I posted a question a while back about a d6n replacing my d6c and old d7e. I've been talking with other contractors and doing some reading. We do a multitude types of work. Mostly opening up Forest Service Roads and General Excavating. But once in a while we do have some heavy hog work. Rock, large stumps big dirt. My plans were to eliminate both older dozers and get one newer one. And my thoughts at the time was a D6n. I understand that 6-way blades are not as forgiving for hog work, but I thought it would be a good choice as an all-around machine. I have since reconsidered my plan and I'm thinking of selling only my d6c and keeping the d7e around for the big hog work.
So to replace the d6c I am now looking at three machines. Cat d6n, cat d5n, d6k and John Deere 700j. There's a local large contractor that has all of them and he said he prefers by far the 700j. I would really appreciate any of your input on this because to me it is kind of a big purchase. I'm really excited to get into something with a cab and radio after all the years on open stations also. Another question, I know 9000 is getting up there but would you be scared of a really nice 700j with 9000 hours? I'm looking at a real nice one now that definitely wasn't in rock or forest but it does have 9000 hrs. It's a really really nice shape otherwise.
Anybody with experience with the 700j in particular, let me know your thoughts please. I like the idea that it's capable of doing some fine or trim work but I also needed to be able to do some mild hogging.
Thank you again
So to replace the d6c I am now looking at three machines. Cat d6n, cat d5n, d6k and John Deere 700j. There's a local large contractor that has all of them and he said he prefers by far the 700j. I would really appreciate any of your input on this because to me it is kind of a big purchase. I'm really excited to get into something with a cab and radio after all the years on open stations also. Another question, I know 9000 is getting up there but would you be scared of a really nice 700j with 9000 hours? I'm looking at a real nice one now that definitely wasn't in rock or forest but it does have 9000 hrs. It's a really really nice shape otherwise.
Anybody with experience with the 700j in particular, let me know your thoughts please. I like the idea that it's capable of doing some fine or trim work but I also needed to be able to do some mild hogging.
Thank you again