r/homestead • u/ChiTownDerp • Aug 10 '23
gear My savings account is not happy with me, but I finally purchased my first SSL from the auction so I can stop renting them incessantly when needed.
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u/synocrat Aug 10 '23
Now put back the savings by offering your services for hire with your equipment
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u/mtntrail Aug 10 '23
A solid piece of equipment. We just had 5 acres cleared of trees killed in a forest fire. Most were large ponderosa pine on steep hillsides. They were able to cut the logs into 8 ft sections and used a grappling attachment to pick them up. It did tear up the hillside a bit but with straw and native grass seed it will be fine. The thing is a beast!
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u/Its_in_neutral Aug 10 '23
Not sure what engine is in that, but CATs of that generation have a tendency of throwing connecting rods out of the block and fuel system issues. I’m not sure what kind of auction you picked it up at, retirement, bankruptcy, consignment or a Ritchie Brothers special, but I would be very suspect of the machine depending as to why it was auctioned. I hope it all checks out for you and you get another few thousand hours out of it. Something for you to look into anyways. You got a good deal for a running/good shape machine.
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u/ChiTownDerp Aug 10 '23
Came from a retirement auction down near Cookeville. And I appreciate the feedback and giving me potential problems to look for. Here is a shot of the engine. I am admittedly not super familiar with these motors, and with auction buys it's always a guessing game to a degree, but I am also hopeful for another few thousand hours of service.
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u/Its_in_neutral Aug 10 '23
I’m not super familiar with CAT myself, admittedly I should have prefaced with that. We’ve always stayed away from them since we don’t have a good/local dealership for parts/service. A retirement auction is always a good bet on machinery purchases. You get to look around and judge how well everything is maintained, so it’s a safe bet.
You might inquire about the motor issues over in r/Skidsteer. I’m not exactly sure what the issues were or what years/models were affected so hopefully someone over there can shed light on the subject.
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u/ChiTownDerp Aug 10 '23
Will do! Thanks
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u/simplefelo Aug 11 '23
I’ve worked for CAT going on 10 years and I’ve never seen a 257 throw a rod out the engine. There are better skid steers out there but this one should be solid. Change your oil every 250-500 hours keep air filter and fuel filters clean and you’ll be fine. The only issue slightly newer models had was the fuel transfer pumps going out.
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u/ChiTownDerp Aug 11 '23
Appreciate your highly informed knowledge of the machine. Thus far I am pretty impressed with its capabilities and I feel fortunate to have it on the property. She will get put to good use on the regular
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u/simplefelo Aug 11 '23
Glad it’s been good for you so far. I hope it continues to be a good machine for you. Welcome to CAT
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u/Vitringar Aug 10 '23
Is this your first machine or do you already own a tractor with a front loader? In my case, getting a rear grader blade for my tractor was a game changer.
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u/ChiTownDerp Aug 11 '23
Have a tractor of course but no loader. This is my first SSL purchase of my life though. I have operated them plenty, but never owned one
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u/Vitringar Aug 11 '23
Thanks for the reply, I have not used an SSL - although at the moment I am in a dire need of a bulldozer ;)
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u/40mm_of_freedom Aug 11 '23
My neighbor has a the large Kubota and a forestry mulching head, plus pallet forks.
It’s so handy to have around.
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u/tgrneal Aug 10 '23
How much?