Hey Guys, work is trying to pick back up here so i am planning to take advantage of the slow equipment market. I was going to buy 2 more 613s but the prices have me looking at 2 615s. Ive owned a slew of 613s, a 621j and a 623 but ive never even been around a 615. Ive done my research, i like the setup, and i know that it has been discontinued. does anyone have any information, likes/dislikes, that they would be willing to share. Thank You
I cannot respond as to its ability to move dirt but as a power train mechanic I will tell you that it does have a much stronger transmission and torque converter than the 613. Only weakness we have seen is in the differential spider group which is known to blow up from time to time but if you keep an eye on your magnet during service you should be ok.
take a close look at john deere 862b. we have 3 and wish they would make them again. they will run circles around most anything.
I have been around a few 615's. the only one i have operated had bald tires and a weak hyd. pump. It could still get the job done.....slowly:cussing. Another company that did alot of work with us, Has 2 615cII's. They are great machines to have around. They seem to have very few issues with them too. As superwrench said, The Deere 862B's and 762B's were also good machines. i have a bunch of hours on the 762. It originally had electric controls but had it switched to manual levers. It also seemed to go places a 613 wouldnt even dream of.
The 615 is a decent machine, but I was never exactly sure why Cat built them. It's kind of like D7's, betwixt and between. Too small for bigger work, too large for smaller work. The models without a cushion axle bounce like hell, making them unfit for longer hauls. Parts are not as readily available as are 623 or 613's, of which there are dozens lying all over the place.
Thanks Surfer-joe my work is kind of like a d7, im to big for the small stuff and to small for the big stuff. they should be perfect.