Need an opinion on a '72 Case 450 dozer

[BuilderML]

If it is the rollers that were not replaced i would not worry about them unless they are worm irregularly "not flat". Also look at the track "pins" where to sprocket grabs to turn the track and check to make sure those are flat or atleast don't have alot of wear in the middle. For the amount of hours and use a "home owner" will put on it is not something i think you would have to worry to much about unless the wear is really bad. Make sure they are not frozen.

 

[metalsmith]

Would help If he has maintenance records for the machine. What can be seen of the tracks they look to have some life in them but unless you have the tools for breaking tracks it can get expensive fast. Also can’t see the track adjuster to gauge track wear or the lower rollers. Looks like the right lift cylinder needs rebuilt, no biggie but a few dollars. Try to determine why the 6way was not replaced. Was it just the cylinder and lines or the control spool too? Or perhaps frame damage? Another thing if its set very long or been awhile since rebuilt, the injector pump is likely due to be overhauled/ replaced and that can be 600 and up. Check for any blow by on breathers or scum around fill ports to try to gauge the motor condition. If knew its actual history and maintenance it could be worth somewhere in his asking range but if any of the major components are getting near to needing rebuilding, motor, transmission, drives, you are looking at some major money which means its worth only what you are willing to gamble with. Perhaps 4 to 5000?

 

[The Fred]

I have a 58 310 that I rebuilt over the years to be fully functional and reliable. In 15 years I have spent over 15 grand refurbishing it. It always starts down to 0 and runs perfectly. I am in so deep money wise I must run it out because I could never get my investment back. With that said my advice would be to look for a 350 John Deere (one of the newer ones with wet clutches) and put your money into that. Around here the Case dealer network is not nearly as strong as the John Deere brand. I'd love to have JD 350 with a winch and 6 way blade.

The work I have accomplished with my old machine has been invaluable to property maintenance and firewood skidding, etc. I beat this thing BADLY digging stumps and pushing rocks, it rarely lets me down.

Also I believe the 188 Case Diesel engine is expensive to repair. Mine is gas and inexpensive, parts are easily obtained.

Good luck whatever you decide, Fred

 

[Pushrod_Paul]

Thanks for the help. I'll call the guy again tonight and try and get some more information out of him about the dozer. He might not know much since it belonged to his dad.

 

[PILOON]

I always suggest locating a local dozer mechanic and paying him an hour or 2 at his rates to do an independent assessment. Cheap insurance.
He will be able to ball park a value, spot needed repairs as well as project upcoming major expenses.
Makes negotiations much easier and often the seller will either adjust price or bring the machine up to market value on his dime.
If you get lucky you might even find someone that has worked on that exact machine.
Just go visit the closest dealer and ask around or even your bigger local contractor and ask to borrow his mechanic on your dime.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Just for a frame of reference...
My dad sold last year his D4D Cat and 941B Cat loader to our neighbor who is in the grading business...
He got 20K for both machines...
They were in very good condition...
Had been sitting several years but my father had the undercarriage on both machines serviced years ago...
IMHO the machine is worth it but I would offer 7K and delivery to see if he takes it...
Location and proximity to the machine is worth a lot...
All our neighbor had to do was drive both machines across the farm over to his...
You are fortunate that the machine is this close to you...

 

[Pushrod_Paul]

Just for a frame of reference...
My dad sold last year his D4D Cat and 941B Cat loader to our neighbor who is in the grading business...
He got 20K for both machines...
They were in very good condition...
Had been sitting several years but my father had the undercarriage on both machines serviced years ago...
IMHO the machine is worth it but I would offer 7K and delivery to see if he takes it...
Location and proximity to the machine is worth a lot...
All our neighbor had to do was drive both machines across the farm over to his...
You are fortunate that the machine is this close to you...

Unfortunately,, even at 8 miles distance I'm still going to have to hire someone to haul it for me. Hopefully it won't cost as much as a longer distance.
I like piloon's advice on hiring a mechanic to look at it. Unfortunately we are about an hour away from the nearest shop. I'll call anyway and see what they say.

 

[Bjarn]

I agree with Metalsmith.
Search youtube for "Komatsu PC 45 Shortening Tracks" and you will see what is involved in breaking a track. I would be wary of why the 6-way blade is not working properly. Believe me, that's the only reason you would want this dozer. It would appear that this machine was repaired by a "farmer mechanic" -good enough to get it going. With a machine this old it has a "commercial use value" of $0. Unless you are a collector and want to pour money into it, I would look for a newer machine that still has some "commercial use value". These machines usually start their life in some construction job role. When they reach the end of their useful life in those roles they are usually sold to property owners who want to clear their land and when completed try to recoup their investment by selling it to another property owner. But there is a point where junk is ...junk.
Take some time and look for a machine that has some useful life to it. If you look at the online auction prices like Richie Bros. or Iron planet, etc. they set the going prices. You will pay the same price. If you want to buy local, ask excavating or construction companies if they are replacing any equipment.

That's what I did and I picked up a 2000 Komatsu PC50 excavator for $8,000. It was more money and less trouble then they would have gotten at an auction after paying commissions.
I am a rancher who has been in your exact position, looking at the exact type of machines. I got tired of working on and pouring money into junk.
I also recommend you get a midi or mini excavator instead of a dozer. My PC50 at 13,000lb with a grader blade will do anything my old 350 dozer did and more. Cheaper and easier to use and much more versatile.
Bjarn

 

[Pushrod_Paul]

Unfortunately Bjarn, the steep mountainous area in which I live necessitates a dozer for trail work. I finally did got hold of the seller again and made him an offer of $6k. He seemed to take offense at the offer and wouldn't even counter offer. In fact he wouldn't even take my name and number in case he changed his mind. I guess good luck to him getting the 9K he wants.
Back to the grind of searching again. If any of you come across a good deal on a dozer for under 10K in or around WV, please IM me with the information.

I will check with some of the construction companies and lumber companies and see if they are selling any of their inventory.

 

[Bjarn]

Check the sold prices of dozers on the Richie Bros. Auction website for previous auctions. That will give you a ballpark price of value and what to offer.
Good Luck
Bjarn