There was one locally this weekend and I was tempted to go to so I could see how it goes... Not ready to buy anything just to see but I had something else going on.

Thinking about buying a bigger dozer to clear some land with, if I were to rent it would cost me 2800 a week and I'm figuring buy one and just sell it when I'm done.

Anyway can some good deals be found? Thinking about a backhoe and a mid sized dozer. I'm assuming I'd have to have the money lined up before hand so I could pay on the spot.

 

i am presently watching equipment auctions for a cummins powered 4x4 F600 or bigger ford, body and frame can be junk, just need the drivetrain.

 

good equipment will be hard to find at an auction, most of the time they start them up let it run for a few seconds then thats it and you start bidding ,you have no idea if it moves or dumps oil out the bottom. best bet would be the paper or a construction equipment dealership, they always have trade-ins

 

I've been to the Ritchie Bros. auctions in Fort Worth and Houston, it just depends on what you looking for or might need. Sometimes you'll run across a steal and get it at a good price. It's not a bad way to spend the day walking around looking at a wide range of equipment, just be sure to look it over because some of it is junk.

 

these guys are all over the south east, looks to be pretty well worn stuff:





Martin and Martin Auctioneers

Martin + Martin Auctioneers is a family-owned auction and equipment sales business based midway between Atlanta GA and Charlotte NC in Anderson, ...
www.martinandmartinauction.com/

 

Been to more than I would like to admit. Bought a few pieces but like others have said you really need to know your machines and what there worth. $2800 might seem like a lot but a new mid size dozer runs around 100 grand new and a small one at 70 g's good luck finding one cheep and then tring to sell it for less than a $2800 loss. You do need a bank certified check (letter of credit) or credit card with that much room on it. You might find you can hire it done cheeper than the cost of the rental machine. I know around here you could.

 

Well an 850 JD I think from hertz runs 2750 a week rental and then I'd need to rent a backhoe too... So I'm thinking to do the amount of clearing I'd need would take several weeks plus I don't want to get into a hurry and cut corners.

I currently have a 450 case that is aged and besides that won't do much on big trees. I will be good for cleaning up afterward. I don't want to spend a year doing what should take me 2 months.

 

Although... I might just rent one to go though and do the heavy work "dirty" and come back through with my lil'dozer and clean it all up.

 

Camper Man is spot on! You go to an auction you bettter take a mechanically inclined partner. At Ritchie Bros. they usually have a paint crew set up days ahead and paint every piece of yellow equip. You can't really get a good idea of leaks, welds, or other faults 'cause they're covered with new paint. BUT...if you go be sure to register to bid (even if you're not intending on buying anything) then you'll get a free hat!!!

 

Sweet, a free hat !

I'm fairly mechanically inclined and have a good friend that was a heavy equipment mechanic (although he is kinda spastic) that might wanna tag along.

I can't rebuild a transmission and some complicated hydrolic stuff. Anything else I can figure out or have done.

 

Not sure of every Auction, but there is a place in Idabel, OK, can't recall the name, but it should be easy to Google, that Auctions heavy equipment and tractors once a Month. I have bought many pieces of equipment there for personal use in the hay field or to buy & resell. Prices usually stay around wholesale especially on the heavy equipment. Tractors you have to be careful on because sometimes you will get an individual in there willing to pay retail because they are buying it to keep. I usually buy it, use it for a while, then sale it.

Good thing about here is there is no funny business for the most part. All the tractors are lines up with the keys in them. You can get on any of them, drive them around and what-not. They also have a big pile of dirt you can go get a bucket-load with to make sure the hydro's are strong, etc.

Granted it is still an actuation, but like I said I have never been burned. Most of the equipment is trade-in stuff from dealers that they had rather auction at wholesale than mess with selling used.

Hope this helps!