I have the opportunity to get this D65S-6 for very cheap, pretty much whatever it takes to get it running and moving and loaded up on a lowboy and shipped ~20 miles.







I've taken a cursory initial look.

The UC is quite tired, but about the same as my D6C, some life left and for as much as I'd use it, would not fail for many years.

The straight exhaust was left uncovered for many years, I have been told this was a running machine 3-4 years ago.

I normally stick with CAT construction equipment as it is usually much easier to find parts for older CAT machines, but this one coming very cheap has me interested. Anyone know about parts availability for older Komatsu machines?

Anyone know of a forum like this but for Komatsu's?
 

Hi, ETD66SS.
I don't know of an Komatsu-specific forums and the only one I know of where you might get some answers would be Heavy Equipment Forums. Here is a link to a Komatsu page on their site:

www.heavyequipmentforums.com/threads/komatsu-reviews.26730/

I personally have run several Komatsu products, dozers, excavators, track loaders and a largish grader, none for more than a couple of months - all good to operate and reasonably efficient. The main complaints, at least DowNunda, seemed to be parts availability and that they seemed to have about 2/3 the working life to first rebuild and between subsequent rebuilds that a similar Cat had in the same work.

Just my 0.02.

kohmatsu have stepped up thier customer service now. but it took a while. the cousin has a d41 dozer and had teething problems with it initially once they figured out the cause it worked fine after that. they actually have assembly plant in australia now in mackay servicing the coal fields.

I also have the same opportunity on a Hitachi  UH122
https://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/attachments/20230423_111203-jpg.284555/
Wondering if anyone here has experience with older Hitachi excavators?  My main concern with either of these is parts availability.  I don't have an issue making my own parts where applicable, but when it comes to engines, pumps, vales etc, making your own parts sometimes is just not an option.

This UH122 has an Isuzu E120 engine. And I saw form of the HYD equipment was Kawasaki.

UH122 S/N 171-2121 looks to be a late 80's early 90's machine?
https://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/attachments/20230423_111203-jpg.284555/