Caterpillar Callenger 65 1989 vintage. Pros and Cons anyone know them????

Hi mate, had a little to do with these unit through our dealer here in western vic (Aus) and found bogie air pressure played a big part in the steering. Track alignment was also important but we noticed it more in machines being used in scraper applications. The biggest killers were the bogie oil seals but as edb stated I think there were factory upgrades to them which solved the problem. Probably had more to do with the later models but the undercarriage was the same. I don't think you will fault the 3306 and the transmissions were bullet proof.
Good luck
Hutchy

Never been around one but friends with a fellow that drove several of the early ones Cat was still testing. They were jerky in the turns and hard on implement hitches,but that was one of the improvements they where working on. I know it got better but don't know when. They used it on some extremely steep ground and think the undercarriage showed ware much quicker. But this ground is as steep any you will find being farmed anywhere. One of the reasons Cat put them there to be tested. I would ask but the fellow passed away in the fall.

We have ran 65C since 2000. Very reliable. Had to remove the fuel tank twice to weld cracks, replace oil hose to trans filter, replace a pressure switch on track tension cylinder. Rough on the road and vibrates like crazy on some roads our tracks are getting too worn. Good in the paddock pulls like a train in straight line, turning needs the right approach for best results.
I think the solid front idlers are much better than the pump up tyres for track alighnment. (pressure critical).
Will not be buying a later model with agco improvements.Don't know what we will get next Cat should see me out only 4500 hours so far.
Edit Lights are not great

I know SFA about these, the Kondinin Group do a series of books on tractors and tractor performance from the farmers point of view and what the farmer finds the good the bad and the ugly and they (the Kondinin Group) say it like it is
Anyway this is the reports from Australian farmers on the Cat 65 A-D dunno if its of any help

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might have to click on each image a few times to blow them up enough to read ok if it doesnt work I guess maybe I could load them up thru photo bucket


Paul

Laying tracks, give me a call. When they first came out the first 3-5 years in a row all of them came back to the dealerships for loads of good updates, most all cat supported with customers pay a small portion. Bogie wheel, horsepower, final drive to track guards, front idlers, ect. We worked 10 hour days six days a week all winter long to get them done for spring work. to much to post. Clayton 218-790-4399

Looks like the 65 has had good up keep. Its been to the dealer over the years. Has had about $10,000 in repairs since 1995.Brake work , Steering, Coupler between engine and tranny, A.C. also some work on track tensioner. Headed back down on Friday to look it over one last time. Big help from this forum. Thanks Again

Decided to go ahead with the purchase.With all the great replies and a couple of calls to Clayton .Gave me enough information to make a sound decision .Checked out all the concerns with the crawler. Climbed up in it started right up cold . Warmed it up took it for a spin . I went through all the gears .Spun some donuts and checked the brakes . Performed well so we[attachment=40121]IMG_20170207_124234_632.jpg[/attachment][attachment=40122]IMG_20170207_124251_319.jpg[/attachment][attachment=40121]IMG_20170207_124234_632.jpg[/attachment][attachment=40122]IMG_20170207_124251_319.jpg[/attachment] added it to the tool shed. Thanks so much guys BIG HELP !

Sorry guys. Messed up adding pictures. Hope its not to scrambled to understand . Don't know what happened