New guy no clue

[heymccall]

When my last employer closed shop, all the machines went to auction. As their mechanic, I had my favorites. But, I knew the histories, and what was in them. With that said, no matter what you pick, have it professionally evaluated. Myself, I'm partial to either a 314/ 315 size with blade & thumb, or a 320/ 321 with a thumb.

 

[LCA078]

I agree with everyone else that $25K will maybe get you one tired dozer that will still work or a really tired excavator that may not work. And for the excavator, I'm sure you'll want a good hydraulic thumb and maybe aux hydraulics to hammer which add costs. Not sure which machine will be a better first purchase for you. As stated, bigger is better if possible since you won't be transporting it to other sites. Hopefully you pay for it once to get delivered and then someone else down the road pays to haul it off after purchasing it from you. The best news is you're retired and looking for something to keep you busy. And buying tired, used heavy machinery will do just that. Congrats on the 35 years!

I'm subscribing to learn on this one. I also have a 100 acres but the area I'm working is fairly flat with only scrub cedar trees. Ain't nothing the challenge like you're dealing with.

 

[skyking1]

I'd opt for a 200 sized machine with progressive thumb. But that is what I always say

 

[BC Placer gold]

My preference in steep country; 12-20 ton excavator with thumb. Enough weight/width (important for stability) and reach (to keep the ‘work‘ further away from the operator station) for safe road pioneering/building.

A good size for production dirt work like terracing etc.

Don't know about your market but here in BC $25k will buy basically scrap iron…..best to have someone experienced with you when looking at prospective buys.

Pioneering roads in steep country with thick bush takes some experience to do safely….

Good luck, looks like a beautiful property!

 

[Buffallobull]

Thanks for that! Any specific make or model suggestions much appreciated. Puts me on the right track while I search marketplace and auctions. There is an auction that runs in MD which is close to me.

 

[Buffallobull]

I bought an old Massey Ferguson 165 at auction. It was the best tractor ever!

 

[GTpesado]

looks doable man… it looks flat compared to some jobs I’ve been on. A Case 580SM or a Cat 420D backhoe with 3 to 4k hrs….as soon as you get the hang of it you can do wonders with them…you might want to up your budget just a little even on these though. But both of them will have good resale value when you are done with them. Just leave me know and I will buy it

 

[Buffallobull]

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[Buffallobull]

 

[PBEtrucking]

That terrain looks like my area of upstate NY which means hills, shale, clay, boulders, etc, the ground is like a box of chocolates.... I'd say a 200-250 class excavator would be the dingle most useful tool and then hire out other finer work here and there. Cost of operation on an excavator is low compared to dozers and they're fantastic in wooded properties for pushing trees put up high and taking the root ball with them.

 

[LCA078]

Any specific make or model suggestions much appreciated.

My advice is to shy away from machines with emission control and a lot of electronics on the engine. That really limits your selection but it also limits a lot of exposure to expensive repairs. I have a 1996 Cat 325BL with a strong hydraulic thumb but no emissions and minimal electronics. Machine weighs in around 28 tons and does a lot of work. But it also took me a long time to find it. I passed on a lot of junk that tempted me, especially early on when the "itch" was strong. I also have a 1971 Cat D7F military dozer (rebuilt in '96 then sat in the motorpool for next couple decades) and the only electronics on it is the starter and lights. I can work on my machines with basic tools (albeit they're fairly large and heavy tools). And it helps that Cat machines are built very well (especially the older ones) and I have a dealership close by for parts. Make sure whatever machine you buy that you can get parts for it. Certain machines like an Allis Chalmers dozer will be cheap compared to an equivalent Cat dozer because you can't readily get parts for it any more.

I think age on a dozer isn't an issue when compared to age on an excavator. In other words, don't be afraid of an older dozer but I highly recommend listening to the folks here about older excavators.

If you haven't done so yet, set up an account at Ritchie Bros auctions so you can view the sold prices of equipment for the past two years in your area. Ritchie Bros is a VERY large auction house so you get a lot of data to level set your expectations. Visiting their auction yards is a fun way to kill time and learn a lot about equipment. Other websites to keep an eye open is govdeals.com, purplewave.com, machinerytrader.com, and any of your "local" auction houses. Search Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace too. I think most folks list machines on Craigslist and Facebook first, then when they don't get the price they want, it's off to auction.

And remember this about auctions: Not all machines at auction are junk, but all junk goes to auction. That's not my saying and it belongs to someone on this board (can't remember who) but it is solid advice.

 

[Coaldust]

I would buy an old, giant excavator. That’s what all the cool kids are doing, nowadays.

Where is Truck Shop?

Homeowners buying old giant excavators?

Wonder what the world will be like when everyone is a construction equipment operator, HVAC repairman, computer repairman, hardwood floor installer, brain surgeon, dentist, landscaper, politician-oops forgot everyone already is that, chef, well driller, college professor, lawyer, pilot...

www.heavyequipmentforums.com

 

[laidback01]

There's no one piece of equipment that's perfect. My backhoe was fire-saled from a dealer, and the excavator was bought from a contractor who had a bunch of knuckeheads doing 'maintenance' on it.
If you are willing to take a chance on someone elses' screwup, you really can end up with some gems. My backhoe is ugly as hell - but starts when I need it and does everything it's supposed to. Excavator starts easy, and is a beautiful machine to operate.

I see a lot of those older Terex Dozers (82-30 size) for sale in the $5k to $8k range. No idea on parts availability. If you want older gear, start looking for simple things - radiator hoses, hydraulic seal kits, rollers, wheel bearings depending on what you are looking at. pretend you are buying it and will have to maintain it. It's a bad machine when you can't find parts for it.


I don't worry about service and such - I DON'T work for other people, nor do I depend on these machines for a living. Backhoe sat for 6 months doing nothing while I tried to figure out what it's problmes were. Excavator took me an entire summer to go through and fix all the nagging issues that the 'professionals' at the contractor failed to care about.

Anyway, this stuff works for me. You should rent a few bits of gear. I tried out a Skidsteer and found out that I'm a TERRIBLE operator of those tippy little bastards when I rolled it on it's face. Cured me of wanting one. your place makes me think dozers and excavators - RENT a few. You'll get to train on someone else's equipment and find out what size gear can do the work at your place.

The opinions here are much more valid than mine - I'm really just a middle aged home owner who loves equipment and fixing it. I like using it also, but then again, I like getting it to it's best working state. Some people want perfect gear, other's look at problems with equipment as opportunities for improvement.

 

[skyking1]

Not that Doosan.
Example machine:
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/hvo/d/everett-2006-hitachi-zx-200lc-excavator/7824336889.html

 

[Acoals]

One thing about buying a big excavator; It will be a great machine for doing a lot of the rough initial work, but for a lot of other work, such as building houses, spreading gravel, moving stuff around, ect it won't be much use.

In the long term you may find it more useful to purchase a CTL and rent big iron when you need it.

 

[Buffallobull]

Thanks all! Laidback I hope to be in your shoes someday. I’m using this equipment for my purposes on my land. I do enjoy fixing things… my 2001 truck has 350000 miles on it, diesel still going good as new. 7.3.

 

[Buffallobull]

Plus I’m learning a lot of the terminology, just from your posts… ITR= rubber tracks, CTL compact skid steer, tracked. Good stuff. Is there a prebuy inspection guide out there of things to check for? I know on aircraft there is a list of things to be aware of that you will have to fix but there is also a list of things that you should just walk away from…can’t be fixed or just not worth fixing no matter how cheap. The most expensive airplane is a free airplane.

 

[HarleyHappy]

Take your time and pick out a gem but,,,,,,,, be ready to jump, once you find it.

 

[Tyler d4c]

I would buy an old, giant excavator. That’s what all the cool kids are doing, nowadays.

Where is Truck Shop?

Homeowners buying old giant excavators?

Wonder what the world will be like when everyone is a construction equipment operator, HVAC repairman, computer repairman, hardwood floor installer, brain surgeon, dentist, landscaper, politician-oops forgot everyone already is that, chef, well driller, college professor, lawyer, pilot...

www.heavyequipmentforums.com

I hope hes ok havent seen him posting in awhile

 

[BC Placer gold]

Take your time and pick out a gem but,,,,,,,, be ready to jump, once you find it.

Yep, have to act fast on a good one!