Total Newb, wondering what to look for

rktman

New User
I"ve been thinking about getting a crawler to help clear several acres of thorn trees and to clean out some older ponds.
I know it would be cheaper to hire it done, but I like to tinker.
What"s a good little crawler to do such chores, TD9?
 
As usually stated, condition, parts availability , your ability to repair, are priority. Undercarriage replacement is one of the costly items, and so on. Decent crawlers are out there, you don't want to rush into something you know little about, depending on your budget, its better to spend a little more for one in decent shape, you will want some brush protection for sure. Its nice to own, I can think of many reasons to, but get one that is problematic, or will have a serious problem, you will regret not renting, I had a job across the road to do, and my D7 was right here, I rented out, just did not want the headache on a paying job, of dealing with an old tractor, was a smart move, fuel efficiency, production and or ease of operation, so much faster and a lot less operator fatigue, a no brainer decision, might have been different if I was able to have gone through that tractor, repair what it needs, tracks are almost new on it,, but all the other things were enough to make me realize, go for the rental.
 
If your ponds totally dry out to firm hard bottom in the summer you can use a machine with any width track but with soggy subsoil go for a wide-pad machine. I like track loaders because you can do more types of work than with a blade machine. It can pay off to pay a good mechanic a couple of hundred dollars to check over a prospective purchase. If he discovers trouble you're out small money compared to finding out later and spending big money. I've had very good results with Cat 955, 941 & 931 for the work you're describing, the latter one being wide pad. Renting is smart for short term work. If you have on-going work from year to year it's good to own. Like they say in the financial world "investigate before you invest".
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top