Found Treasures

I know what you mean. On Friday I was out looking for a NW-25 crane and stumbled on some old Cats to include a Diesel Cat 40, an RD 6, a HT 4, and a DW 15. There were also a couple HD 16's , a self propelled international scraper and a Drott. None of it was for sale. At least it won't go for scrap as long as the owner is alive.

Isn't it amazing what can be found lurking around. Th emere fact He has them and you were able to see them is the most important . In time hopefully they willbe passed on and not over zealous relations getting the scrapper in.

That has always amazed me why the scrappers dont make apoint of selling the machines at a sligtly higher rate, they are infront and we all win

[quote="Diggerdozer"]
That has always amazed me why the scrappers dont make apoint of selling the machines at a sligtly higher rate, they are infront and we all win[/quote]

It's a shame, but most scrappers I've met can only see the weight of something and nothing else. They usually don't have any interest or nostalgia in anything old, only to cut up and move as much volume as quickly as possible. They will sell $10,000 worth of collectible, sellable stuff for $1,000 to the melting pot because that's the way they've always done it. Don't get me wrong, there are some that see more value in old iron than just the current going rate, and are happy to make a deal with somebody and make a little more money, even though it's a little more hassle. I just try to keep those guys happy and remembering my phone number.😄

Exchanging similar weight (or more) seems to work for some.

I have only found two kinds of scrappers, the ones that see no value in anything but weight, and the ones that want a fortune for something even after they bust the hell out of it with their bull in the china shop approach. I have a 24" rotory table that I bought from the yard many years ago, I had to step in very quickly because they were starting to pick up this 300lb table using a chain around the hand wheel. If I hadn't stopped them it would have been swinnging around like a headache ball!- just crazyness. I try to keep in mind the fact that most scrap yard owners are filthy rich and even if you pay in cash you are mostly a distraction from business at hand. Add in the chance you could get hurt and there isn't much upside for them. I did know one swell one, but he died.

i have offered doulde the scrap price before, and they think that it should be worth the price of a running tactor ( even if it is a parts tractor)