What would be the easiest of the larger ( CAT 966 - 992 equivalents ) & older ( pre- 1995) model loaders to carry put repairs on ?....... CAT, KOMATSU, VOLVO, ect...
They are all a pain!
The easiest one is the one someone else is working on
Hands down Cat has better support for older machines, In the US at least
You left out Houghs! In some ways easier to work on than Cats but I'm sure finding some parts would not bee too easy!
My 544G machines are the easiest and most reliable. The motor is driveshaft connected to the torque converter. The shaft or coupling can fail. In the 20k plus hours on each of my three, I've done each one once. The motor can be swung out whole with just the top hood and side doors off. Even the radiator can stay. 12voly machines that can run an $80 alternator. Simple piston park brake caliper. Wet brakes can be a pain, but, all my loaders, except my last Volvos, require axle removal to service the wet brakes. Volvo had outboard were brakes, but, the parts were just so damned expensive. My 544J machines are nearing 18k each, but, the stupid electronic rotary injection pump, and tone of electronic and computer issues. Can say, with no uncertainty, I have never had a transmission out of any of my Deeres. Volvo, on my L70E machines, were at least one a year once over 8k hours, and $25k+ a pop.