Operator can shut off the auto features and most grade control features are optional when spec-ing the machine @ purchase.
Cat Grade Control
Coburn has, 44 57Es for rentals. Mitzel, John does not want to scratch the paint off his 51Bs and wanted circa 2014 $5.00 per hour less than the going rate for 57E, Gs plus better tire wear deal! 660s restored; D346, D343 powered means they can't be used in Calif and soon most US states. ACI (Altfillisch est: 1946) was an early engine updater using DDA 60series engine with Jake brake to repowered 22 660s. ACi has moved over 500,000,000 cubic yards in 25 years. Independent-TGI purchased a few 657Gs recently. Sukut 51Bs? Will require up Tiered engines to continue Calif usage (ditto all outfits with Tier 3 engines). Each machine repowered with gov grant funds is a separate contract with the state of Calif and must be used in the state for 7 years @ 2,000hrs per year or be fined. Sukut, Peed, are bidding jobs in other US states.
Sure 51-57Bs with electronic engines, open ROPS are simple, easy to keep in the dirt. Customer got largest job (35million plus) close to my home base. 51Bs with DDA engines, single push with D10s and bunch of TS24B Terex push-pulls. Operators and open ROPS,if they want to work fine, in not F-them! As my dad would tell them, 'if you ass dose not fit the seat, someone else's will'! Winters not a big deal, summer @ 40C that is not fun!