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komatsu D20 vs D21... which to avoid?

boomvan

Active Member
Joined
Jul 2, 2008
Messages
33
Location
Fairbanks
Hello.. Im in the market for a small dozer... The only thing on the market here for under $40k are Komatsu D20A-7 and D21A-7s.

I'm looking at one of these two... But I'm undecided as to which one, hoping someone here would give me an idea about the real world differences...
The D20 is about 85% on the UC, the D21 is about 60% on the UC..

The D20A-7

The D21A-7

Are the D20's that much harder to operate?
Any comments are appreciated!
 

IdleUp

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2009
Messages
104
Location
Roanoke, VA
You'll want the D21 since it has the auto shift feature - I've owned mine for 12 years now and thinking of letting her go - I seldom use it any longer. if you're interested email me at: mail@rotory.com I'm close to Roanoke Va
 

willie59

Administrator
Joined
Dec 21, 2008
Messages
13,400
Location
Knoxville TN
Occupation
Service Manager
They're pretty much the same machine except for the drive. The D20 is straight drive and the D21 is powershift. The choice is simply your preference. :)
 

OCR

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 21, 2008
Messages
1,195
Location
Montana
Occupation
Rancher/Farmer, Wildland Fire Fighter, State snowp
You'll want the D21 since it has the auto shift feature
I tend to agree... a manual transmission (direct drive) on a dozer, becomes
an unpleasant method of changing speed and direction... in a very short time... :(

Of course, this is my opinion... :cool2


OCR... :)
 

hackalot

Active Member
Joined
Apr 29, 2008
Messages
30
Location
Charlotte, NC
For Idle Up

You'll want the D21 since it has the auto shift feature - I've owned mine for 12 years now and thinking of letting her go - I seldom use it any longer. if you're interested email me at: mail@rotory.com I'm close to Roanoke Va

Tell me some more about your unit, looking for one to use in Alleghany County, NC.

Thanks
 

IdleUp

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2009
Messages
104
Location
Roanoke, VA
While either machine will work fine - the hydraulic power shift is the way to go. You sit on that machine for 6 -8 hours working a clutch and you'll go nuts. Another advantage is the hydraulic drive protects the gear train and mechanical components from the direct drive shock when you hit a rock or stump.

My machine is in perfect condition, it on my job now and you're welcome to come on over and try it out. The only thing that was wrong with it was the starter and I just replaced it with a new unit.
 

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mrjeep94

Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2009
Messages
5
Location
Charleston wv
Hello.. Im in the market for a small dozer... The only thing on the market here for under $40k are Komatsu D20A-7 and D21A-7s.

I'm looking at one of these two... But I'm undecided as to which one, hoping someone here would give me an idea about the real world differences...
The D20 is about 85% on the UC, the D21 is about 60% on the UC..

The D20A-7

The D21A-7

Are the D20's that much harder to operate?
Any comments are appreciated!

I see you are looking at alaska excavators. That is where I purchased my 2004 D21A-8 with 220 hrs on it. I highly recommend them, great to deal with and very honest. Contact Lou. He has some really good deals right now. He had a 2002 D21A-7 with only 400 hrs on it for a really nice price.

I do recommend the D21. My dad has a manual shift, after a few hours your tired of shifting gears.
 

IdleUp

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2009
Messages
104
Location
Roanoke, VA
My machine is on a job at Smith Mountain Lake VA - give me a call and come try it out.

Mike

540-353-1965
 
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