CAT 287B with 1800hrs

[cave]

Am I crazy for wanting to purchase this thing. I am a farmer and a small equipment dealer nearby has one of these things for sale. He is asking 26K for the rig. The machine isn't a cream puff but appears to be in good condition. I drove it and it runs good and I like the way it handles. I love the joystick controls.

I am concerned a little about the track and maintance that come with them. I am a good mechanic and have lots of relatives who are more mechanically inclined then I. I have a large barn and almost any kind of equipment I need to work on tractors and other stuff. So, what would it cost me to put new tracks on this thing if I ever needed to?

It wouldn't be used a lot but I do have a 70 acre pasture that I may put into cultivation. I could see this rig being used as small grubber and a better raking machine for mesquite. I do relize that it is best used on dry dirt and I have plenty of that. I would also use it to move a few pallets of seed in the barn and that would mean it would be on cement a few times a year. What do you think.

 

[MadReferee]

If you don't get much response here you might want to post this in the Heavy Equipment Forums.

 

[jgl1962]

cave

That's a $50K +/- machine when new. The main thing to look for is how much adjustment is left in the tracks. Often there will be little visible wear on the tracks but they wil be stretched to or near the limits of adjustment. Forcing the owner to dispose of the machine or lay out several thousand for new tracks.

If you've satisfied yourself there, then it's a good deal and would likely do well for you. even if it is the wrong color

 

[toy1]

I would think 1800 hours are getting close to getting a new set of tracks I believe they are rated at about 2000 hours but that will vary based on how the machine was used. I purchased a 257 about 4 years ago and I think Cat makes an excellent machine.Last year I purchased a second machine an ASV RC 100 I opted not to go back to Cat because of the dealer not the product. Do you know if this 287 has HI Flo if not I would pass on the machine I think you can fine a HI Flo machine with that many hours for close to the same price. Many if not most of the 287 did not have HI Flo. I would look for a used rc100. HI Flo will give you many more options in the future. I think you will be looking for a 287B to get HI FlO later models.

However Cat does make a good Machine

 

[Tags]

That sounds like an OK price, $25000 sounds better though, they are about $55000 new with a cab and AC. If it need tracks thay are gonna run you somewhere around 4500 - 5000 bucks for both. There are one or two aftermarket companies starting to make em' for the 287. If you have no use for a high flow machine the one you are looking at would be fine