Suggestions for first dozer?

[RFox]

I'm needing to clear off some brush, most of it small (1 ft. diameter tops) and do some minor finishing. Also, I wouldn't mind doing a little side work to help pay for a dozer. Any suggestions on what would be a good, dependable, yet very portable dozer, something that I could haul behind a 3/4 ton?

I've been looking at the one at the bottom of this page:
http://www.findtoolsnow.com/Ag-Equipment-Excavating-Bulldozers.html

What do you all think? I've got some experience running an old D-4 Cat, but it only had a 2 way blade.

Am I better off getting a well known brand or are the Nortracs Ok?

Thanks!
Light duty bulldozer

 

[Anonymous-0]

A 12 inch tree needs a good push with a dozer. A loader can push up higher to get better leverage. Maybe something like a JD 350 but it might still be small at around 10 to 12000 lbs. That's still a lot behind a 3/4 ton though. Dave

 

[RFox]

Would a CASE 450B CRAWLER do what I mentioned? Also wondering if having a bucket instead of blade would be good -or- bad?

Thanks for your input!

 

[Jon (IN)]

Loader is definately more versatile. For rough clearing, tree removal, dirt moving, the loader wins hands down. For finish grading, cutting a ditch, etc, the dozer works better.
I think the Case 450 loader is the ideal machine for what you are looking to do. It may be just a bit heavy for a 3/4 ton to handle. I have a Case 350 loader, can handle a 6-8 inch tree, but it ain't quite big enough to dig stumps alone out, but with the trunks attached it will push a lot. It weighs in right at 10,000lbs. Not sure where you are at, but I am looking to sell my 350. But if you have a line on a 450, that's the way to go.

Jon

 

[steve n carol]

A nortrack dozer?? Do you know where these are made? Chinese? Food for thought. RFox, where are you located? You have to think about transport costs too. If you find one you like, have the owner let you operate it...for a couple of hours. if the owner won't let you........"there's your sign"......
I like mine, (CASE), I am well pleased with all aspects of it, except the muffler (noise)....sl

 

[kyhayman]

I dont like the Nortracs, heard too many horror stories and the resale value is terrible. I'd say a 450 Case/450 Deere, etc. Some of the fiats, dressers TD 7, etc would be good too. A lot depends on which one you like the controls of better. They will haul behind a 3/4 ton truck if you have enough trailer in a pinch. I usually get a towing service to move mine (450C JD) with the ripper it weighs in right at 15,000 pounds. Trip with the rollback costs me $80-$100 depending on where its going. The pickup and trailer will take it but I hate put that much stress on my rear axle and brakes. Just got done dropping a thousand bucks and two weeks in the front end of the truck. Plus I normally end up with the skidloader and backhoe attachement on most jobs anyway before Im finished and it trailers a lot better.

 

[ohio]

allis hd5. cheap, powerfull, and LOUD!
i don't think you'll see any nortracks running around in 60 years.

 

[Anonymous-0]

As my handle suggests i'm a huge fan of the Case 450C's. I have the loader on mine and love it. I can load trucks, uproot trees, snag out stumps, use the teeth as a bit of a rake, etc., etc,.. I trailer mine on a 10 ten deckover float pulled with a 1 ton GMC Sierra Dually with nair a problem.
The only drawback I find is ditching is difficult, as is finish grading on account of the bucket. Usually after I finish a job i grade it as best i can with the loader then I drag an old track chain around teh site with my atv to smooth it real nice. Also, loading trucks or moving material with the bucket (carrying load) any distance is slow and hard on the machine. For what your describing I would recommend a case 450 crawler loader.
Parts are cheap to come by, abundant, and i"ve gotten A LOT of help form the guys on this board in maintaining adn rebuilding my machine.
Just my two cents.
good luck brah!

 

[dej(Jed)]

I bought an IH TD 340 Dozer a while ago and I am pleased with it. It has plenty of power. I cleared about 3 acres and even dug out a small pond with it. It had no probelms in shale or in the clay. It is no D8, but it sure was worth the money. It is also very easy on fuel.

 

[RFox]

What are you asking out of your 350? I'm mainly concerned with getting one that I know is mechanically sound, even if it takes longer than a bigger one. I'm near KC, MO...

 

[Anonymous-0]

I like my Cat 955 track loader, 1965 model with electric start. A little heavier that what the other guys suggest at 27,000#. Have you checked with King Machinery north of KC MO? That is where I bought my tandam tilt to haul the 955 on.

 

[BobinKY]

Hey Jon. Do you still have the 350 for sale? I live in KY and I am looking for something to clear some trails and then snake logs out over very rough terrain. I can get dozers to work in my area for $100 per hour but I was thinking of investing in a small dozer for my occassional work so that I can work on my schedule instead of waiting on them. I have heard that they are expensive toys but I think I can find enough work around the place to justify one and then I can probably sell it to get some of my money back. Any thoughts? Please reply to my E mail as I do not regularly read this forum.