I am at last beginning my search for a >nice< low hour dozer for use. Being that I cut my teeth on a 2U D8 and a 66A D9G, I do not consider the D4D or D5 "vintage" or antique, so please forgive this "infidelity".

I am looking for a powershift/straight blade w/tilt (or a 6-way if available?) with sweeps. Cab is optional. Don't necessarily need/want an LGP but am open to advice. A winch would be nice. (Hyster or Carco?)I don't want a "modified" machine with homemade stuff tacked on.

My question is which tractor is better? I know the HP is 65 vs.93/105. But- Which tractor is more reliable? More readily available? Recommended? Better balanced? Easier to work on? Maintain? Better to operate? Any quirks? Weaknesses?

Any and all opinions are welcome. Thank you very much.

The later of the 83J series were rated at 75h.p.

They are both good machines...for ease of operation I'd personally prefer the D5 (console mounted steering clutches, center mounted brake pedals and a decel pedal); some D4D's came with a decel pedal as an option (I owned one for a few yrs), but most didn't have it and it's still a bit of a tapdance to use by comparison.

Reliability wise I'd doubt there's much to choose between them, though I've only operated D5's never owned them.

Can't help on winches...never used one, all our tractors were fitted with rippers.

Stability wise they are both good..though once again I'd probably prefer the D5 on a slope.

To me they are completely different tractors.
The D5 is considerably heavier at 25,800 lbs bare......the D4 is 18,240 lbs bare.
Your comparing a 4-cyl with a 6-cyl. Would help to know the serial numbers as both models went through the 300 to 3000 series engine transition. Given the option you would be better off with the later engines.
I like the uni-built frame rails of the D5 (very similar construction to the old D6"s)....the D4 has bolt to the case frame rails.

Also would help to know your intended use. (Interesting comment from "d4e" a while back.....that his D4E's were better at hanging on to steep hill sides while discing than the D5)

Winch sizes and models would be completely different.
The D5 uses the Cat #55-56 unit, the late D4 uses the #54 unit.

We have an 84J D4D which is identical to the 83J except it was intended for ag use so it has direct drive, drawbar, and no blade. It is my favorite cat to drive and handles easily.

Thank all of you gentlemen for your reponses and Merry Christmas!
Application for the machine will be on hilly rural property in the Shenandoah mountain area- just clearing some land, building roads, etc for myself. A fair amount of rock in there, but I have NO intention of ripping. Would rather go "around it".
Thanks for the commentary about the console steering clutches, center brakes and decel pedal- all good points. I did not know the D4 frame rails are bolted on- sounds like it could mean "hidden" trouble from its past life.
Does the D5 have lights light the larger tractors with the side mounts and guards on the sides of the radiator housing or are they on top?

At first it sounds like the D4 would be preferred....and it probably would take care of your needs.....but then with the mention of dealing with rock/boulders the extra weight and push of the D5 would be handy. No doubt the D4 has plenty of power to spin the tracks but it's the weight that makes dozing work.

Yes, if the D4 has had a suspected hard life you would want to check the rail to case bolting closely for repairs and/or cracks.

D5 lights would normally be mounted on those long fenders (special app./ag)....and in the upper corners of the ROPS or cab if it has one. Can be mounted to radiator shell (usually side) with or without guards.......or most anywhere you want to.

and a Merry Christmas to you too!!

You can do a little shopping here..
www.machinerytrader.com/listings/list.as...44738B31BAC19AFE0061
Good luck with the hunt!
Alan627b