Nortrac Dozer

drzmatt · Dec 7, 2004

Does anyone here own a Nortac dozer or it's equvilent? I was wondering about power, reliability and ease of use. Any info would be great.

Buckcreek · Dec 10, 2004

I set on one a couple of days ago, it was kind of cramped for a big man. The owner of the dealership, said he bought one and was surprised by what he could push for such a small machine ,but said it took sometime getting use to. I know for a fact that he sales alot of them because i go by there alot. I asked him what kind of problems if any he had from them . He said nothing major so far. had some leaks and one with a bend fork in the transmission . he fixed it under warranty.

drzmatt · Dec 10, 2004

Are these dozers made by jinma?

bluechip · Dec 10, 2004

They are made by Guilin, which is now part of Yuchai, the company that makes the excavators. Farm Pro offers it also.
(as well as the excavator).

Perry · Dec 10, 2004

Check them out on www.NorTrac.com or check the demos advertised on E-Bay. Search for NorTrac Tractors.

stumpfield · Aug 17, 2006

Anyone here own one? How do you like it? Do you know if there's any improvement made since 2004? I noticed the current model number is NB3500c with a smoother body style. I'm very interest to know if there's any signficant improvement between the 04, 05 & 06 models. I found an 04 model for a good deal but dont' know if I it's the same. Thanks for your help.

crazymike · Aug 17, 2006

I can't comment on the Dozer, but I can comment on Yuchai.

The Yuchai excavators are top class. Probably the best built mechinary coming out of China. They use Cat servo controls, licensed perkins/cummins engines and all UAE italian made hydraulics. The movement in the boom, etc... is very fluid. The machine is also rich in features for a budget machine.

The one we had in was demoed by several professional contractors and all were very impressed. Some features they liked better than the equivelent Kubota (boom swing is hand control, not foot, etc...)

If this is any indication of Yuchai products you won't be let down.

stumpfield · Aug 21, 2006

Any comment? I can't believe nobody have any experience on this little dozer. I really like the fact it can run 3-pt Cat 1 implements like a regular tractor. It has a TY395 engine. I think is the same engine as the Jinma 354. I want to go with this option because my hilly terrain that a wheel tractor would be too very safe. I hope these assumption are correct????

Ranch_Hand_Supp · Aug 21, 2006

stumpfield said:
Any comment? I can't believe nobody have any experience on this little dozer. I really like the fact it can run 3-pt Cat 1 implements like a regular tractor. It has a TY395 engine. I think is the same engine as the Jinma 354. I want to go with this option because my hilly terrain that a wheel tractor would be too very safe. I hope these assumption are correct????

There are some guys on this web site that owns the China dozer..... you may find some info here

www.ctoa.net

Ronald
Ranch Hand Supply

BarryinMN · Aug 21, 2006

The tracks are made of mild steel & stretch. in fact the owners manual says to remove a link when you max out the adjusters.

Northern is MN based & there is a local auctioneer that moves the factory inventory at auction 2-3x per year. www.iraymn.com I'm not associated with either but saw a dozer with <100 hours sell for $6500 in June.

The Northern facility seemed to have a large parts area & Techs putting stuff together (they all come in crates)

Staying on top of the track tension is important because loose tracks walk of the wheels at the worst possible place & time

.

.

stumpfield · Sep 9, 2006

Well, I just bought a lightly used 2004 model with 71 hrs. It's a Nortrac NB3500. Here's a few pics:

While I was there to pick it up, the dealer sold me a 6' box scraper too

Do I really need a box scraper with a dozer?

I have never seen one attach to the back of a dozer. It looks kinda odd. Anyway, the dealer was so nice, I listen to his advice.

George2615 · Sep 9, 2006

Just some info for those interested. Northern Tool sells them and lists the dozer in their catalog for about 15K. Weight is listed at 6600#. Free shipping and free limited? 6 month parts and labor coverage. Motor is 3 cyl. diesel rated at 30HP and has fuel,oil,temp,tach,and amp gauges. Has a cat. 1 hitch with 540/1000 speed PTO. 8 gal. fuel tank with an estimated use of up to 6 hours per tank. The 6 way blade has a 20" lift and will dig down 8". Manual trans has 8 fwd and 2 rev speeds.

JerryG · Sep 9, 2006

I got to look at one a while back at the shop of someone that I know that is a dealer. It sat outside the shop to quite a while, so I finely ask what the problem was. He said that one of the rear axle shafts broke. It might have just been one of those things that happen, because my friend also said that the owner used it like a D9.

Ductape · Sep 9, 2006

Stumpfield, let us know how that dozer works for you. I have been curious about them myself. There is one for sale not too far from me.... a homeowner with some screage bought it, and now feels its too much for him and is for sale. I hope you can get some hours on it and let us know how you like it.

rswyan · Sep 10, 2006

Cool piece .... looks like lotsa fun

MadReferee · Sep 10, 2006

For the same $15,000 you can buy a used Komatsu D21 or a Cat D3 in very good condition with 75% or more under carriage. These are "real" dozers not toys like the Nortrac. For example, I looked at a D3 a few weeks ago for $14,000 that had about 65% under carriage with a fresh rebuilt motor. Nice unit and it would probably doze circles around the Nortrac.

stumpfield · Sep 10, 2006

MadReferee said:
For the same $15,000 you can buy a used Komatsu D21 or a Cat D3 in very good condition with 75% or more under carriage. These are "real" dozers not toys like the Nortrac. For example, I looked at a D3 a few weeks ago for $14,000 that had about 65% under carriage with a fresh rebuilt motor. Nice unit and it would probably doze circles around the Nortrac.

I agree with you but only if you can find one without major problems and know exactly what to look for. I took this same exact advice and been looking in the past 9 month but unable to find a decent one. There's plenty at dealer lots, machinery auctions and ebay for that price range and claim to be in excellent condition. All these major brand used dozers were at least 15-20 year old and 4000+ hours. I have no doubt they "were" great machines. However, none of the dealers willing to offer a 30 days warranty in writing. What does that tell ya!

The fact of the matter is that a D21 or D3 is a $75k machine new. If you only paid $15k for it, you get 1/5th of a real dozer

The Nortac may not be as capable, but at least I know it will run and work just fine within it's limitations. I would much rather have a toy dozer with 1/5th of a real dozer's capability that's brand new and fully functional than have a machine that's 4/5th's worn out. I have heard plenty of horror stories about old dozers. It's a money pit. You have to keep throw money at it just to keep it running. I'm not willing to take that chance. The way I look at it... It's like if you need a transportation car, do you get a brand new toyota corolla or a 15 year old mercedes or bmw? Sure, the mercedes or bmw will run circle around the corolla... but which one do you think will serve it's purpose, cost less to own, be able to drive it everyday and still be around in 10 years?

ultrarunner · Sep 11, 2006

I was in the same situation a few years ago... I almost bought the Nortrack and then got a lead on a CAT D3 with 3-way blade and ripper. The Cat is a great machine, but at 15,000 lbs is too big to move with anything that I own... lots of fun to operate though! Keep us posted on how the Nortrack performs for you...