If you've been scouring the listings for a cat d6n for sale , you probably currently know that this machine is a bit of a legend in the dirt-moving world. It's not the largest beast in the backyard, and it's definitely not the smallest, although it sits within that perfect "Goldilocks" zone where it may handle heavy web site prep one day time and fine finish off grading the following. It's the type of dozer that owner-operators dream of because it's versatile enough to keep the cash flowing whatever the project type.
But let's be real for another. Buying used heavy equipment is a bit like dating—everyone puts their best foot forward in the photos, but you don't really understand what you're obtaining until you invest some quality period together. Whether you're looking at the high-hour unit from a local farmer or even a shiny "ready-to-work" device at a big dealership, there are a few things you have to maintain in mind prior to you sign that check.
Why the D6N remains so popular
The Cat D6N has been the staple on jobsites for years, and for good reason. 1 of the biggest selling points is usually the high-drive style. Caterpillar's elevated sprocket isn't just for looks; it moves the final drives far from the abrasive mud and stones, which can save a person a massive headache (and a great deal of money) within repairs later on.
When you're looking at a cat d6n for sale , you're generally choosing between the XL (Extra Long) and the LGP (Low Ground Pressure) versions. If you're operating in the swampy Southeast or carrying out a lot associated with pond work, that LGP with its wider tracks will be a lifesaver. This stays on best of the soft stuff where various other dozers would just bury themselves. Upon the flip part, the XL is great for common construction where a person require a bit more maneuverability along with a smaller sized footprint for transport.
One more these machines fly off the lots could be the balance. Most workers will tell a person that the D6N feels "right" below your hands. It's reactive, the visibility within the hood is decent for a device of its size, and it has enough excess weight to really push the full blade without constant track re-writing.
The undercarriage: where the cash lives
I actually can't stress this enough: when you find a cat d6n for sale , the very initial thing you should do—even before you switch the key—is go walking and look with the tracks. The undercarriage is definitely the most expensive "wear item" on a dozer. You could be looking at a $15, 000 to $25, 000 bill if the tracks, rollers, and sprockets are chance.
Check the link height plus the bushings. When the bushings are usually "pinked" or put on through to the pins, you're searching at a significant repair soon. Also, appearance at the sprocket teeth. If they look like shark fins—all pointy and thin—they're toast. A seller might tell you the undercarriage provides "50% life left, " but except if they have the recent PSSR (Product Support Sales Representative) report from a Cat dealer, take that will with a wheat of salt. Bring a tape gauge or a collection of calipers in the event that you really desire to know what you're buying.
Engines and the "Tier" talk
According to the year of the particular cat d6n for sale you're eyeing, you'll probably see different motor setups. The older units might possess the 3126 or the C6. 6 ACERT, while the particular newer ones shifted into the C7. 1 engines to meet Tier 4 emissions standards.
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: DEF and DPF techniques. A lot of guys specifically search for older, pre-emissions D6Ns because they don't wish to deal with the sensors and regens that include newer tech. I actually get it. There's something nice regarding a machine that will just runs with out throwing a code because a messfühler got a whiff of bad diesel.
However, don't completely low cost the newer Rate 4 units. They may be incredibly fuel-efficient as well as the cab comfort will be light years in front of the older models. In the event that you're working on a website with rigid environmental regulations, you might not have a choice; you'll need that more recent iron to obtain on the work. Just be sure the support records show that will the emissions system has been managed and that they haven't been idling the machine for eight hours each day, which is the fastest way in order to clog a DPF.
Examine the blade and the "slop"
The D6N usually comes with a VPAT (Variable Pitch Angle Tilt) blade. This is what makes the machine so versatile—you can position it to windrow dirt or tilt it to cut a ditch. Yet because that cutting tool has so several moving parts and pivot points, it's prone to obtaining "sloppy. "
When you're checking a cat d6n for sale , have someone sit within the cab and shake the blade as you watch the pins and bushings. If the blade is bouncing two inches before the pins catch, you've got work to accomplish. Shimming a cutting tool isn't the finish of the world, yet if the pin bores are wallowed out, you're looking at a trip in order to a machine shop for some line boring, which isn't cheap.
The particular "fresh paint" capture
We've all seen it. A cat d6n for sale that looks like this just rolled off the assembly line, with every inch protected in bright yellow paint. While a clean machine will be nice, fresh color can sometimes be a face mask. It's an inexpensive way to hide hydraulic leaks, breaks in the frame, or weld maintenance that weren't done properly.
Don't be afraid to get a little dirty. Appear behind the cutting tool, beneath the belly pots and pans, and around the final turns. You need to see "honest" dust or probably a little dried out grease. What a person don't want to see is clean oil weeping by way of a new layer of paint. If the particular engine bay is usually pressure-washed so clean you can eat away it, run the machine for the good 30 to 45 minutes till it's up to operating temperature, after that check again for leaks.
Taxi comfort and technology
If you're going to be sitting in this thing for ten hours a day, the cab issues. Check the seat—is the air suspension system actually working, or even will you feel each rock in your kidneys? Does the particular A/C blow ice cold? In the sealed cab like the D6N, in the event that that A/C will go out in Come july 1st, you're basically sitting down in a yellow oven.
Furthermore, look for Quality Control technology. Numerous newer D6Ns come "Aro-ready" (Attachment Ready Option) or possess Cat Grade with Slope Assist currently built in. This particular tech is a game-changer. Even a seasoned operator may benefit from the machine automatically keeping the blade with a certain cross-slope. If you discover a cat d6n for sale that already has the sensors and wiring for GPS NAVIGATION, it adds a lot of worth towards the machine, specifically if you're trying to compete along with the big boys on precise finish work.
Final ideas on the market
The market for used dozers is a bit wild right now. Prices are high because new machines have long guide times, so a solid cat d6n for sale doesn't stay upon the marketplace for long. If you discover an offer that seems as well good to become true, it possibly is.
My best suggestions? Don't buy the initial one you observe just because you're in a hurry. Take an auto mechanic with you—preferably one particular who knows Cats and kittens inside and away. Pay for the fluid analysis (S•O•S) if the seller will let you. Seeing what's floating around in the particular oil can tell you when the transmitting is about to give up the ghost or even if the engine is eating by itself from the inside out.
With the end associated with the day, a D6N is a workhorse. It's made to be rebuilt and run for tens of thousands of hours. In case you find one particular that's been taken care of right, it'll end up being the backbone associated with your fleet for a long time. Just do your homework, check out those tracks, plus don't let the shiny coat of paint blind you to what's beneath. Happy hunting!