Cat D5G vs D5K ??

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We are in the process of buying 2 of these units to build dikes and reservoirs in Cambodia. I've noticed that there really is not a lot of price difference for the machines, basically a question of hours and condition. The K's may run $3000 to $5000 more. I understand that the six cylinder engine in the G's are made by Mitsubishi, how about the 4 cylinder in the K series? Why did Cat switch? Any preferences? Which holds up best? Cheapest to rebuild? I really don't care about the year, we just want something that will hold up and is easily repaired. Your advice gentlemen?
 

Of the two models you name, I'd go with the 5G, regardless of the hours. I say this because the K is going to have a Tier 3, C4.4 ACERT engine, which means computer controls, and if I'm not mistaken, a common rail fuel system. The G model has a Tier 2, 3046 engine which has a more conventional injection system.

In my experience, the conventional injection systems are going to be the easiest to maintain, and are far more tolerant of variances in fuel quality, which I would expect to be an issue in your area.

Between that, and the maintenance issues involved with the computer controlled systems, again, I'd have to choose the G over the K any day of the week.

That said, you could probably get an older D6D with a tried and true, completely mechanical, Tier nothing, genuine 3306 CAT engine for far less than the cost of one of either of the machines you mention. Weight wise they are almost identical, but you'd gain nearly 40 HP with the D6. Too, you'd gain the ability to access far more aftermarket parts for both the machine itself, as well as the engine.

The link below is a comparison of the two models, with the exception that the 5 is a LGP model. I imagine with the standard pads even the ground pressure would be nearly the same between the 5 and the 6.

As a field mechanic by trade, if I was in the same local as you are, I would much rather have the simplicity of the 6 to deal with come repair time, as I had the complexities of either of the 5's, or any newer machine for that matter.

Hope this helps. Wayne
Richie specs
 
I would agree with Wayne, but he surely would know more about these later models, engines specifically.

I have spent a lot of time on D6D's and have been involved with taking them apart down to the bevel gear compartment. They are a solid design, but will be drastically different to operate.

With the work you plan, you should consider the blade type, 6 way or with push arms off the track frames. Soft ground, you may want an LGP model. These newer ones and the D6D era tractors are a lot different in performance and to operate. Same with fuel consumption.
 
The Powershift is a great design, and really a pretty simple design as well. Its been used on everything from the smaller machines up through the D9s. Essentially it operates about the same as the steering clutches. The difference is that it relies on hydraulic pressure to actuate and spring pressure where the clutches operated exact opposite.

As far as rebuilding, they aren't that complex to do, even in the field, as opposed to the hydrostatic drives on the newer machines which often require specialized tools and almost a clean room environment to do correctly.

All in all, in a somewhat primitive local, I think.you'd be much happier in the long run with an older 6 than anything as new as either of the 5s.
 
Thanks! Yes, we have a D5B Ag and a D3B with six way. I would like the maneuverability of the Hydro machine & the six way blade, really need a ripper and they are hard to find with the LGP's, but agree they'd better.
 
Rule of thumb is to use the narrowest track pad you can for the conditions but then again the LGP models dedicated wide pads, but most did have options for pad width. Kind of a waste to run LGP's on hard ground when a standard model with typical width pads will work just fine. They are however, amazing in soft ground. The newer G series like you mentioned, are so much different than these older models. I had a D4G on rental a few times, delivered brand new to the job. That tractor was highly productive, a cinch to operate and really easy on fuel. Not sure how they held up, but what an incredible amount of work I was able to do with it.
 
Just saw this D6 on sale on the Charlotte Craig's List. It has a power tilt blade, and looks like a good machine, based on the pictures and description. Not to mention, I don't think you'll beat the price.
D6 for sale
 
Wayne,

Thank you I believe you are right except for the amount of turning and weird angles we will be working with. A Hydro machine with a 6 way blade would be ideal. Now, allow me to ask you a politically incorrect question. We are not running these machines in California. Can this tier 4 stuff be disabled, so that the machine will just run without it or is it impossible? What I am asking is kid of like the Kenyan guy I asked when seeing a herd of fat Zebras. I asked, "How do they taste?" Hey said, "Oh! It's illegal to eat Zebras in Kenya, but they taste very good."
 
Nothing wrong with that question, as it's an issue that's killing used equipment sales, and pushing so much of the older equipment in the States to overseas buyers. For specialized machines, like heavy lift cranes, it's especially bad as there are fewer of them, and more and more places in undeveloped areas, or developed areas that don't follow the same emissions standards, that they can't be operated.

To answer your question though, unfortunately I haven't seen, nor heard, any way to bypass the emissions stuff. Believe me, if it were possible I know a lot of guys that would be all over it.

Too, and something you need to think about, is that these new engines are designed to run on Ultra-Low Sulfur diesel, not the Low Sulfur of a few years back. The way I understand it, the extra sulfur in the old stuff will play havoc with the sensors, etc in the newer machines.

I can understand the need for features, such as the 6 way blade, to make certain tasks easier, and that's understandable. With that said, what I tend to tell my customers is to weigh the 'ease' and time savings of the task at hand, with the expense of having a machine down, that can't be easily, or cheaply, repaired. In other words, machine running an extra hour, and burning a few more gallons per day to do the job, will be better in the long run than the one that sits broken all the time, while the job is done by hand.

In the end, it's getting to the point that the kind machines needed in less areas are the same ones available when places like the US were also less developed, or undeveloped, at the time the machine was built.

Good luck, and if you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.
 

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