Gradall G3WD?

[245dlc]

Hi guys I've been thinking about acquiring a Gradall I've seen a lot of used ones on the market and for pretty low prices especially compared to how expensive they are brand new. I've seen some going for less than $20,000 Can and one in particular a G3WD only has 5,000 hours on it. So my question is how reliable are they? Constant break downs? Hydraulic leaks? Can the control pattern be changed easily to standard excavator controls? And how is the 'upper' cab heated? I've seen propane tanks hanging off the back and so was concerned that may be its heater. lol

[sheepfoot]

245dlc, The gradall is a good machine, I liked running the 660 and 1000, never ran the G3WD but have seen several in the area, it's a differant feel the way the boom angle and telescope works, can't realy work over area's like you can with a trackhoe, but is good fine gradeing up close machine, will dig and slope well for the most part, going from tracks to rubber is the worst thing with out outriggers, parts were good several years back, don't know now, and yes that is the lp tank(for the heater).

[245dlc]

Ok thanks I can handle operating on tires as I've run wheeled excavators before and know all about the bouncy bouncy business.

[mikef87]

I have a few gradalls and the best series to get is the 3300 or the 3100 instead of the G3WD The 3100 will eat the G3wd up anyday. I'm not sure on your budget but if you want production and a machine that won't leak then ( or as much) then go in that direction.

[245dlc]

So what are the big differences between these machines? I kinda figured there had to be something up with the G3WD as I saw some pretty low prices on them.

[mikef87]

The G3wd works off a pto or central hydraulics, the 3100 has a seperate motor with a hydraulic pump for the gradall. The 3300 has no truck cab and has a hydrostatic transmission. I have all track machines now but have rented a 3300 and know someone that had a G3wd and he hated it. The 3300 is a great machine. Plus the older gradalls such as the 660s 880s and G3wd had a lot fo problems with leaks. the 2000 3000 4000 and 5000 series didn't have many leak problems. Hope this helps.

[245dlc]

Ok I guess that explains why there are so many on the used market. lol

[BSAA65LB]

Gradall G3WD was in production from 1985 - 2000 and was built in several variations. So yes, there are a lot on the used market as people retire the old ones. It was for many years, one of the best selling models in unit sales. Most customers were highway departments.

They are getting a little old to be considered a prime machine....but would make a good farm machine or back up machine.

If you are serious about one, find out the service history of the transmission and center swivel. Neither were particularly troublesome, but both are EXPENSIVE to repair if at the end of their service life :eek: