I have located 2 d7 17a machines, they have been used to clear land. One is 6500.00 the other is 7500.00. The machines are well used but both run and operate. The Rake is 1100.00, the v-cutting blade is 1500.00, is this about average prices for this equiptment.
What problems to look for on these machines. What age, power shift ? any and all info would be appreciated.
I have a J.D. 850 wide track, long track model. I am going to have to rebuild the engine and replace some rollers, the tracks and rails show no wear at all (berco). Would I be better off spending the money on this J.D. or buy one of the D7 17a models.
I have timber land, cattle and pasture land, I have purchased 200 acres of cutover timberland and need to clear this land. Would the Cat hold-up better.

The first 17A tractors came out in 1955 & they were just an oil clutch machine. For the work you have to do it is a H.D. tractor so if it,s in decent shape & runs well I think I,d go for it.

The D7 wil be a heavier machine and will do the clearing job easier, guess it depends on what type of brush your clearing? Due to the age those prices have probably bottomed out, up here they go for 10-20K still. The rake sounds like a good price depending on construction and condition and comes in very handy for clearing.

You might want to keep the machine you already know and put some repair $$$'s in it as it will require it at some point anyway, on the flip side barring no mech failures on the 7 you could probably resell for your purchase after the job is finished. Just trying to look at it from both ways.

hello burson,i live in southern ok,and need some 17a parts if your not interested in the dozers you found i probably would be a number to call would be a great if you dont want them.thanks

I will try to see the D7's this weekend, I'm in the middle of cutting hay, if the weather is bad I can check the Cat's out and let you know, what would you think they are worth if one is in descent shape, ( I'm assuming one is pretty good, as it was being used when the owner passed away).
Ron B. (I wanted to send you an E-Mail, but no address has been posted for you).

the prices dont sound to bad,if the machines have good undercarraige and the motors arent worn out, you can run into alot of money really quick on uc parts or rebuilding a motor. in the 17a i would rather have the cable blade because the hydralic are way to slow,also i would pick a starting motor(if it runs right)any day over a starter, because of all the problems you have with cables. if you get a chace to look at machines you might check the rails to make sure the bottom rollers arent hitting the pins on the outside of the tracks,and take a prybar about four or five foot long and see if the back sprockets have any in and out slack in them.i will check on the email and see if i can fix it.