I am looking for a good used front end loader with a big bucket have to move a lot of dirt in a rough area and don't want to get in there with trucks in a woods would like to spend under 20,000 if possible only need it for the one job what kinds are good and what kinds should I stay away from thanks for any input:usa
Depends on what you mean by a big bucket. Large loader would have 7 to 12 yard bucket and really be to big to work in the woods. you probably need 2 to 3 yard machine. Stay away from anything that you can't get parts for at fair price. How much mechanic work can you do, or do you hire your service work out? Need a dealer to do repairs? Under $20,000 a large loader will be worn out. Cat, Deere,Komatsu, use brand specific parts which are high in cost. I would look for on older 75 to 125 Michigan loader. They have either Cummins or Detroit engine and Clark power train which have several sources for parts and engine work. In rough ground you should have limited slip or no spin diff at least on one end of the machine. Look out for loose pins and bushings in the boom/ bucket, heavy load in rough ground is a giant sledge hammer and if you have slop in the pins they will beat out pretty quickly. Same for the articulation loint. Go to several auctions and see how the prices run and what you can get for the money. Patience should be you guide, watch for small contractors going out of busines or downsizing.
thamks for the info I wasn't sure if u could get parts for the older machines but it makes sense if they have different engines etc. bucket size would about loke u figured 3 yard probably I saw a deere 544 for sale for 8500 but was little machine but had only 5300 hours anyhow thanks for your input its nice having the forum to talk to people
Where in MN are you located?
You are looking for a Cat 966c
Yes, thats exactly what I was thinking cutting edge. Definitely check out your heavy equipment sources for a Cat 966c, they are one of the most common wheel loaders ever. Many of them were made and they had a long production run so parts are easy to find. They are simple machines, but can move dirt well and buying one for a quick job wont break the bank. My only other suggestions would be a Terex such as a 72-31 or a 72-41 or even better would be a Michigan 75 or 125. They're all old machines, but if the loader was treated right and is in working order they will do just fine for a job or two.
The Michigan 125 would be ideal not to big not to small and they can really dig dirt, not to much problem to get any parts.