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The Fiat-Allis 7G-B and Its Mechanical Lineage
The Fiat-Allis 7G-B track loader was a product of the merger between Fiat and Allis-Chalmers in the 1970s, combining Italian diesel engineering with American heavy equipment design. Built for rugged earthmoving, the 7G-B featured a turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine, a robust undercarriage with six bottom rollers, and a 2F-2R gear transmission. Its 80-inch-wide bucket and 45-inch-high face made it ideal for quarry work, land clearing, and industrial loading. Though production numbers were modest compared to Caterpillar or Komatsu, the 7G-B earned a reputation for mechanical simplicity and brute strength.
Understanding the Rear Pin Assembly
The rear pin of the bucket lift cylinder—part number 70625755—is a hex-shaped pivot pin that secures the cylinder to the loader frame. It is designed as a slip-fit component, held in place by an external strap and seated within a boss that often accumulates debris and corrosion over time.
Key terminology:
In one documented case, the rear pin proved exceptionally difficult to remove. Initial attempts included:
Recommended Extraction Strategy
A technician in Missouri once faced a similar challenge on a 7G-B. After exhausting mechanical pullers, he fabricated a hydraulic press using a center-hole cylinder and a custom steel frame. The pin finally moved after sustained pressure and heat. He later noted that the loader’s design allowed debris to accumulate around the pin, effectively cementing it in place.
In another case, a restoration crew in Italy used a lathe to machine a custom extractor bolt with a tapered thread. Combined with a support tube and washer plate, the pin was removed without damage to the boss.
Preventive Maintenance Recommendations
Removing the rear pin on a Fiat-Allis 7G-B bucket lift cylinder is a test of patience, mechanical ingenuity, and persistence. While the pin is designed as a slip-fit, real-world conditions often turn it into a seized component. With proper tools, strategic force application, and a willingness to adapt, even the most stubborn pins can be extracted. The 7G-B remains a durable machine, and overcoming challenges like this is part of preserving its legacy.
The Fiat-Allis 7G-B track loader was a product of the merger between Fiat and Allis-Chalmers in the 1970s, combining Italian diesel engineering with American heavy equipment design. Built for rugged earthmoving, the 7G-B featured a turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine, a robust undercarriage with six bottom rollers, and a 2F-2R gear transmission. Its 80-inch-wide bucket and 45-inch-high face made it ideal for quarry work, land clearing, and industrial loading. Though production numbers were modest compared to Caterpillar or Komatsu, the 7G-B earned a reputation for mechanical simplicity and brute strength.
Understanding the Rear Pin Assembly
The rear pin of the bucket lift cylinder—part number 70625755—is a hex-shaped pivot pin that secures the cylinder to the loader frame. It is designed as a slip-fit component, held in place by an external strap and seated within a boss that often accumulates debris and corrosion over time.
Key terminology:
- Slip Fit: A non-threaded, non-press-fit connection that allows easy insertion and removal under ideal conditions.
- Boss: A reinforced housing or sleeve that supports the pin and absorbs load stress.
- Puller Tool: A mechanical or hydraulic device used to extract seized pins or shafts.
In one documented case, the rear pin proved exceptionally difficult to remove. Initial attempts included:
- Cleaning the internal threads and installing a ¾-10 bolt.
- Using a slide hammer with no effect.
- Fabricating a puller from a 4-inch pipe coupling and ½-inch steel plate.
- Applying light heat and impact torque, followed by heavy heat and a 1-inch impact wrench.
Recommended Extraction Strategy
- Relieve Load Pressure
Ensure the bucket and cylinder are fully supported or removed to eliminate residual stress on the pin.
- Inspect for Retainers or Grooves
Remove the skid plate if necessary to check for internal retainers or stepped grooves that may be locking the pin.
- Use a Hydraulic Center-Hole Cylinder
Apply axial force through a threaded rod and support tube. This method allows controlled pressure without damaging surrounding components.
- Alternate Force Application
Apply tension, release, and reapply—mimicking the “back-and-forth” technique used in bolt removal to break corrosion bonds.
- Last Resort: Thermal Extraction or Cutting
If mechanical methods fail, preheat the boss and pin with a torch to expand the metal and break the bond. If access permits, drill or cut the pin to relieve internal tension.
A technician in Missouri once faced a similar challenge on a 7G-B. After exhausting mechanical pullers, he fabricated a hydraulic press using a center-hole cylinder and a custom steel frame. The pin finally moved after sustained pressure and heat. He later noted that the loader’s design allowed debris to accumulate around the pin, effectively cementing it in place.
In another case, a restoration crew in Italy used a lathe to machine a custom extractor bolt with a tapered thread. Combined with a support tube and washer plate, the pin was removed without damage to the boss.
Preventive Maintenance Recommendations
- Clean pin bosses annually, especially after working in clay or gravel.
- Apply anti-seize compound on pins during reinstallation.
- Install grease fittings if possible to allow regular lubrication.
- Document pin orientation and removal force for future service records.
Removing the rear pin on a Fiat-Allis 7G-B bucket lift cylinder is a test of patience, mechanical ingenuity, and persistence. While the pin is designed as a slip-fit, real-world conditions often turn it into a seized component. With proper tools, strategic force application, and a willingness to adapt, even the most stubborn pins can be extracted. The 7G-B remains a durable machine, and overcoming challenges like this is part of preserving its legacy.
