Clark Michigan 175 Wheel Loader Background

[MikePhua]

   

The Clark Michigan 175 series stands as a powerful example of mid-20th-century earthmoving machinery. Emerging from Clark Equipment Company, founded in 1916 by Eugene B. Clark, the firm carved a reputation for innovative lifting and loading machines. Its acquisition of the Michigan Power Shovel Company in 1953 pushed Clark firmly into the wheel loader market—a legacy that lasted until the mid-1980s as the Michigan-branded loaders made a lasting impression on construction yards and quarries.
Model Evolution and Technical Specs

• 175A (1962–1985)
  • Weight: approx. 16.8 t
    
  • Travel speed: ~40 km/h
    
  • Width: ~2.74 m; Height: ~3.38 m
    
  • Engine: General Motors 6V-71, ~160 kW (≈215 hp), 7 L displacement, peak torque at ~1200 rpm
    
• 175C (1982–1985)
  • Weight: ~25.5 t
    
  • Bucket width: ~3.15 m
    
  • Bucket capacity: 2.8–4.6 m³
    
  • Travel speed: ~32.8 km/h
    
  • Max discharge height: ~4.37 m
    
  • Engine: Cummins NT-855C, ~310 hp gross
    
  • Tip load: ~22 030 kg straight, ~19 784 kg full-turn
    
  • Tires: 26.5-25; Operating weight: ~26 209 kg (≈57,781 lb)
    
  • Hydraulic specs: breakout force ~38,240 lb; pump flow ~118 GPM; cycle times—dump: 2 s; raise: ~6.7 s; lower: ~4.2 s
    

Company Legacy
Clark’s origins date back to merging early machinery firms in Michigan under Eugene Clark’s leadership. The company rose by innovating in lift trucks and wheel loaders throughout the mid-20th century. In 1985, Clark’s wheel loader division merged into Volvo’s VME Group (Volvo-Michigan-Euclid), later evolving into Volvo Construction Equipment.
Field Stories and Real-World Use
An enthusiast recounts seeing a Michigan 175 DS at a museum, where it was used for heavy physical tasks like shifting railway panels and clearing snow. Another memory of a vintage 175 describes it starting roughly (“Jerry-rigged”) yet still managing to haul a 20-ton trailer even with locked wheels—proof of its raw durability.
Engineering Terms and Definitions

• Breakout force: The maximum force needed to pry the loader’s bucket loose.
  
• Tip load: The maximum load the machine can handle when fully articulated—measured for straight and full-turn positions.
  
• Dump/raise/lower cycle: The time taken for hydraulic motion in the bucket; critical for operational efficiency.
  
• Operating weight: Includes the loader with all fluids, engine, and standard bucket.
  

Maintenance Insights and Suggestions

• Given its robust weight (~26 t), regular servicing of tires, brakes, and hydraulic systems is essential.
  
• The powerful Cummins NT-855C engine demands attentive oil and cooling system maintenance, especially under load.
  
• Components like planetary wheel drives—designed with roller bearings—should be monitored for wear, especially during demanding tasks.
  

Brief Anecdote
In the chill of a northern English winter, one machine operator recalled reviving a dormant Michigan 175 DS by “jump-starting” its fuel system. After some makeshift improvisation, the loader roared back to life and effortlessly pushed snow off a parking lot—a vivid reminder of these machines’ gritty resilience.
Summary of Core Specs

• 175A
  • Weight ~16.8 t
    
  • GM 6V-71 engine, ~215 hp
    
  • Speed ~40 km/h; compact dimensions
    
• 175C
  • Substantially heftier at ~26 t
    
  • Cummins ~310 hp engine
    
  • Bucket capacity up to ~4.6 m³; tip load ~22 t
    
  • Hydraulic cycle times: dump 2 s, raise ~6.7 s, lower ~4.2 s
    

The Clark Michigan 175 series remains a testament to mid-century industrial engineering—combining muscular power, functional design, and historical importance. Whether classic loader enthusiasts or restoration specialists, understanding these machines’ legacy, specs, and maintenance nuances brings them vividly to life.