterday, 07:58 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Protecting Your Excavator from Winter Weather MikePhua 0 4 Yesterday, 07:47 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  What Should You Look for When Buying a Used Mini Excavator MikePhua 0 8 Yesterday, 07:41 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Is It Safe and Legal to Haul a 200-Class Excavator on a Tag Trailer MikePhua 0 8 Yesterday, 07:31 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  What Is the Hein-Werner C-10 Excavator and Why Is It So Rare MikePhua 0 6 Yesterday, 07:26 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Case CX230B Crawler Excavator: An Overview of Maintenance and Operation MikePhua 0 7 Yesterday, 07:14 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  P&H Excavator Manual: Understanding the Importance and Key Features MikePhua 0 8 Yesterday, 07:12 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Dozer or Excavator for Stump Removal: Which Is the Best Choice? MikePhua 0 6 Yesterday, 07:11 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Which Years of the CAT 336EL Excavator Are Most Reliable and What to Watch For MikePhua 0 9 Yesterday, 06:46 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Why Excavator Bench Height Matters More Than You Think MikePhua 0 12 Yesterday, 06:43 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Is the Bobcat Depth Check System Worth the Investment for Excavator Operators MikePhua 0 7 Yesterday, 06:29 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Case 9010B Excavator: Performance and Reliability for Heavy-Duty Applications MikePhua 0 7 Yesterday, 05:54 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Can a CAT 215 Excavator Be Converted from Four 6V Batteries to Two 12V Batteries MikePhua 0 7 Yesterday, 05:36 PM
Last Post: MikePhua
  Is the Topcon X-22 Excavator System Worth Installing MikePhua 0 9 Yesterday, 04:32 PM
Last Post: MikePhua

Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)