450c vs 550b

[mick]

what is advantages or disadvantages of both dozers?

[JD430C]

Hi, I went from a 450C to a 550 this spring. 550 will out push a 450 and its quicker. 450C is more fuel efficient. I really like the flat operators platform on the 550. Easier to get on, off, and I can see much better. Only thing I dont like is there is no engine clutch on the 550. For me the de-accelerator pedal is on the wrong side of the machine. Havent run it into anything yet, but its only a matter of time .

Andrew

[digitup2]

The 450C and 550B are two different builds of machine If you want a nice dozer that will push then the 450C is a good choice .If you want a dozer you can push a lot of dirt with then the 550B is for you .it is 25%more dozer and will use 20% more fuel I quickly out grew the 450 series dozers early and grew to respect the 550s more .I have herd a lot of negative crap about 550 series but I put 14000 plus hours each of them before moving up to the next machine .The 550B has many up grades from a 450E dozer and a 450E is considerable more machine than a 450C The blade alone is shaped better and the 550B was built as Deere was figuring out power shift so the 550B full power shift is a better set up than previous models .Just my opinion but there is no substitute for horse power when pushing dirt so If you are planning for a long run of pushing go for the 550B if you are looking for something cheap and easy on fuel and for knocking around the ranch than the 450C is the answer.Digitup.

[mini kahuna]

I am very fond of 550 series,they move around very well,they make nice power and you can really run the hours up on them.

450c is also a nice machine,simplier design,less power and won't dance around like the 550,but still a workhorse.

I would base the choice on the service records/history of each machine.

[JWB Contracting]

I have had all models of 450's up to and including the G's and a couple of 550's.

I really like the 550 for the extra power, we used them as tow tractors on the front of our vibratory cable plows. A 450 would not work in this application as it is direct drive.

My main concern on the 550's is the cost of repairing the transmission if it craters. I have not had to rebuid one for myself yet, but I hear $10K in parts and labour if you cannot do it yourself.

As for the 450C's, here is why i like them:

- direct drive powershift rarely gives trouble. If they do, they are fairly inexpensive to fix compared to the 550.
- if you plug them in, they start very easily to minus 30 below (Celcius)
- motor is bullet proof, lots of them around if you need one
- I prefer a direct drive crawler over a torque converter, don't have to rev it up to get production.
- more 450C's out there than 550's, so more new and used parts available so cheaper to fix.

You really can't go wrong with either tractor, they are after all a Deere.

[mick]

thanks for the help