D9L D9N or D8R

[Carguts]

Hi everyone,

Looking to clear 128 acres of rocky property that had been clear cut a few years back and have stumbled upon a D9L that is relatively close. Can anyone tell me the pros and cons of the D9L? I understand the transportation costs will be astronomical compared to a smaller dozer like the D8 but being that it is so close it won't need to be moved around. According to their listing it has 4000 hours on the engine, 3000 hours on the finals, and 6000 hours on the trans. It has good undercarriage and 50% left on the shoes. I plan on asking for documentation to back those numbers up. How much different are the maintenance costs between a D8R. They also have available a D9N and a D8R but don't have any specifics as to the maintenance history as of yet (going to contact them this week). The money difference between those and the D9L is around $10,000 to $15,000 which is small potatoes when any major failure will cost that easily. Just trying to get an idea on what you guys have had experience with, and which of these dozers you would recommend. Also what I should look for when I put my eyes on them. Thanks for any information you can give.

Alan

 

[Nige]

First thing to bear in mind if you are not already aware of it is that a 9L and a 9N are totally different animals despite having the same model number. The 9L is what became the 10N when the models were renumbered so it is a much bigger machine than the 9N. You're talking about a machine that about is 10 tons heavier and has another 90HP.

Also any 9L will also be older than a 9N. Not necessarily bad, a lot will depend on the maintenance history and the current state of both machines.

Regarding the 8R, a lot will depend if it's a Series I or II machine regarding how much electronics is has, or even if that might be a problem to you in your planned project. The 9N and 9L will both be completely non-electronic.

 

[JDOFMEMI]

A D-9L is heavy, and does not balance well pioneering in steep ground. It is a somewhat cumbersome machine compared to the D-9N or D-8R, but it will do far more work than either of those.

The up side is that it will rip and doze material or trees that a smaller machine will struggle with.

With the component history you have on it I would say it is a good deal, and should do the clearing job you need with lots of life to spare.

 

[ol'stonebreaker]

Ran a 9L for a couple of months just before I retired pushing gravel to a loader. That was the strangest gravel I ever worked, had layers of natural concrete in it from a foot thick to 10 ft thick. If I could get the ripper shank under a layer it would rip it up. If not the points would just slide across it no matter the down pressure. That baby would do most of the work in 2nd. It would take a mighty big stump to slow it down. If you have to rip stumps out of rocky ground I'll lay money on the L!!
Mike

 

[NateGolas]

Hi everyone,

Looking to clear 128 acres of rocky property that had been clear cut a few years back and have stumbled upon a D9L that is relatively close. Can anyone tell me the pros and cons of the D9L? I understand the transportation costs will be astronomical compared to a smaller dozer like the D8 but being that it is so close it won't need to be moved around. According to their listing it has 4000 hours on the engine, 3000 hours on the finals, and 6000 hours on the trans. It has good undercarriage and 50% left on the shoes. I plan on asking for documentation to back those numbers up. How much different are the maintenance costs between a D8R. They also have available a D9N and a D8R but don't have any specifics as to the maintenance history as of yet (going to contact them this week). The money difference between those and the D9L is around $10,000 to $15,000 which is small potatoes when any major failure will cost that easily. Just trying to get an idea on what you guys have had experience with, and which of these dozers you would recommend. Also what I should look for when I put my eyes on them. Thanks for any information you can give.

Alan

Hello Alan: if you bought the 9L are u interested in selling it? We have some heavy bush to pile. Best regards nate 2042800688