Hello everyone, After many months of searching I have narrowed my search for a small loader, with under 4K hours, 1990s and a budget of approx. 22K, to the following five:
Caterpillar 933,935, 939
John Deere 455g, 555G
The Caterpillar 933 and 939 share same engine 6cyl. 3046 / 70hp and 3046T / 90hp, and the Deere 455G and 555G share same 4 cyl. 4045T / 70 hp and 90 hp respectively. This is from Ritchie Specs.
There are more 455G's available to me in my price range, and I have read the 4045 is a good engine, but I read the earlier 555s had a British Twin-Disc transmission that gave a lot of trouble.
Does the 555G have the problematic transmission? (several of the JD 450,455,555 for sale adds have tranny issues)
Is the Japan made 933 and 939 reliable?
933 and 939 C models have Hystat tranny, although more expensive to purchase, what is life expectancy compared to direct drive? Is Hystat a deal breaker either way?
Finally I would like to hear your opinion of these machines, with lowest cost of ownership the most important factor.
This is for my personal use clearing 10 acres, moving a lot of dirt and rocks, but I am no hurry to get the job done.
Thank You
Johnny Walker
Caterpillar 933,935, 939
John Deere 455g, 555G
The Caterpillar 933 and 939 share same engine 6cyl. 3046 / 70hp and 3046T / 90hp, and the Deere 455G and 555G share same 4 cyl. 4045T / 70 hp and 90 hp respectively. This is from Ritchie Specs.
There are more 455G's available to me in my price range, and I have read the 4045 is a good engine, but I read the earlier 555s had a British Twin-Disc transmission that gave a lot of trouble.
Does the 555G have the problematic transmission? (several of the JD 450,455,555 for sale adds have tranny issues)
Is the Japan made 933 and 939 reliable?
933 and 939 C models have Hystat tranny, although more expensive to purchase, what is life expectancy compared to direct drive? Is Hystat a deal breaker either way?
Finally I would like to hear your opinion of these machines, with lowest cost of ownership the most important factor.
This is for my personal use clearing 10 acres, moving a lot of dirt and rocks, but I am no hurry to get the job done.
Thank You
Johnny Walker