Fix up L785 or buy a newer skid

[mud23609]

So here is my delima. I am the current owner of a early 90's L785 with about 3800 hours. Its starting to show signs of age with little gremlins popping up every once in a while. Most of which would not be all that hard to fix but to do it right and really go though it I would imagine I would have several grand into it maybe even up to five grand if I really go whole hog and make it like new. If it stays in its current use as kinda a back up around the farm, I wouldn't really have to worry about really going though it or changing the attachment plate to the new style. It will run a long time with only occasional fixes in its limited use right now. That being said. I also run a small excavation business that dose some clearing jobs as well as snow removal in the winter and I need a machine for that. I would like to be able to run a 72 inch cutter on the front to use along side my mini ex with its flail but I am not sure if the machine will handle it because I have not been able to find any good information on the flow rates or pressure to the aux hydros. My big question is will it work ok with a hog on the front and if anybody knows what the GPM and pressure to the hydros is that would be awesome as well. If it will not, is there any way to upgrade the flow and pressure on this old machine. My other option would be to go with a second machine and leave the old machine alone. Budget restraints (because I refuse to finance) will put me into a early or mid 2000's machine and probably a size smaller which would hurt me some loading trucks. If anybody can give me any info on the aux flow or input on redoing vs buying a second unit I would sure appreciate it.

 

[Tazza]

I think you'd have more money in it trying to upgrade the hydraulic system.
You should be able to get an attachment sized to your flow/pressure, but it won't be as powerful as a current machine.
It's really your call, you can test the flow/pressure to know what you have available, but it may not be sorth the cash to do.