Cat D9G

[408interceptor]

I have an opportunity to buy a D9G dozer at below current scrap prices. The machine was parked under it's own power several years ago but is currently not running and the outfit that is selling it does not want any non employees working on it. They will push it onto a lowboy for me but the ripper is all the way down. Is the ROPS strong enough to anchor the ripper in the up position or is this a bad idea? I am trying to avoid having to remove this attachment because it will only add to the purchase price. Also RitchieSpecs claims the D9G is under 10' wide with the blade removed, is this correct?

 

[DMiller]

You will need a crane to lift the ripper, or another machine as big and may need to pull the cylinders to get it lifted. Does it just need batteries? What is the issue to not run? And why won't they let the purchaser start it? I am afraid it will end up as a friend of mine had, he bought a Terex rubber tired, would not let him work on it and told was as is running when parked. That engine was locked tight as Dick's hatband, has spent months trying to get a usable machine and spent way too much to get it already.

 

[StanRUS]

So how much for a employee to check the machine over? Engine froze up, turns over? Coolant? Exhaust stack was covered?

 

[Welder Dave]

If you could turn it over may be able to lift the ripper a couple inches at a time. What they use to push it on the lowboy could likely lift the ripper. I think the ROPS should hold the ripper up. It's designed to save the whole machine in a rollover. I'm suspecting there might be something majorly wrong with it if the price is below scrap and they won't let anyone work on it to see what's wrong.

 

[crane operator]

You will need a crane to lift the ripper, or another machine as big and may need to pull the cylinders to get it lifted. .

Shouldn't he just be able to unhook the hyd. lines on the ripper, lift the ripper with a excavator or loader (whatever they're going to use to push it on a trailer), then chain the rippers up, in its own linkage, and rehook the lines?

If they don't want you onsite, you're just going to have to take your chances I think. If it's too far gone, you send it to the scrap man.

 

[RZucker]

A 9G doesn't have pilot controls, hold the ripper control in the raise position while lifting the ripper with a crane, etc. I have had to do this with several dead machines. To hold the implements up, I use 3/4" wire rope and plenty of good cable clips for insurance. If it still has shanks in it pull them up and pin them on top of the pockets for extra clearance.

 

[alskdjfhg]

Is the ROPS strong enough to anchor the ripper in the up position or is this a bad idea?

Considering that the ROPS should be able to support weight of the machine in the event of a rollover, you should be fine tying the ripper to it.

 

[Birken Vogt]

If you use the pusher machine to lift the ripper while holding the control valve in the raise position, the rams "should" be able to hold the ripper up by themselves anyway...depending on what else is wrong with it....

 

[RZucker]

If you use the pusher machine to lift the ripper while holding the control valve in the raise position, the rams "should" be able to hold the ripper up by themselves anyway...depending on what else is wrong with it....

Not without the pump supplying oil to "push" side to the cylinder.

 

[StanRUS]

So what does OP consider 'below scrap price'? $5,000.00 green cash?

 

[Planedriver]

Based on the grass growth on and around the machine it hard for me to believe it was parked "several" years ago. It doesn't look like it's sunk in the ground like equipment will do after several years.

I don't know if all that means anything other than if you want to buy it, do so. Keep in mind, any repairs on a bruiser like that are usually an epic event.

 

[Welder Dave]

It looks like an auction line up.

 

[DMiller]

Still, no start worth little if even scrap value as it is too hard to make mobile enough to move it. He is buying a box load of trouble should the engine be seized or trashed or a final trans or other major gear train be failed/failing.

 

[Hobbytime]

spend what you can afford to lose and how much time do you have to throw away to work on it if it becomes apparent it is only scrap?

 

[DMiller]

With a operating weight over 90,000 it is a very large chunk to be dealing with. 45 tons to 50 tons dependent if blade comes with it, only worth around $2500 scrap value [here], then you have to get it hauled then figure what is bad. Cheap for that much machine if you can use it.

 

[Junkyard]

As much as I'd love to find a deal like this....I see somebody lookin to pull a fast one. Moved under its own power, kinda like "ran when parked". No non-employees working on it. Who in their right mind (debatable I know) would take a chance on something like this without a chance to really go over it?

Odds are high, in my humble opinion, that it's a genuine cluster and an all but bottomless money pit. Heck there are some of those for sale that run and push dirt that are essentially the same money pit. Depends on how much excess cash and time a feller has I reckon. I have neither but I sure like bustin my knuckles on the big iron. Kind of a sadist/masochist in that regard! Haha

TMI?

 

[kshansen]

With a operating weight over 90,000 it is a very large chunk to be dealing with. 45 tons to 50 tons dependent if blade comes with it, only worth around $2500 scrap value [here], then you have to get it hauled then figure what is bad. Cheap for that much machine if you can use it.

I think that last part is the most important one.

I never had much experience with dozer but I know in wheel loaders the prices a 966C would bring at auction, at least the ones the company I worked for sold, where several times what a 988B in actually better condition brought! I could imagine a D6C going for more than a running but tired D9 might bring. Probably anyone with a descent two axle low boy could move a D6C in most places without removing anything. Now a D9H would be a bit more of a project to move, at least here in NY! And as much as I would like to strip a D9H engine to the bare block and rebuild it if I had to pay the bill I sure would rather be paying for a 3306! Though not sure I would want that one up in Darwin Minn!

 

[Junkyard]

Shot across the bow!