Hi, looking for some opinions here. After 27 years and well over 23,000 hours of faithful service our 966D has come to a crossroads so to speak.The engine has been replaced completely once in 1994 with a re-man from Cat and the replacement overhauled because it spun a main bearing.The transmission rebuilt about ten years ago,but did'nt get into the torque or drop box.The front diff has been replaced/patched up a couple years ago-the carrier assembly worked itself loose and wore the saddles in the housing some.The crown and pinion got mangled up so we dropped in a rebuilt unit,but the housing itself is on borrowed time.It's a little noisy but seems to be holding for now. A couple weeks ago the transmission started overheating.We checked the rad/oil cooler,dropped the oil,pulled the pick-up screen and filter.Cuttings,chunks of aluminum,clutch fibre were found.It has to come out, which is no small task.Just not sure if we want to get into a whole pile of money on a machine this old,knowing that the front diff could give up anytime.Especially when a fresh,up to spec trans/torque is driving it.I would guess a front housing is pricey. It still see's steady use feeding a screening plant,stockpiling,loading trucks about eight months of the year.I'm thinking something newer such as a 966F or G -am staying with Cat if we upgrade. thanks, Dominion:canada
Hey Dominion, I don't know what you're looking at spending for a trans rebuild but we have one in stock and we ship to Canada on a regular basis. It includes the drop box and torque: http://cgi.ebay.com/8P2015-Caterpil...=BI_Heavy_Equipment_Parts&hash=item4aa47c95c5 If you do decide to part out your machine, I'd be interested in purchasing it or some of the major components.
Have you considered selling the machine overseas? That machine is bringing around 60,000.00 and the exporters dont care how many hours are on them. Thats what i did with mine. And I replaced it with a newer machine with less hours.
Berryconstuct is spot on. Even here in North America they fetch top dollar. That being said I bought a 950F that the meter had stopped at 28000 hours and used it for three years and then painted it and got more than I paid. Go figure