4 hours ago
Heritage and Lineage
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
- 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.
- Weight: Approximately 30 metric tons, reflecting its heavy-duty crawler design .
- Transport Dimensions:
- Length: ~10 m
- Width: ~3 m
- Height: ~3 m .
- Length: ~10 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 .
- Maximum horizontal reach: ~11.86 m
- Tear-Out Force: Roughly 172.6 kN, enabling strong breakout power .
- 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 .
- Displacement: ~9.84 L
- 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 .
- 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) .
- 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.
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.
