I need some help deciding on a dozer to buy. I am looking at a 1995 JD 550g LGP with cages rollbars and a winch. The undercarriage is shot the motor smoke (reasons unkown) the blade has ALOT of slack in it and all the cylinders leak. this machine i can probably get for around $10,000. The second machine is a case 850D LT. This machine doesnt have all the extras but it has a good motor and it feels tight and is a nice machine and can most likely be put to use right away. This machine i may be able to get around $15,000. My budget is about 16-17,000 and i can do all the work myself to the machines. In good shape which is a better machine?:beatsme
I sure somone can quote exact undercarriage cost for you, but it will be expensive...I'm guessing $8,000 if you do chains, rollers, and sprockets...plus you may end up overhauling the engine, hyd cylinders, and blade. Lots of work and $ There's lots of equipment for sale right now...look around a lot.
Since both dozers are used the question is rather which machine will amortize the expense of ownership? From your description the JD sounds like it is not worth $10K. Unless as a parts machine it would pay for the expense of breakdown and marketing. The Case from your description is in running condition. So than the question is, does it handle the types of jobs you want to use it for? The better machine is always the one that does the work needed at a profit.
How many hours are on each machine? From your description the Deere is going to need blade P&B's, repacking of the cylinders, a new undercarriage and motor work. My guesstamit would be anywhere from $12-20K worth of work, depending on the state of the engine. Like D6c10K said, that is a lot of work and money for a machine that would retail, with everything in working order for around $20K. There is a lot of equipment for sale, check the auctions. One member bought a nice Komatsu for $20K -