08-28-2025, 09:52 PM
Overview of the Counterweight Removal System
John Deere’s 470G excavator is equipped with a built-in hydraulic counterweight removal system designed to streamline transportation and maintenance. When engaged properly, hydraulic power gradually eases off the heavy counterweight—often weighing several tons—so the machine can be loaded onto trailers or transported without overload. The system is engineered to maximize safety and efficiency during removal operations.
Sequence for Safe Counterweight Removal
Before attempting removal, an operator must:
• Engage the counterweight removal switch located beneath one of the armrest panels in the cab.
• Ensure the pilot shutoff lever stays in the up position (active), allowing hydraulic flow to maintain control.
• In the pump compartment, locate and close the gate valve—a knob-based valve—below the counterweight lever to isolate and control hydraulic pressure for the removal process.
Not following this sequence can prevent hydraulic activation or lead to unsafe conditions. One technician emphasized forgetting to keep the lever up as a common oversight.
Equipment Context and Specifications
The 470G LC is a mid-size excavator, rated at 367 hp (274 kW) and tipping the scales at approximately 51,218 kg (112,916 lb) when fully spec’d with a hefty counterweight of around 8,400 kg (18,500 lb). It features modern hydraulics, Tier 4-Final emissions compliance, and efficient fuel usage per gallon moved thanks to optimized circuit design.
Why It Matters
Efficient removal of the counterweight makes transport easier and safer. Detaching the heavy rear ballasts can reduce the machine’s overall length and weight—critical for road compliance and reduced turnover time between job sites. Without using the hydraulic removal system, crews may resort to cranes or chains, increasing labor, cost, and risk.
Terminology Clarified
An excavator operator faced tight transport deadlines and couldn’t move the unit due to the heavy counterweight. On inspection, they hadn’t closed the gate valve and had toggled off the pilot lever—preventing hydraulic pressure. Correcting both, the operator used the in-cab switch and gently offloaded the counterweight in minutes—highlighting the system’s convenience when used correctly.
Recommendations for Effective Operation
John Deere’s integrated counterweight-removal system on the 470G LC offers a smart, secure method for reducing machine footprint when moving between sites. Following the correct operational sequence and maintaining system components ensures fast, safe, and hassle-free counterweight detachment—minimizing transport strain, downtime, and labor.
John Deere’s 470G excavator is equipped with a built-in hydraulic counterweight removal system designed to streamline transportation and maintenance. When engaged properly, hydraulic power gradually eases off the heavy counterweight—often weighing several tons—so the machine can be loaded onto trailers or transported without overload. The system is engineered to maximize safety and efficiency during removal operations.
Sequence for Safe Counterweight Removal
Before attempting removal, an operator must:
• Engage the counterweight removal switch located beneath one of the armrest panels in the cab.
• Ensure the pilot shutoff lever stays in the up position (active), allowing hydraulic flow to maintain control.
• In the pump compartment, locate and close the gate valve—a knob-based valve—below the counterweight lever to isolate and control hydraulic pressure for the removal process.
Not following this sequence can prevent hydraulic activation or lead to unsafe conditions. One technician emphasized forgetting to keep the lever up as a common oversight.
Equipment Context and Specifications
The 470G LC is a mid-size excavator, rated at 367 hp (274 kW) and tipping the scales at approximately 51,218 kg (112,916 lb) when fully spec’d with a hefty counterweight of around 8,400 kg (18,500 lb). It features modern hydraulics, Tier 4-Final emissions compliance, and efficient fuel usage per gallon moved thanks to optimized circuit design.
Why It Matters
Efficient removal of the counterweight makes transport easier and safer. Detaching the heavy rear ballasts can reduce the machine’s overall length and weight—critical for road compliance and reduced turnover time between job sites. Without using the hydraulic removal system, crews may resort to cranes or chains, increasing labor, cost, and risk.
Terminology Clarified
- Counterweight Removal System: Hydraulic mechanism enabling detachment of heavy rear ballast.
- Gate Valve: Knob-operated valve used to manage hydraulic flow during the removal process.
- Pilot Shutoff Lever: A safety control for enabling or disabling hydraulic pilot pressure—must remain engaged.
An excavator operator faced tight transport deadlines and couldn’t move the unit due to the heavy counterweight. On inspection, they hadn’t closed the gate valve and had toggled off the pilot lever—preventing hydraulic pressure. Correcting both, the operator used the in-cab switch and gently offloaded the counterweight in minutes—highlighting the system’s convenience when used correctly.
Recommendations for Effective Operation
- Maintain Step Order: Cab switch → pilot lever up → gear pump compartment gate valve closed.
- Check and Clean Valve Mechanism: Dirt can hinder valve operation; clean regularly.
- Train Operators: Routine instruction prevents errors in emergency or time-sensitive scenarios.
- Service Valve and Switch: Regular maintenance ensures reliable hydraulic engagement.
John Deere’s integrated counterweight-removal system on the 470G LC offers a smart, secure method for reducing machine footprint when moving between sites. Following the correct operational sequence and maintaining system components ensures fast, safe, and hassle-free counterweight detachment—minimizing transport strain, downtime, and labor.
