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Did not know those smaller Komatsu's were offered in direct drive, that's interesting, I've ran a few them in years past, all power shift. If you plan to work mostly in soft conditions, to an extent, the wider pad or Low Ground Pressure (LGP) will perform the best. However, they can get stuck just like a narrow gauge. If your work is mostly in dry condtions or it's a one time job with soft/wet soil, it would be more cost effective to run a narrow gauge machine, the undercarriage costs on a LCG will be higher, but on a smaller one like you are looking at, might not be too much, but good to know prior to. If it's a case of having the extra flotation when you need it, then better to get the LGP. I had a brand new D65 PX LGP, D-7 size tractor and it performed well on a big topsoil stockpile that was of wet material, not to far off from peanut butter consistency, I ran it on top of the pile and it was like running on a waterbed, off to the sides you could see areas heave up, as it was leveling due to the moisture content, I often feared that if I broke through the crust, I was gonna be in a real mess, at least I was 15 feet above grade ! Someone from Komatsu, took photos on this job, probably for their literature and I wish I had asked for copies, ('94 ) be nice to find one. I also demo'd a brand new D6 LGP at the same time on the same stockpile, both machines did well, I was amazed at the floatation, I buried the Cat up to the fender, but it seemed that high track did not succomb to the suction of breaking through the soft material, I carefully manuevered my way out of that one, unscathed. Did the same with the Komatsu, but was in the middle of the pile, knowing when it's time to stop and get a line attached is very important, had I kept trying to get out, It would have made it very difficult to get the machine out. I stood on the R.O.P.S and waved down an excavator working nearby on the site and he dug a path and we hooked a line up and it came out no problem, unscathed. I was good experience, always remember to determine to the best of your ability where you can and cannot operate, also to stop and get help prior to churning yourself in to a suction pit. The best thing you can do is dry the area, drain off as best as possible and if possible do it at the driest time of year, your production will be best and the work will always come out better, if not possible, analyze the site, plan your moves accordingly. An LGP is highly advantageous in "muck out" work just have to keep an eye on things and don't make your work area a mess. Sometimes it's best to drain/grade, let the weather dry things more, go back take another bite out and repeat until you are done, weather permitting. Working in muck is a royal pain and tendencies to toss a track, acelerated undercarriage wear etc. are all things to consider. Let us know what you get, post some shots of the site, always fun to see a work area, and best of luck !
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