Nige
Senior Member
As CM1995 pointed out, a budget of somewhere around $45k would get you something decent.
... I have a Cat D7E for sale that runs great and has a really nice undercarriage. Semi U blade with tilt. Yes,it does need the left final repaired. A good size job. But then it'll give years of good performance. Guaranteed? No. But very likely. And worth the gamble for only $9000. ****, the tracks are worth that. They are really nice. Just my opinion though of course.
Shhhhhh! That is just what he told his wife!I still think the OP's $10k budget is way too low to buy something anywhere near reliable, especially in view of his admitted lack of operating and maintenance experience.
Willie B that's funny, but also a lot of truth!Shhhhhh! That is just what he told his wife!
FWD, thanks. I'm in NE Wisconsin, 18 miles west of Amberg WI. Northwest of the Crivitz area. I want to make a little road/trail for about 1/4 mile. And two 1/4 acre spots for food plots. Stumps are cut low by harvester.Where are you at in Wisconsin? I do that kind of work with a TD9-H Dresser dozer. Have many hours of experience and am in NW Wisconsin. If not me, maybe you can find some one else to work for you and not break the bank.
FWD
Maybe it might pay Joe to get hold of a copy of John's first book..? $30 in paperback or $20 for Kindle.That is John C's profession. Maybe he'll stop in and check the thread again.
Hey guys, thanks again for the input. I haven't given up, just waiting for the right dozer to come along. I know it will be tough but I've never shied away from big projects; building a house, building a log cabin from scratch, building , cutting, grinding, welding on many, many projects through the years. But I will be cautious. So if you guys have any ideas about the original question; what size do I need, I'd love to hear it. Also, some I'm looking at are a long way from home. Do you guys know, can I hire a local dozer mechanic over the phone to check over a dozer and report back? Are those services offered? And about how much? Not giving up the dream, but not going to dive in without checking the depth but not diving in at all get's you nothing. Thanks again guys.