I have recently purchased some property that I plan to build on within the next year or two. I’ve been reading for a month or so on what dozer would best fit my needs and I can’t seem to decide. Here’s what I plan to do with it: grade a 1700’ driveway through a current ag field, make a pad for house and shop, clear some smaller pines and saplings for a portion of the back yard, clean up and re grade some washed out areas and trails, and clear/maintain about 2.5 miles of logging trails that haven’t been used in about 3 years. I was leaning towards an older jd 350 or similar at first but now I’m thinking that may be too small and am looking more for a 450, 650, or D5. What size range would you guys recommend for these tasks? Do I need a 6 way blade or will a straight blade suffice? There are considerably more machines in my price range with straight blades but I’m sure a 6 way would be handy. I probably will only put about 500-700 hours on it the first couple years then maybe a couple hundred a year after that so I’m not looking for anything fancy or wanting to spend a fortune. I have run plenty of newer machines for work but have never owned a dozer. I appreciate any advice you can give.
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Choosing a farm dozer
- Thread starter slabguy
- Start date
pdbigsky
Member
pdbigsky
Member
I moved a Case 450 tracked/loader here from Il. OK for a start, then went to Dresser TD 7G (17,ooo#) with 6 way blade. You don't want a straight blade in dozer below 30K.
Thanks for the input. What’s the reasoning for not wanting straight blade in dozer below 30k? Not questioning your reasoning I just don’t follow
New property in the country ? Road to grade , knock down some trees & hog out a spot for some buildings .
I would recommend a Ford 545 Dozer . Allot of people did not realize Ford built a dozer . LOL
4 wheel drive with heavy loader up front and 3 point hitch & PTO in the rear for attachments . Bush hog, box blade , post hole auger …….
Can't think of any task it wont do …
Will flat make a monkey out of a small dozer or CTL on cost maintaining rural ground
https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/81389321/2001-ford-545d
I would recommend a Ford 545 Dozer . Allot of people did not realize Ford built a dozer . LOL
4 wheel drive with heavy loader up front and 3 point hitch & PTO in the rear for attachments . Bush hog, box blade , post hole auger …….
Will flat make a monkey out of a small dozer or CTL on cost maintaining rural ground
https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/81389321/2001-ford-545d
chroniekon
Senior Member
I think td25c has the right idea. I had the same question a few years back, and many of the same tasks on my list as yours. I ended up with a backhoe. The plan was to sell it when I had finished the list. It's so handy to have around, I would't think of getting rid of it. The only thing I'd do different would be to get one with 4WD and maybe a 4-in-1 bucket.
Welder Dave
Senior Member
A skid steer is another good option if you already have a tractor with a 3 pt. hitch. Could do the heavier digging and is easier to see the grade as you are going. Could use 3 pt. hitch implements for maintaining the driveway and/or in conjunction with the skid steer. A wheeled skid steer would have the lowest maintainence costs compared to a tracked dozer or tracked skid steer.
Welder Dave
Senior Member
A skid steer is ideal for grading as you can see what the bucket edge is doing. It is hard to do fine grading with a front end loader/backhoe. Depending on the machine you can get it somewhat close but not as precise as with a skid steer.
Shimmy1
Senior Member
I think this job is a little above a backhoe, skidder, or even a good MFWD tractor's pay grade, JMHO.
Bls repair
Senior Member
How big are the trees you plan on popping out ? I would use a straight blade for medium size trees 6-12 inch,using the corners of the blade to push with.
farmerlund
Senior Member
650H or J. I had a 650H for years, great machine good size for doing a lot of jobs you describe. I would try to find one with a ripper, makes moving hard soil a lot easier plus the extra weight is a little help. Mine was a XLT witch is a long track not a LGP. I think you only need LGP if you are in really soft conditions. After I sold the 650H I got a 700J with ripper. I really like the 700.
6” is about the max
After a quick glance I think the h & j are going to be out of my price range. I’m hoping to spend $20k or less
John Canfield
Senior Member
You want something about 20,000 pounds. My Komatsu D39P was 19k pounds - a good size for a ranch. Large enough to push over trees and a 6 way blade for grading. I bought it at auction for about $20k with 1800 hours. Good machine.
When in a tight spot and not sure what to do ….
Bring on the WD-45 Allis . That tractor has forgotten more about dirt then most will ever get figured out .
http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/000/1/7/177-allis-chalmers-wd45.html
If the WD ever quits it's out of fuel . LOL !
Bring on the WD-45 Allis . That tractor has forgotten more about dirt then most will ever get figured out .
http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/000/1/7/177-allis-chalmers-wd45.html
If the WD ever quits it's out of fuel . LOL !
Tinkerer
Senior Member
My vote is for a John Deere 450H or newer with a 6 way blade. Wide tracks are a plus. I put hundereds of hours on them. They are awesome finish dozers.