Clark 35C Wheel Loader Performance and Restoration Insights

[MikePhua]

The Clark 35C and Its Industrial Roots
The Clark 35C wheel loader emerged during a period when Clark Equipment Company was transitioning from its dominance in forklifts and transmissions to broader construction machinery. Founded in 1916, Clark was a pioneer in mechanical drive systems and industrial vehicles. By the 1970s and 1980s, the company expanded into wheel loaders, targeting municipal, agricultural, and light construction markets.
The 35C was designed as a compact, versatile loader with enough power to handle moderate earthmoving tasks while remaining nimble in tight spaces. It was often used for material handling, land clearing, and agricultural applications such as loading chicken litter or hauling feed. Though production numbers were modest compared to giants like Caterpillar or Case, the 35C earned a reputation for rugged simplicity and surprising pulling power.
Terminology Annotation
- Wheel Loader: A front-end loader mounted on wheels, used for scooping, lifting, and transporting loose materials.
- Detroit 3-53 Engine: A 3-cylinder, 2-stroke diesel engine known for its distinctive sound and high torque output.
- Rome Disc: A heavy-duty land-clearing implement, often pulled behind loaders or tractors to break up soil and vegetation.
- Steering Cylinder: A hydraulic actuator that controls wheel direction in articulated or conventional steering systems.
- 2/4 Wheel Selector Valve: A hydraulic valve that toggles between two-wheel and four-wheel steering modes.
Performance and Field Use
Operators who’ve worked with the Clark 35C often describe it as a “handy little machine” with capabilities that exceed its size. Equipped with a Detroit 3-53 diesel engine, the loader delivers robust torque, making it suitable for pulling heavy implements like Rome discs or lifting loads over 5,000 pounds. One operator recalled using it to load scissor lifts weighing 5,500 lbs onto trailers without issue.
Its compact footprint and maneuverability made it ideal for hunting leases, farm roads, and small construction sites. The loader’s ability to “just run and run” was frequently praised, even when used intermittently over several years.
Hydraulic Challenges and Steering Issues
Despite its strengths, the Clark 35C is not without quirks. A common issue involves steering malfunction—specifically, the rear wheels locking in one direction and failing to return. This behavior often points to problems within the steering selector valve or worn seals in the hydraulic system.
In one case, the operator replaced seals in the 2/4 wheel selector valve, hoping to restore steering function. While the repair improved performance, the issue persisted, suggesting deeper hydraulic imbalance or internal leakage in the steering cylinders.
Recommended steps for resolving steering faults include:

• Inspecting all four steering cylinders for seal integrity and rod scoring
  
• Replacing selector valve seals with OEM or high-quality aftermarket kits
  
• Flushing hydraulic fluid and checking for contamination or air ingress
  
• Verifying steering linkage alignment and mechanical stops
  
• Testing hydraulic pressure at the selector valve under load
  

Restoration and Maintenance Strategy
Restoring a Clark 35C to reliable working condition involves a blend of hydraulic overhaul, electrical inspection, and structural reinforcement. Key areas to address:

• Replace all hydraulic hoses, especially those exposed to UV or abrasion
  
• Rebuild steering cylinders with new seals and polished rods
  
• Check engine mounts and transmission couplings for wear
  
• Inspect the loader arms and pivot pins for play or cracking
  
• Upgrade lighting and controls for modern usability
  

Operators often fabricate their own fork attachments or modify the bucket for specialized tasks. Given the loader’s age, parts may be sourced from salvage yards or custom-machined. Detroit 3-53 engine components remain available through legacy suppliers, though some electrical parts may require retrofitting.
Historical Context and Market Legacy
Clark Equipment eventually sold its construction machinery division, and the brand faded from mainstream loader production. However, the 35C remains a cult favorite among enthusiasts and small contractors who value mechanical simplicity over electronic complexity.
In rural areas, these loaders are still used for clearing trails, loading manure, and maintaining gravel roads. Their longevity is a testament to Clark’s engineering ethos—build it strong, keep it simple, and let the operator do the rest.
Conclusion
The Clark 35C wheel loader may not be a household name in modern fleets, but its legacy lives on in fields, farms, and backlots across the country. With a Detroit diesel heart and a no-nonsense hydraulic system, it offers a blend of power and practicality that’s hard to find in newer machines. For those willing to invest in restoration and maintenance, the 35C remains a capable partner—proof that old iron, when cared for, still has plenty of work left to do.