Nortrac Dozer

stumpfield · Sep 9, 2006

Well, I just bought a lightly used 2004 model with 71 hrs. It's a Nortrac NB3500. Here's a few pics:

While I was there to pick it up, the dealer sold me a 6' box scraper too

Do I really need a box scraper with a dozer?

I have never seen one attach to the back of a dozer. It looks kinda odd. Anyway, the dealer was so nice, I listen to his advice.

George2615 · Sep 9, 2006

Just some info for those interested. Northern Tool sells them and lists the dozer in their catalog for about 15K. Weight is listed at 6600#. Free shipping and free limited? 6 month parts and labor coverage. Motor is 3 cyl. diesel rated at 30HP and has fuel,oil,temp,tach,and amp gauges. Has a cat. 1 hitch with 540/1000 speed PTO. 8 gal. fuel tank with an estimated use of up to 6 hours per tank. The 6 way blade has a 20" lift and will dig down 8". Manual trans has 8 fwd and 2 rev speeds.

JerryG · Sep 9, 2006

I got to look at one a while back at the shop of someone that I know that is a dealer. It sat outside the shop to quite a while, so I finely ask what the problem was. He said that one of the rear axle shafts broke. It might have just been one of those things that happen, because my friend also said that the owner used it like a D9.

Ductape · Sep 9, 2006

Stumpfield, let us know how that dozer works for you. I have been curious about them myself. There is one for sale not too far from me.... a homeowner with some screage bought it, and now feels its too much for him and is for sale. I hope you can get some hours on it and let us know how you like it.

rswyan · Sep 10, 2006

Cool piece .... looks like lotsa fun

MadReferee · Sep 10, 2006

For the same $15,000 you can buy a used Komatsu D21 or a Cat D3 in very good condition with 75% or more under carriage. These are "real" dozers not toys like the Nortrac. For example, I looked at a D3 a few weeks ago for $14,000 that had about 65% under carriage with a fresh rebuilt motor. Nice unit and it would probably doze circles around the Nortrac.

stumpfield · Sep 10, 2006

MadReferee said:
For the same $15,000 you can buy a used Komatsu D21 or a Cat D3 in very good condition with 75% or more under carriage. These are "real" dozers not toys like the Nortrac. For example, I looked at a D3 a few weeks ago for $14,000 that had about 65% under carriage with a fresh rebuilt motor. Nice unit and it would probably doze circles around the Nortrac.

I agree with you but only if you can find one without major problems and know exactly what to look for. I took this same exact advice and been looking in the past 9 month but unable to find a decent one. There's plenty at dealer lots, machinery auctions and ebay for that price range and claim to be in excellent condition. All these major brand used dozers were at least 15-20 year old and 4000+ hours. I have no doubt they "were" great machines. However, none of the dealers willing to offer a 30 days warranty in writing. What does that tell ya!

The fact of the matter is that a D21 or D3 is a $75k machine new. If you only paid $15k for it, you get 1/5th of a real dozer

The Nortac may not be as capable, but at least I know it will run and work just fine within it's limitations. I would much rather have a toy dozer with 1/5th of a real dozer's capability that's brand new and fully functional than have a machine that's 4/5th's worn out. I have heard plenty of horror stories about old dozers. It's a money pit. You have to keep throw money at it just to keep it running. I'm not willing to take that chance. The way I look at it... It's like if you need a transportation car, do you get a brand new toyota corolla or a 15 year old mercedes or bmw? Sure, the mercedes or bmw will run circle around the corolla... but which one do you think will serve it's purpose, cost less to own, be able to drive it everyday and still be around in 10 years?

ultrarunner · Sep 11, 2006

I was in the same situation a few years ago... I almost bought the Nortrack and then got a lead on a CAT D3 with 3-way blade and ripper. The Cat is a great machine, but at 15,000 lbs is too big to move with anything that I own... lots of fun to operate though! Keep us posted on how the Nortrack performs for you...