A customer has asked for my help determining the worth of a JD 450C, so I'm asking for yours. This is an ex-Westvaco fire dozer. It is direct drive. It has a 6-way blade with significant slop, and new hoses to the blade. The hoses are reversed to the angle and tilt, so those controls work backwards. It has a winch w/ decent looking cable and hook. It has limb risers and a very good operator protection package around the open ROPS. The paint is very poor, but all rust appears to be superficial. Both batteries are incapable of taking a charge, but the engine starts very well w/ a boost, and sounds good, w/ great oil pressure, and minimal smoke. The clutch, transmission, and steering brakes appear to work well. The hourmeter is inoperable. The pads and grousers seem to be nearly new, but the rest of the undercarriage is the worst I have ever seen on an operating machine. The bushings are worn completely through, and the sprocket teeth bear directly on the pins. The sprocket teeth are down to rounded nubs. What do you think this machine is worth as described? Thanks, Mitch
Photos would help. New undercarriage complete with everything but the pads is going to probably run in the $7,500.00 range at the high end. Batteries are going to cost $125.00 a piece. Strip and paint around here in the $3,500 range for a real good inexpensive shop. Electrical charging system may need work too. Blade is going to need work in the ball and socket attachment. No idea's on that. I would guess the machine would be in the $12,500 to $15,000.00 range retail if it were in top shape. You go from there on price for it the way it is.
I was thinking "as-is" price of $1500-2000. Sounds like the little dozer needs a lot of TLC. If the engine and trans is in good shape, it may be worth more as a parts machine.
That little rig is worth app. $5-8K the way you describe it.I've had many 350-450's over the years,burns me up when I see them get in such bad shape.They are fantastic dozers,will almost last forever with minimal care.They always fetch top dollar by me and don't stay ''For Sale'' very long.
I would go in at about 4 to 5k, but if you get it do the undercarriage and fix the starting problem and give it a complete service. You put it out the way it is and your just asking for production delays and probably embarrassing yourself to a customer. also get back out there and see exactly what you need to do to get the blade fairly tight then go price some parts if it needs alot of work in the ball and pins and bushings it will add up reall quick