Foremost Nodwell 240

[Kernopelli]

Considering trying to purchase this '95 Foremost Nodwell 240 at auction. Haven't seen in it person but listing says it has minor leaks etc but otherwise very operational. Currently waiting for some answers to specific questions concerning the unit...hours, known issues, maintenance, repairs done etc. Parts and service are available so this is a plus. They appear to be very heavy and well made but don't have any personal experience with one.

Has anyone been around or operated one (or any of the other Foremost models) that can offer any opinion on build quality, durability, weak points etc? I really don't have a need for this machine but if the price is right and I don't find anything too concerning with it, I am probably going to bid on it. Any thought or information would be much appreciated.
Basic specs per Foremost website:

Maximum Payload: 32,000 lb (14,550 kg)
Tare: 26,000 lbs (11,800 kg)
GVW: 58,000 lbs (26,350 kg)
Ground Pressure: 4.7 psi (32.1 kPa)*
Maximum Speed: 7 mph (11.3 km/h)
Power @ 2200 rpm: 240 HP (179 kW)
Length: 24' 3" (7.39 m) Width: 10' (3.05 m) Height: 10' 4" (3.15 m) *6" (150 mm) penetration @ max load

 

[tlbuser]

No, looks like a fixed blade. Looks like a beast. What are you thinking about using it for?

 

[AKfish]

Lot's of Nodwell's up here!! You can't beat 'em for bushwackin' across country - over, around, through some of the roughest territory imagineable!

Greatest moose hunting rig ever invented!

Part's can be a challenge and there's nothing cheap about 'em...

Need to have a knowledgeable heavy equipment mechanic as a close friend (or employee) if the machine is to be used in tough conditions.

AKfish

 

[Stampeder]

I lived in Alberta for a long time. These things were built in Calgary. Tough as nails. They were used in the oil patch for everything. Beat them up bad and they keep going. The picture you have is of a baby one. It's big brothers are seriously big and tough. They go through just about everything. As to the parts and cost, like anything that's specific built cost is dependent on quantity, so you will have to expect pricey parts.
They are fun though........Good luck with it.

 

[Kernopelli]

Appreciate the replies. I posted up in the owning/operating forum hoping to get some hits before the auction ended. I wish I had been a little more aggressive in bidding but it very likely would have turned out the same. You can read more about it up there. Thanks again!

 

[tony Cecil]

Well I had one, and it was expensive to keep running....Very heavy duty...and hot and noisy.....Had many scary experiences with it, as the machine was very high flotation, and jumping-climbing off may send you up to your wast before grabbing the track to pull yourself back up......All in all fun but not so useful...Tony

 

[MtHam]

I spent the summer of 1963 in the Alaskan bush on the west side of the Cook Inlet working for a mining company that was doing exploration in the back country in serious tundra conditions. We had 3 different Nodwells, and they indeed could go anywhere. A real blast to operate.

 

[Brad2]

I'm trying to help a friend who recently bought a Foremost Nodwell 240. The brakes lock up on him. He will let it sit for 10 minutes or so and all ok. Not sure the age of the machine, but he just got it a week or so and it might not have been used for a while. Also, do you know where he could purchase an owners/operators manual? Thanks !