Just here seeking some input for those interested in providing it.
I bought a d6N a few years ago. Came with Trimble setup. We've put about 1000 hours on it and it's been a great little tractor. It's an early 2006 model. The damn thing isn't too heavy or too light, cuts within .1", and I haven't had any major issues. It's been a cost effective investment.
My worry is that it has just hit 11000 hours. My mindset is that it is never going to be in as good of condition as it is right now. If I have a drivetrain failure, it's going to cost me 30k faster than I can pick the phone up and call my cat dealer. There is a little play in the dozer tilt but the guidance has been able to make up for that.
I found a D6T, with a ripper, for sale not 2 hours away with 3500 hours. My GPS system would bolt right on it, it has a new undercarriage, and has been babied. It's hard to believe it's original paint. (2014 model) Beautiful machine. I even took the old men (yes, men, father and grandfather!) to check it out. They couldn't find anything to complain about either.
My main issue, is that it's ten tons heavier. We can get into places where that light D6 is just so forgiving. Not to mention the visibility through the sides of the engine compartment isn't near as good on the T.
I was just hoping to possibly hear from someone that has upgraded from an N to a T and what your experiences have been. The price is right on the T, and I wouldnt mind getting out from under my N while it's still a reasonably solid machine. There isn't any honor in going down with the ship when it's painted Cat yellow.
Thanks for any responses in advance!
I bought a d6N a few years ago. Came with Trimble setup. We've put about 1000 hours on it and it's been a great little tractor. It's an early 2006 model. The damn thing isn't too heavy or too light, cuts within .1", and I haven't had any major issues. It's been a cost effective investment.
My worry is that it has just hit 11000 hours. My mindset is that it is never going to be in as good of condition as it is right now. If I have a drivetrain failure, it's going to cost me 30k faster than I can pick the phone up and call my cat dealer. There is a little play in the dozer tilt but the guidance has been able to make up for that.
I found a D6T, with a ripper, for sale not 2 hours away with 3500 hours. My GPS system would bolt right on it, it has a new undercarriage, and has been babied. It's hard to believe it's original paint. (2014 model) Beautiful machine. I even took the old men (yes, men, father and grandfather!) to check it out. They couldn't find anything to complain about either.
My main issue, is that it's ten tons heavier. We can get into places where that light D6 is just so forgiving. Not to mention the visibility through the sides of the engine compartment isn't near as good on the T.
I was just hoping to possibly hear from someone that has upgraded from an N to a T and what your experiences have been. The price is right on the T, and I wouldnt mind getting out from under my N while it's still a reasonably solid machine. There isn't any honor in going down with the ship when it's painted Cat yellow.
Thanks for any responses in advance!