Dozer or high-lift?

Alan W. · Nov 28, 2018

If ya dont know anything about heavy equipment then this could be an expensive learning experience. But hey aint that the way most of us learn.

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If both are in good shape then the loader would be my pick. They are just so much more versatile. Its a little small though. Ive had a Cat 955L and a Cat 939 Hyd.

Xfaxman · Nov 29, 2018

Alan W. said:
If ya dont know anything about heavy equipment then this could be an expensive learning experience. But hey aint that the way most of us learn.��.
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Yep, experience is what you get right after you needed it.

EddieWalker · Dec 11, 2018

Alan W. said:
If ya dont know anything about heavy equipment then this could be an expensive learning experience.

I didn't know anything at all about it and didn't have the tools needed, but with each break down, I figured it out and got it fixed. I tried to hire somebody to fix it the first time it broke down and was told that they where too busy, or that they would come out tomorrow and then they never showed up. This went on for weeks, so then I posted pictures on here and started asking questions. The advice I received has saved me tens of thousands of dollars over the years. You don't have to know anything about it before before buying it, but you do have to know how to ask for help and listen to what people are telling you. Even when it's not what you want to hear.

weathda · Dec 11, 2018

Track loader can definitely dig a hole.

For your use case and if you're maintaining land that's already tame, I'd recommend the dozer with 6-way. Track-loader bucket is usually only the width of the tracks and follows the angle of the loader frame. Unless you're skilled it's challenging to sculpt the land with it, but it can be done. We have this machine on our farm where we don't have a tractor w/loader, so this is very versatile for odd jobs like loading implements, loading dirt in the truck, knocking limbs off the trees, man-lift, etc. We've cleared a lot of land with this machine. Sometimes, a dozer would've been nice.

Like someone else said, you just need to buy both

Alan W. · Dec 11, 2018

EddieWalker said:
I didn't know anything at all about it and didn't have the tools needed, but with each break down, I figured it out and got it fixed. I tried to hire somebody to fix it the first time it broke down and was told that they where too busy, or that they would come out tomorrow and then they never showed up. This went on for weeks, so then I posted pictures on here and started asking questions. The advice I received has saved me tens of thousands of dollars over the years. You don't have to know anything about it before before buying it, but you do have to know how to ask for help and listen to what people are telling you. Even when it's not what you want to hear.

I totally agree that seeking out competent help before making a purchase is the best thing they could do.
It never ceases to amaze me when someone ask for help, doesnt like what they hear and dives in head first anyway.
Some people never grasp what a wealth of knowledge and experience that this sight holds, but to those of us that do, we appreciate what is there for the asking.

Mikefromcny · Dec 11, 2018

Alan W. said:
It never ceases to amaze me when someone ask for help, doesnt like what they hear and dives in head first anyway.

That's what we call "askholes". My wife and I get that fairly often with our jobs.

"Hey, what's wrong with my horse/construction equipment?"

"The problem is *blank*."

"No, it can't be that, even though you know way more than I do".

"Okay, suit yourself".

Alan W. · Dec 11, 2018

Mikefromcny said:
That's what we call "askholes". My wife and I get that fairly often with our jobs.

"Hey, what's wrong with my horse/construction equipment?"

"The problem is *blank*."

"No, it can't be that, even though you know way more than I do".

"Okay, suit yourself".

Amen you said it.

mopardude318 · Dec 17, 2018

I'm new to tracked machines myself. However I have a fascination with them. I'm mechanically inclined and able to work on anything. Cost of parts will be the biggest thing for me. I'm currently looking at a 1940's Cat R4 Dozer, while it's a little small for what I want to do (clear some land, reshape my road) and its gas not diesel, it's in excellent shape, bought new by the 90 year old gentleman I'm buying it from. It's always been stored indoors.

I say go for it. Buy the dozer and try it out. You'll learn. As will I.

Ortimber · Dec 17, 2018

It seems like track loaders can be found cheaper than dozers of the same vintage and weight. For moving dirt from one place to another, the track loader wins. If you are able to find one that has a 4 in 1 bucket, you’ll also have a very versatile machine for moving logs, brush, etc.

If you want to slope and grade, a dozer is hard to beat.