Who makes the best small crawlers?

John made some very good points. This question has been asked many times, do a search and you might find a ton of more info. What kind of work are you looking to do? Looking for a dozer or loader?

A consideration for me would be how am I going to transport the tractor. I have mentioned this several times here. I have 2 Deere 350C's and can tow them anywhere in the mountains with my 1-ton dumptruck and bumper mount trailer. The Deere 450 is a little to heavy to tow in my area, flat roads it's ok. So, I guess my point is consider transportation.

I have been very happy with Deere 350 and 450. They have their place, sometimes they see 10 hours a day, sometimes they go months without being moved. I would look at the C (1972ish) or D model as anything older has dry clutches. If I needed another dozer and didn't want to go new, I would go with another older (80's 350 or 450) dozer. I guess I can't answer your question as to whats the best, all I can give is my opinion on the Deere 350 and 450's. Good luck.

Robert

"Best" is sort of a broad term when it comes to equipment. What's best for me isn't necessarly best for the grading equipment professional next door. Some things to consider...

1. Best costs more. Do you really need that extra quality, or would 2nd or 3rd place do the job?
2. Do you want to know who currently makes the best small crawler, or who traditionally made the best small crawler.
3. How small is big enough? Would a little Terratrac do the job or do you need a JD or Case 450?
4. Are you going to be doing your own maintainence? The support network in this case makes a difference.

Having said that, I think the majority of the folks I've talked to would say that CAT is the best quality machine. For my purposes (clearing 5-6 acres of fairly small trees) the Case 450 was the best overall fit. It was not overpriced. Parts availability is still good (lots made). It's small enough to get into tight spots, but big enough to do the job. The smaller engine does not use as much fuel.

I think for my purposes the John Deere 450 series would be my next choice.

Really it all depends on your needs.

Best of luck,
John
1968 Case 450

For instance lets say you have a tandum axle dump truck taged for 30,000 pounds. You can drive this truck on the road with a clasified type class B license for your personal use. If however you haul a load of gravel for your neighbor you are now for hire a would need a class B CDL.