Dozer or track loader for ranch work

[KactusKiller]

I know both have their place. But if your talking similar size what’s the better overall unit for ranch work. Clearing brush and minor dirt work like digging 1/2-1 acre stock tanks. Mainly sandy or clay soil, not much rock. Just trying to see what others experience that have used both. Looking for d3-d5 size on both.

[Fmjag64]

Both are great but for ranch projects, i find myself jumping on the Trackloader more often. I can clear brush, scrub trees and cedars all day with no issues, fix dams, move or load buckets of dirt, dig etc just the same for the most part.

[bboswell]

Track loader with clam shell bucket

[KactusKiller]

Only major thing I think a track loader can’t do the same is water diversion terraces you would normally use the tilted six way blade for. Other than that not sure what I would miss with a dozer over track loader.

[KactusKiller]

Track loader with clam shell bucket

Absolutely, I had I was gonna look at but it sold before I could get there. Most don’t have that option tho. Had another machine I liked and made a deal on but when I was about to leave to pick it up owner said it would start. Nobody has been able to figure it out since but it had a few questionable issues also so was for the best. I think I found two others I like better one dozer and one track loader. Just trying to decide between the two. Leaning toward track loader even tho the dozer is bigger.

[D4H]

If I could have only one it would be a track loader. With a dozer you can only push. With a track loader you can push, load your bucket and place types of material where you want. I own both but the track loader is much more versatile. You can get up much higher on trees and they push over easier. A Cat 953 or 963 with the bucket in front and the motor in back of the cab is a very balanced and useful machine.

[Fmjag64]

I have a few different ones we've picked up over the years, some (a little) newer and most a little older. I've had great luck with the 80's model CATS. They seem to go forever with minimal issues and fairly easy to work on minus all the heavy @$$ metal body panels lol. Guess im saying i wouldn't have any issues buying one a little older if it checked out. I have a CAT 955 that is my go to most times. Great machine.

[KactusKiller]

Cat 933 is what I’m looking at now

[bloodtrailer28]

Track loader all the way.

[IvoryRoot]

Track loader.

[kcnatural]

My old man had a 933. He picked up a small blade and had it fabricated/converted to fit. I grubbed many a cedar and mesquite with it.

[dclifton]

Track loader with a brush rake attachment and a 4in1 bucket is all you need. Adapting a blade to one would be neat as well. They are much better at piling brush.