Default I need Info On a Komatsu D20Q loader. I am looking at a 1982 Komatsu D20q

[colej]

I am looking at a 1982 Komatsu D20Q track loader. the machine is over 300 miles from me. However I have received pics, very close ups, and the unit seems to be in Good condition. The machine has been painted, I know paint covers up a lot, The front bucket has No dents and is very clean. I hope some one can help me. I dont want to buy a pig in a poke! I have spoken to the owner, he said that it was a trade in and knows very little, except that it runs great and no white smoke, note the machine has 2900 hrs. He said that it had wet steering clutches, is this true? Does the 1982 D20 have wet clutches. I would also like to know is it direct drive..The trans requires u to use the clutch between forward and reverse, it is not like the hydrostatic machines. Is this a good dependable system? Also it is hand lever steering. The price sounds great, under 8000.00. Now will it do what I want to?? I have a small 25 acre farm with Hills. I want to pull small logs, cut out a road for my atv to go up. I have looked at skidsteer loaders, I know rubber tires wont work on hills and the track skidders are tooooooo expensive. I may even use it to clean out a small pond and my barn. Can someone steer me in the right direction?
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[Evaluator]

Cole,

I can't answer many of your questions but can give opinion.

I have been looking at a D20 dozer, actually used it to push some yesterday. I found it to be a good machine with a lot of power for its size. Concerning the direct-drive transmission, I prefer this as it seems to me that it will hold up better and should be stronger. The power-shifts are like automatic transmissions, the clutches get continuous wear and have to be very expensive to replace.

I would also look hard at the undercarriage. The sprockets on the one that I was looking at were very worn, almost to a sharp point. It also had three rollers that were either sticking or froze up. The pins on the tracks were worn to the point that the track adjustment was all used up to maintain track tension.

One other item, when pushing, I pulled the right then left steering brakes and it killed the engine. Apparently the brakes were sticking or someting worse. When I found all of this, I was disappointed but decided to just keep looking.

The price of the one I was looking at was in the $10k range. Yours sounds to be a good price. Just be sure to look it over well. If you are satisfied with it and decide to purchase, I hope all goes well as it has the potential to be a really useful machine. Good luck...