Small dozer...which one?

Hey all,
I purchased a backhoe per this forums advice a few years ago and it was one of my better decisions. It saved me a 30k grading/Rd. building bill
Backhoe I got is still going strong.

Now I'm looking at the different options on a Dozer. What I'll be using it for is grading a home site, regrading logging rds., Cutting in some new 10' wide roads on property. The homesite is undisturbed ground on a 15-20 degree slope. I just need to level it meaning I will need to remove about 3-5 ' of dirt on high side. Area is about 60' x 40'.

The size and models I've been looking at are the JD 450/550 and recently the komatsu D38P. After some reading it seems the JD's are great machines but are hard to work on for a novice. I've also read that a transmission job is 10k and difficult.
As far as the komatsu...I've read they are good machines that are easier to work on. The clutches are easy to access, trans is separate from engine via driveshaft and so on.( I did read that this komatsu is just a dresser...would a different model komatsu be a better choice?
There is a JD 550B available with rebuilt engine(40hrs), new injector pump,new radiator, new injectors,90percent undercarriage for 15k but isn't that kinda high?
Any suggestions on a serviceable machine for a novice with do it yourself abilities?
I am not brand oriented.
Like most everyone, I'm just looking for a reliable small dozer that is designed to be a little more user friendly. Is there such a machine or are they all designed to make owners have to take to a pro?
Thanks

If that's too long of a read then in short,

Thanks for advice on backhoe purchase in the past.
Now, what is the best brand and model small dozer (JD 450-550 size) ?
Wanting something that is more easily serviced by myself than a pro....
JD, komatsu, case...?

Thanks for any advice

Cat's like D3B's have reliable transmissions and don't leave Case dozers off your list. Case are generally less expensive and have some good reviews. Look at Case 550's. Have read that JD transmissions are very expensive to fix and some parts for older machines are discontinued. You might have to up your budget a bit but the 1st thing to look at is the undercarriage. Complete undercarriage would cost $6000- $8000 depending on what all you need. That's if you change it yourself. I think buying a dozer there can be more potential problems than buying a backhoe. Make sure to take someone knowledgeable to inspect any machines you're looking at.

Thanks for the info. I'll continue gathering info and such before I make any decision.
One fella told.me.to get a big track loader for about the same price 12-15k. He said he does grading with a heavy loader with no issues breaking undisturbed ground...
I guess that's an idea but I like the 6 way dozer blade for cutting into a hillside.Maybe if started.a road with my hoe to create a flat then I could finish with a.loader?

It's fairly easy to start a side hill cut with a loader and for a newbe it'll make the grey matter work but you'll get it done. That experience will come in handy on other jobs.

Personally I'd be looking for a d3c or d4c maybe even a hydro drive model lots of parts available and will be worth the same money down the road as you paided for it imo. Or a d8 because why not!!!!!

D3C's and newer look to be in a higher price bracket than the OP is looking.

What's your budget?

A JD 450C is a machine small enough to transport easily, work on and repair without too much specialized equipment but big enough to do real work. The loader version is more versatile than a dozer but the dozer will do grading much better. Full disclosure, I own a 450C track loader with backhoe attachment. There is very little that it can't do given time, like a swiss army knife, it can do almost anything, but a specialized tool can do the task better and more easily.

CM1995 said:

What's your budget?

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15k.
I'm looking to use a dozer for maybe a year and then sell. After my grading and trail making I'd have no need for it.
I'd consider spending a little more like 18k, if it meant a quicker sale later

deere is more expensive to fix but good resale / cat good machine great resale,,,, but under carriage is the MOST important part when buying or selling a dozer

NCman said:

15k.
I'm looking to use a dozer for maybe a year and then sell. After my grading and trail making I'd have no need for it.
I'd consider spending a little more like 18k, if it meant a quicker sale later

Click to expand...

Junk machines are going for that right now.

As mentioned,
There is a JD 550B available with rebuilt engine(40hrs), new injector pump,new radiator, new injectors,90percent undercarriage, no leaks, new alt., for 15k but isn't that kinda high?
Also, is 550B trans same as 450 and expensive to fix 8-10k?
Around here I'm seeing a lot of Cat D3B dozers in good condition 5-6k hrs for 14-20k.
Are D3B's as good a choice as D3C's?
That's if in good shape with good UC ....

I ran all of the above mentioned dozers doing finish work through the years.
They are all good machines. Provided they have 6 way blades.
I hated Komatsu's of any size. I won't derail your thread with the reasons I hated them.
My all time favorite was a 450H John Deere. Great balance and easy to operate.
If I were you NC, I would buy that 550 in heart-beat. 90% undercarridge would be hard to find on a lot of used dozers. The engine work done on it a big plus.
Pictures would help the members to give you better advice !

Would be good to check on parts availability on the 550B. Yes, pics would be great. My former neighbor had a 555 loader I ran a little bit. It was my 1st time running a crawler. It was a nice machine and had real low hours. I think he bought it new or almost new and also had a backhoe for it. He ended up trading it in on a good used 755 loader for demolition work. I did a bunch of welding on the 755. It got abused pretty good. Have read the trannies are very expensive to fix on the 550 series so would have that checked out really good. Also who is saying the undercarriage is 90%? The only sure way to tell is by having the undercarriage measured by an undercarriage specialist. One persons 90% may be accurate or may be only 50% when it's actually measured.
The Cat D3B and D3C are almost the same thing. There's also a Series II D3C but I think most of the changes from the D3B are fairly minor. The engine may have 5 more H.P. or the sheet metal or gauges are changed. The Cat's have pretty reliable transmissions. Cat is usually better for parts support.

Here's the one I'm considering.
84 JD 550B available with rebuilt engine(40 hrs.) new injector pump,new radiator, new injectors,90percent undercarriage, no leaks, new alt., for 15k

Can't see the undercarriage well enough to see if it's like new. Pads look good and rails look to be pretty thick. Would be curious to know what's going on with the air intake coming out the hood, especially with a rebuilt engine??? There's supposed to be a pre-cleaner assembly on the intake. The way it is would let water/rain in. Will the seller let you take oil samples of the transmission and other other compartments? With supposedly 90% undercarriage, rebuilt engine and other new items, it seems the price should maybe be a little higher. Just the air cleaner deal would make me suspicious about what else has been neglected. Does the seller have the engine side panels and receipts for the engine, rad, etc., and undercarriage? If you're doing anything around tree's or bush, you need the side panels. How sloppy is the blade and does it look like it's been greased on a regular basis? Replacing pins and bushings costs money too if you want to do more precise grading. It could be a decent machine but get everything looked over and checked out really good by someone experienced like a JD tech.

I just finished talking to him. I asked about filters and fluids for any other systems. He said he hasn't done anything as far as those items. Claims all look clean and machine operates as it should. He also said the belly pan was off when he got it and still is. He installed engine and didn't install pan so he could look for leaks and such for first 30-40hrs. He says some grade 5-8 bolts will work but I will need nuts that are missing from pan indentions?
It has a squeaky top roller but it's included with dozer.
He going to send pics of c- frame,yoke,tensioners and hrs

Has long has he owned it? Did he have the engine rebuilt or just installed it and does it have a warranty and/or paper work? If nuts need to be tacked on to mount belly pan shouldn't be a big deal but you need the belly pan(s). He sounds a little lazy. Leaks should show up pretty quick if there are any on a rebuilt engine. Did you ask if he had the side panels?

Fixing to ask about panels,air cleaner ... He's 71 and built the engine. He says all the right things about a rebuild and claims he has worked on them since the 70's. Knows all the terms and will tell you about the build for as long as you'll let him.
Here are some more pics he sent