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Message: <blockquote data-quote="sledesigns" data-source="post: 29016" data-attributes="member: 2358"><p>The drives were weaker on most large 9's, 970, 974, 975. Of course with a weight of 12,000 they can push rather hard. If the drives go out Ive heard its hard to find replacements. If you found a real 980 though, it has a planetary drive and I havent heard of those failing with use. The 980 and its forestry version 1080 weigh a trailer humbling 15,000 pounds with their heavy duty axles. I was prepping for a 980/1080 with a 20k dual tandem, then ran upon a good deal on a lil' 953 (9000 lbs) and snatched it up. Interestingly about halfway through the 700ish mile trip picking it up the turbo & 2 speed didn't add up. Measuring the wheelbase confirmed it was a 10,000 lb 963. For $1000, a true 980, with good axles, Id grab it up. The big 9 series is quite large though, a good bit bigger in all directions than the smaller 943, 953, 963's. My 963 fits between the fenders (80") on a 14k drop trailer. A 94" wide 980 will have to be hauled on a flat deck with good capacity. If you get tired of it you can sell it to me in a few months! Check it out all over & Good luck! -Scott</p></blockquote><p></p>