Whether you're eyeing new models from John Deere or Komatsu or exploring used dozers for a budget-friendly option, knowing what to look for can make all the difference. Purchasing a dozer is a significant investment. Knowing the usage of skid steers to crawler tractors helps gauge the machine's life expectancy. Know Your Machine: Understanding the machine's history is essential.Assessing the Machine’s Warranty: Brands like Caterpillar and Komatsu offer extended warranty options for their used dozers.And if logging or lifting is on the agenda, a winch attachment is a must-have. Rippers and Attachments: Whether you need a shank ripper for hard soils or a multi-shank for softer terrains, having the proper ripper can be crucial.Transmission: The powershift transmission, found in many modern bulldozers, ensures smoother operations, especially when paired with powerful excavators or wheel loaders.Engine and Emissions: Emissions standards are getting stricter, and top brands ensure their dozers meet these regulations without compromising power.Features like ROPS (Rollover Protection Structure) ensure safety during operations. Cabin Comfort and Safety: An enclosed cab offers protection whether you're operating in the icy north or the scorching desert.Track loaders, similar to crawler tractors, also use this principle. While standard designs work for most tasks, LGP (Low Ground Pressure) designs, common in forestry, distribute weight more evenly, reducing soil compaction. Undercarriage and Traction: Every crawler dozer relies on a robust undercarriage.Semi-U blade: A balance found on some Komatsu models, offering versatility and capacity.U blade: Often seen on large Caterpillar models, it’s designed for moving vast quantities of earth.6-way blade: Favored for its versatility, it's a typical pick among many John Deere dozers.Type of Blade: The blade you choose can make all the difference.But what makes a dozer the right choice for your project? Key Features to Consider ![]() These mighty machines dominate equipment sales charts yearly from industry leaders like John Deere, Komatsu, Caterpillar, and Liebherr. In the construction equipment world, bulldozers are the titans that pave the way, turning dense forests into fertile farmlands or laying the groundwork for towering skyscrapers. Something we have to live with when running older machines.A Buyer's Guide to Bulldozers: Essential Features to Consider In my opinion most parts are currently available for 350s and 450s but you will come across those hard to find parts on any of the machines you are asking about as they are the same vintage as your 450 loader. ![]() Regardless of model, once a part shows as NLA in the Deere catalog your only choices are finding someone with NOS, aftermarket vendors, or used parts. There may be some parts common to the older 450s and the current ones but I believe they are getting to be few as the current 450K series has evolved greatly from the original straight 450. They stopped production of the 350 model with the D series in 1988. The first straight 350s and 450s are 53 years old and the latest ones are 48 years old now. Look in the FAQ section and you can see the serial numbers and years for the various series of each. I expect the parts issues will be about the same for either a 350 or 450 of similar series, as they run in the same vintage for the most part. Should I sacrifice power and go with something smaller in size or should I purchase something with more power? Also, I am wondering about turbos-do 350s come with turbos? What are the pros and cons of having a 450B versus a 450? Does a turbo prove to be a huge benefit or not? Thanks in advance! ![]() Ultimately, I am wondering which machine would be best for these types of jobs. I also plan on possibly transporting the machine from one property to the next to complete other small jobs that people may want or need me to do. I won't be putting many hours on this machine-probably 50 hours or less a year. Of these three machines, which one would be easiest to work on in the event that I would need to replace or repair something? Which one would I not have a hard time finding parts for? I am wanting to purchase this machine to push large amounts of dirt as well as removing brush from in between trees on a 16-acre farm that I own. I am looking at either the 350, 450, or 450B. However, I am not sure which one would best suit what I am wanting to do. I am wanting to buy a dozer with a six way blade. I have a few questions regarding a purchase that I am wanting to make.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |