When in doubt about what machine will suit your business’s needs, the best advice is to compare their value to your business’s bottom line. The wrong machine can cost time, money, or both, while the right one will pay for itself repeatedly in productivity and savings. In this article, we’ll help you make a decision about choosing the right machine, which is the best machine to start with, and how to add more machines ─ especially when those machines are used wheel loaders, like a CAT966H and an SDLG 936L.
Selecting the best wheel loader for your business involves balancing performance, cost, and specific needs. This guide focuses on used wheel loaders, which offer a smart investment by reducing upfront costs without sacrificing power. We recommend reliable models like the CAT966H, CAT950, and SDLG 956L. Learn how these machines can maximize efficiency and profitability for businesses of all sizes.
Now, let’s get into what you need to look at and consider to determine the best machine for your business.
The Growing Trend of Buying Used Wheel Loaders
The used wheel loader market has been growing steadily over the last several years. Businesses have been looking to used machines to help them cut costs while still acquiring the productive machinery they need to get work done. By purchasing a used wheel loader, you can avoid the massive depreciation that comes with a new machine and still get a piece of equipment that will work and work and work and work.
Focus on Specific Models
In this article, we will focus on some of the most popular makes and models of used wheel loaders available on the market today. The goal is to give you an overview of the most popular pieces of equipment in use today. We will look at the CAT966H, the CAT950, the Liugong 856H, the SDLG 956L, and the SDLG 936L. Each of these machines has its own strengths and is best-suited to different types of work. Our goal in this article is to help you decide which piece of machinery best suits your needs.
Value Proposition
Buying a used wheel loader is a great investment. It provides all the performance you need to operate your business at a fraction of the price, which means you can allocate your capital to other parts of the business, like marketing, staff, or whatever else can help you make the cash to make that machine work for you.
Why Buying a Used Wheel Loader is a Smart Choice for Your Business
Cost-Effectiveness
One of the big reasons that a company is going to buy a used loader instead of a new loader is cost savings. A new wheel loader can be hundreds of thousands of dollars. So you can get a used loader and save 30, 40, 50, 60% of that new cost.
| Loader Model | New Price (Approx.) | Used Price (Approx.) | Price Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT966H | $150,000 | $70,000 | $80,000 |
| CAT950 | $120,000 | $55,000 | $65,000 |
| Liugong 856H | $90,000 | $40,000 | $50,000 |
| SDLG 956L | $110,000 | $50,000 | $60,000 |
| SDLG 936L | $85,000 | $35,000 | $50,000 |
So instead of spending all those upfront costs, you can probably buy a lot of attachments or buy another skid steer or buy another wheel loader if you buy it used. Or you could use it to train your people, expand your yard or lay down some concrete.
Lower Depreciation
A new loader depreciates 20-30% the first year. People don’t see that, but that’s the truth. A used wheel loader will depreciate at a much less rapid pace, and most of the time you’re going to get more out of that used wheel loader when it’s used up than you might that new one.
- Depreciation for new equipment is steep in the first 1-2 years.
- Used equipment has already gone through the heaviest depreciation, meaning better resale value in the future.
Availability and Selection
The asking price for a used machine is the actual amount you pay for it. Unlike with new units, you won’t have to deal with a financing company, which may require a down payment, payments during the off-season, or a premium on the starting interest rate. However, used machines may cost more to finance than new ones.
| Brand | Model Availability | Year Range Available | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT | CAT966H, CAT950 | 2015-2021 | $55,000-$85,000 |
| Liugong | 856H, 856H2 | 2016-2020 | $35,000-$60,000 |
| SDLG | 956L, 936L | 2014-2020 | $40,000-$55,000 |
When a wheel loader does get worn out and needs replacing, the used market is a great option to buy another one. With so many models out there, you can find one out there that perfectly aligns with your operational requirements.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Wheel Loader for Your Business
Load Capacity
The load capacity of a wheel loader determines how much weight it can carry. The weight you can carry determines how efficient you are. Therefore, it is essential to find a loader with a capacity that matches the demands of your job site.
| Model | Load Capacity | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| CAT966H | 3.5 tons | Large-scale construction, heavy-duty work |
| CAT950 | 2.5 tons | Roadwork, general construction |
| Liugong 856H | 5 tons | Mining, construction |
| SDLG 956L | 5 tons | Heavy lifting, mining |
| SDLG 936L | 3 tons | Landscaping, light construction |
The Liugong 856H has a higher load capacity, which makes it perfect for mining and other heavy construction.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency
Balancing out the engine power and fuel efficiency is critical so that you get great performance and your operating costs don’t kill you. A machine with a high horsepower engine will really perform when you’re trying to push a lot of dirt. But it also might guzzle more fuel. So try to find a machine that has a good balance between power and fuel efficiency.
| Model | Engine Power | Fuel Efficiency | Operating Cost (Per Hour) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT966H | 190 HP | Moderate | $10-12 |
| CAT950 | 160 HP | Good | $8-10 |
| Liugong 856H | 143 kW (192 HP) | Good | $7-9 |
| SDLG 956L | 160 HP | Excellent | $9-11 |
| SDLG 936L | 120 HP | High | $6-8 |
Now that we have seen the specs on the CAT and the cost difference, if fuel efficiency is the key factor, the SDLG 936L is the better choice.
Condition of the Loader
Whenever you purchase a used wheel loader, do a full inspection. Key things you want to look for include:
- Hydraulic systems: Look for any leaks or signs of malfunction.
- Tires: Check for wear and tear.
- Engine: Ensure that it’s in good working condition with no unusual noises or leaks.
| Component | What to Inspect | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Check for leaks, noise, service history | Ensures reliable performance |
| Hydraulic System | Inspect hoses and pumps for damage | Prevents costly repairs down the road |
| Tires | Check tread and overall condition | Reduces downtime due to tire failure |
Having a checklist like this can help you ensure you aren’t buying a piece of junk.
Brand Reputation
The reputation of the brand also says a lot about how long the machine will last. For the most part, brands like CAT, Liugong, SDLG, specialize in equipment that will last a long time, especially in hard
working conditions.
| Brand | Reputation | Why Choose This Brand? |
|---|---|---|
| CAT | Premium quality, long-lasting | Best for heavy-duty, high-performance tasks |
| Liugong | Affordable, durable | Great value for medium-duty tasks |
| SDLG | Fuel-efficient, robust | Ideal for harsh terrain and heavy lifting |
Picking a brand with a track record of longevity is another way to ensure your used wheel loader will perform for years to come.
Why the CAT966H is a Great Choice for Heavy-Duty Operations
If your business needs a loader in the 3-yard class for heavy lifting and tough jobs, here are the highlights of the CAT966H:
Performance
These loaders were specifically designed for mining, construction sites, and places where you need a lot of power and durability. These loaders will lift 12,000 pounds and have very powerful hydraulic
systems.
| Feature | CAT966H |
|---|---|
| Engine Power | 190 HP |
| Lift Capacity | 3.5 tons |
| Bucket Volume | 3.5 m³ |
| Operating Weight | 18,000 kg |
Cost-Effectiveness
Although the price of a new CAT966H can be high, the used CAT966H cost about 50 percent less than a new one and will do the same job. Additionally, a used CAT966H has a lot of retained value.
Best Use Cases
The CAT966H is especially suitable for those in heavy construction, quarry, or mining operations. It offers the ability to lift more and a big engine to push or pull large loads quickly.
How to Inspect a Used Wheel Loader for Quality
When you buy a used wheel loader, take the time to fully inspect it. Here are the items to check:
- Engine: Ensure the engine is running smoothly with no unusual noises or leaks.
- Hydraulic System: Check for leaks and test all hydraulic functions.
- Tires: Look for wear and tear; replacing tires can be expensive.
- Bucket and Attachments: Check for damage to the bucket and other attachments.
Conclusion
Selecting the best wheel loader for your business requires looking at your application, fuel cost per yard, machine capacity, and most importantly, the dealer you’re buying the unit from. The best part about buying a used wheel loader is that you save money on your purchase, and you’re still getting a reliable machine that will run and perform as if it were new. Whether new or used, buying a wheel loader is a significant investment in your business, and you need a machine you can count on to perform when you need it the most.
Our favorites include the CAT966H, CAT950, Liugong 856H, SDLG 956L, and SDLG 936L wheel loaders. Each has its own merits. Think about what your business needs are, then make a choice. All of these make fantastic money for businesses of all sizes.
Call to Action
If you’re ready to find a great, used wheel loader for your business, we can help you figure out which of the options in this article is perfect for your operation. If you have any further questions about any of the models mentioned in this article, feel free to reach out to us.
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