I’m on the verge of buying a CAT 933 Traxcavator (not sure of the year). It comes equipped with a 4 cylinder diesel engine. The price is firm at $3,500 dollars. I’ve seen it run and the steering clutches seem to work. The bucket lifts up and down and pivots as if to dump. It starts right up, sounds good and didn’t appear to smoke.

My intention is to NOT work it hard but to use it at a leisurely pace for small projects. I am not a contractor nor a professional but I like to engage in small building and construction projects.

one concern I have is the difference in the way the tracks lye: one appears taught while the other looks “loose”? Also one of the track springs may be broken.

My question is twofold: is there anything in the photos that require immediate attention/fixing? What’s the likelihood that I could use this machine “as is” for small projects? 

Any input very much appreciated!

Al

Not all of my photos were uploaded. I’ll try to ad more here.

there are adjusters that allow adjustment of the track tension--it appears one track is too loose and the other is too tight-there is a spec on the proper amount of sag--it appears you have a broken recoil spring==-if you are careful not to hit the idler into anything you can run it the way it is--I had 3 broken rings in one spring for over 20 years before it let go---WARNING--springs have a tremendous amount of potential energy so best repaired by someone familiar with them--my 941B took 14 tons of compression on the new spring

Not all of my photos were uploaded. I’ll try to ad more here.

Could someone comment on the condition of the track chainsand sprockets? Thanks!

The undercarriage looks to be good enough for your stated purpose for a long time. The bottom rollers are not hitting the track pin bosses, the sprockets aren't worn too much and the idlers are worn thin but they should last a while. 
The broken recoil springs can probably last if you avoid shock loads and sharp turns.
Craig

I’m wondering what folks here think of the $3,500 price for this machine?

If I do end up buying this machine my first project will be to create a level spot on my property for parking/storing equipment that I use/collected over the years. I envision using the 933 to scrape the ground clear of small stumps and brush. Having gravel delivered and using the 933 to distribute the gravel. And finally using the 933 to move stone to create a sloped retaining wall .

However Everything is contingent on purchasing this machine. It’s not a done deal yet!

Al

It's worth taking the risk. If it lasts long enough to accomplish  what a rental machine could do for that same $3500, you have broken even. If it lasts longer you win!
Craig

I agree with Craig--$3500 does not sound bad to me for that machine

It’s listed on Facebook marketplace. Here’s the link: www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/287616...93-8325-9a27debac27d

If you can open the link and can see the ad, I would welcome additional feedback!

Al

it could be worth the punt.

it runs and the hydrualics work. if it drives back and forwards i would consider it. 3500 bucks is a cheap price.
if you where to dry hire a machine to do all the jobs you have planned you could easily spend that much money. and if you hire a machine and operator you defiantly will. many companies wont dry hire to private people not for small jobs anyway.

and you could do your jobs fix it up and sell it. though they are a bit limited in what they can do you would be surprised what they will do. 2 of our neighbours have tracked loaders and the work they have done with them cleaning up thier properties mind you they had larger machines george has a powershift equipped 941 and loyd has a d6 size machine