Talk me out of buying a small track loader (crawler)

jwm171 · Oct 17, 2012

I've been reading the forum for years and I really appreciate all of the incredibly insightful information on the site. Now I have a question/dilemma.

I have an old MF165 with a loader that I use mostly for skidding logs on my property and loader/grading work. The machine has some issues and is in need of a major overhaul (the motor sounds like there are 2 little leprechauns hammering away inside). Even if a stick a few grand into the Massey, it's still not the right machine for me.

My property is mostly wooded and very hilly (about 26 acres) in NE PA, I have one low spot that is swampy and I do spend some time in that swampy area.

Now for my dilemma. I need a new machine and basically I think I have 2 options.

1) A small track loader (crawler) with a 4 in 1 bucket (something like a Case 350 or JD 350),

2) A newer 4wd tractor in the 45 to 55 hp range with a loader. I put about 100 hours a year on my MF165. I never use the PTO. The only 3pt implement that I use is a rear grader blade.

It appears there are a lot of track loaders for sale and it looks like a buyers market, I'm seeing them in $4000 to $10,000 range. I am very concerned with the cost of the under carriage components of a track loader, but I won't put that many hours on the machine. I'm not too concerned about labor; I have a pretty well equipped shop. It seems like I would pay at least double for 4wd tractor that is big enough for what I want to do with it. Also, I would like to put some trails in the woods.

Any thoughts?

Sorry if I posted in the wrong section.

RDrancher · Oct 17, 2012

Welcome to TBN JWM!

Those old track loaders can get a lot done, but the key word is "old". If you're a good mechanic and don't mind spending time looking for parts it may be the way to go. Undercarriage components are heavy and can be pricey. It would be well worth a few bucks to have a heavy equipment mechanic check things out before laying down your hard earned money. Here's a discussion with a lot of good info. It's mainly about dozers but the same rules apply. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/62984-anyone-got-compact-dozer.html

Edit: If you choose to go the track loader route I'd suggest finding one with an operational 4in1 bucket. You'll find it invaluable for what it sounds like you want it for.

jwm171 · Oct 17, 2012

RDrancher, Thanks for the response, I've actually already lined up the heavy equipment mechanic to do the inspection. I won't buy anything that I can't inspect or test. Thanks for the links. I've been trying to look atfoum/post possible.

The way I figure it, if I can find a small loader in the 6k range and it last me 5 years (maybe 6 or 700 hours) and I put 2k into it, I'll still be money ahead.

RDrancher · Oct 17, 2012

Sounds good. You may also want to check out here. Track Loaders Lots of "seasoned" operators and mechanics for info.

jenkinsph · Oct 17, 2012

jwm171 said:
The way I figure it, if I can find a small loader in the 6k range and it last me 5 years (maybe 6 or 700 hours) and I put 2k into it, I'll still be money ahead.

What if you have to put 6k into it and your own labor? From my past experience with a 450lgp Deere 2k in 6 years of use is being very hopeful. Might be better to get a 10 to 12k machine in better condition and newer to start with.

jwm171 · Oct 18, 2012

jenkinsph, I am starting to lean more to the newer loaders.

MBTRAC · Oct 18, 2012

We've run a few traxcavators over the years, & one things for sure tracked machines consume $$$'s & time to keep running (buying anything 'tracked' is a whole lot cheaper than running the machine will be..) - amongst our earthmoving gear, in track loaders we currently operate a CASE1455B 4/1 & Rippers, an ancient Komatsu D75 std bkt & rippers & a much newer c.2000 Komatsu D75 4/1 & rippers all a bit larger than what you're considering but the operation/ownership experience is much the same, we also recently sold to a neighbour our JD450C 4/1 & rippers & in the past few years sold off a JD350, Case850/1150, a couple of CAT's & IH175B.

Undercarriage(UC) is potentially the biggest expenses & for some machines prohibitively costly & difficult to find (e.g old MF's & some Fiat's), you'll also chew up UC if you're constantly wallking them any distance, steering clutches & transmission also cop a fair amount of abuse - & generally 'cheap' machines have these concerns & more - when testing a tracked machine make certain to test at operating temperature & under full load (a seemingly good transmission/driveline & hydraulics can turn to 'mud' once it's hot)

IMO:-
1. As an absolute minimum, I wouldn't go below a Case/JD 450 size, otherwise you'll find the size limits the capability (& anything smaller has a pretty limited market s/h when it comes to sell) - we run a CASE 450 Dozer & it's s only useful to us to run a chain trencher.
2. A traxcavator with a 4/1 & rippers is real versatile & arguably the best machine if you only have a single piece of earthmoving gear, but takes a lot more skill than an equivalent dozer to operate & to hold a grade.....
3. I prefer Case because of their ease of operation/durability, the downside is you need to chase & find parts which can be hard to come by
4. tracked machines aren't necessarily superior in wet conditions than 4WD ag tractors, & track loaders are much worse than a dozer because of their unqiue UC
5. Don't overestimate the 'fun factor' of track loaders,the novelty wears off pretty quickly from the jarring ride & regularly putting your hand in your pocket keeping it running
6. If it was my $'s (on 26 acres for the limited hours/duties of what you have in mind) I wouldn't be considering a traxcavator or any trakc machine (an overkill & all too much potential $$$ risk). I'd be looking towards a 4wd ag tractor, or possibly on older industrial FEL/Backhoe or even a skid steer, or maybe a small tractor & hiring out the larger jobs......