[TexasRedDirt]

All,

We have been considering a used dozer to construct ranch roads, ponds and general clearing. I feel a crawler loader is the best bang for the buck like a cat 963, but other in the discussion have felt the power of the D7 is the way to go.

What do yall think for our purposes?

Appreciate your thoughts.

 

[S.R.E.]

Are you looking for a dozer or a loader?
Welcome to CT. Please post an intro in the introduction section. :thumbsup:

 

[TexasRedDirt]

I am looking for a machine that can handle as many types of jobs as possible, whichever would be best at under 24" tree clearing and ponds, perhaps pad sites. I felt the loader may handle these jobs and be able to load a truck. Maybe not?

 

[rino1494]

D6n

 

[Little]

We have all D5's and man i got a rental on a D6 for a week and what a difference in power. For any big dirt moving i say D6 and up is the only way to go.

 

[A. Spruce]

I'm with you on getting as many uses out of a piece of equipment as possible, but in this case I'd recommend sticking with a dozer to suit the dozing tasks and a mid sized tractor with loader and backhoe attachment for material handling. A wheeled tractor can drive on roads and driveways without damaging them. They can also run landscape equipment like a leveling box, rototiller, etc.

 

[Waste Hauler]

Stick with a Dozer LGP Cat High track The 963 track loader is the thing of the past. You will appreciate the tilt and power of a Dozer ,Also I can do twice the work with a Dozer

 

[FLUnderground]

D7 is very versitile all around. Additionally can set it up with GPS and total station to make it super efficient for grading, building pads, cutting ponds, etc. Pair it up with a loader if need be to haul the dirt. Otherwise just sit back and get r done. The GPS really does improve efficiency knowing your grades and cuts and exactly where you are on the site.