Advice for a newbie

blawton_25 · Jul 28, 2009

I am looking to get a little advice on what crawler loader to purchase. I will not be using commercially, just around my property to clear brush, level dirt and hopefully dig a pond or two. I had an OC-46 a few years back and while had alot of fun it just wasn't strong enough. I'm currently looking at a Komatsu D21 loader and a 1968 case 450. The Komatsu is pedal steer but doesn't have the 4n1 bucket that the case does. Does anyone know anything about these machines? Would either or both of these fit my need? I think the case is about 50 hp while the komatsu is about 40 hp. Thanks in advance.

ih100 · Jul 28, 2009

the case for the Case

The Komatsu will be the easiest to operate and maintain, but if you're brave enough to go for the Case, it'll be more versatile with the 4-in-1. If you can make a decent fist of operating a Case, there's no other tracked loader will hold any fears for you. Make sure the transmission is good, i.e. both tracks will engage high and low, not just one speed and neutral. Some of the techs logged on will enlarge on this for you. I envy you guys in the States, you all seem to have enough land to play on. I could just about park a Bobcat outside.

Yukonjack · Aug 3, 2009

I like the Case 450 because it is strong, easy to operate and parts are readily available. I would recommend a rear attachment (ripper, winch) to better balance the unit, especially if it has the added weight of the 4x1 front bucket.

blawton_25 · Aug 3, 2009

Thanks for the advice. Anything else I should look for other than the tracks engaging in both gears?

Also, in the pics attached, the circled area, sorry I don't know the proper term, there is a couple of inches of play in that arm. if you're standing in front of the machine it will move left and right probably about 2-3 inches overall movement. Is that normal? easily fixed?

Like I said before the machine is a late '60s model base on my sn research, but it has a reman 207 engine, but its been sitting at the dealer for about 2 1/2 years now.

ih100 · Aug 4, 2009

You're looking at the crowd ram linkage. As I remember (25 years since I drove a 450) they were always a bit loose in this area, but as long as there's no wear around the pin radius, I wouldn't be too alarmed by the sideplay. If it bugs you too much you can shim it. Even from quite low hours that particular area "talked" a lot when tracking or slewing with an empty bucket. It wasn't the best designed loader geometry, that honour went to International/Drott's Z-linkage. I'd get a bit of tension in those tracks before you go into the rough as well.

BZ59 · Aug 17, 2009

New Member here! Just bought a Dresser 125E with a 4n1 bucket. I was looking at Dozers, but felt the 4n1 bucket would be better here on my place, clearing my property. And am very glad I got it.
BZ59

Aardvark · Sep 9, 2009

case

spent a week or two on an 450 case (not quite that old but still a dinosaur) in the quarry a few years ago in between digging jobs.(The other guys were too chicken to get on it)
Didn't find it to bad except it was pretty loud (no muffler).It was good fun actually
Something different and a new experience although I'd spent a couple years on a cat 428 4x4 & a cat 950 so was used to using 4 in 1's.
Another guy I know had one. Used to contract to the council etc. Got a very good run out of his.

Aardvark · Sep 9, 2009

whoops

meant to put this in the last post

ointhead
Definitley get something with a 4 in 1. Waaay more versatile.
Give it a bit of a run if possible.
Try to lift the front of the ground with the bucket to check the track idlers somewhat.
Make sure all the hydraulics operate without any shuddering etc
Everything should be fairly smooth mate

Greg · Sep 9, 2009

Cat 955K or L is a little bigger but a bigger machine and more money. A 941 would do it for you too. No 4 in ones on the Cats for the most part though. My advise is to stay away from the Deeres.

580bruce · Sep 9, 2009

Do not know why you would want to stay away from John Deere.The 450C is a great trackloader? They have enough power to hurt themselves.

JimInOz · Sep 10, 2009

Case 450

The D21 Komatsu are good machines,but without a 4in1,they are only half a machine.The 450 had a good reputation & will be heavier than the D21.
I always hear of brake problems with the 450s,but I wouldn't be put off by that.
Make sure you get it inspected by someone who knows about Case Track Loaders.
You don't want to be paying for tranny overhaul or engine/hydraulic failures.
If unsure,always pay a qualified guy to inspect.
Good luck..

blawton_25 · Sep 11, 2009

Thanks for all the advice. I hope to take the Case for a ride next weekend. so we'll see. The dealer is asking more than I think its worth, but he's also been sitting on it for over a year now.

Greg · Sep 11, 2009

That is the problem with the Deeres. They hurt themselves. Their hydraulics are a nightmare. They are also a real little SOB to work on right from changing the oil on down.

blawton_25 · Sep 15, 2009

International 500

I passed an International 500 with a 4n1 bucket this morning on the way to work. Anyone know anything about these?

Greg · Sep 15, 2009

enough to tell you to stay away from anything that says International on it. Know a guy who had a 195 and later a 175 international. Bad scene with both of them.

blawton_25 · Sep 15, 2009

International 500

adding pics

JimInOz · Sep 15, 2009

Those 500s are a handy small loader.If you can get it for the right $$$,& it runs OK ...go for it.Make sure you give it a good run & look over before buying.
The guys on the Redpower construction forum will be of help for advice on the 500.

alvaro · Sep 15, 2009

hello everyone ....

B&S Grading · Sep 15, 2009

I Have Always Been On The 953's And 963's So That Is The Only Machine That I Can Tell You About... The 53's And 63's Are Good Strong Machines Honestly...But They May Be Too Big For What You Are Wanting One For...

B&S Grading · Sep 15, 2009

Hello Alvaro...

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