Cat 508 Cable Skidder

[Mountain_d]

I am looking at buying a 1987 Cat 508 cable skidder with a Cat 3204 engine and rebuilt winch. Anyone have any good or bad experience with this machine? I am curious about parts availability and price, ease to work on for maintenance and repairs and fuel burn. I drove a Cat 518 for someone else for a little. Not sure how the 508 compares?
Thanks. Mountain D.

[coxy]

they never stuck around my part of the woods  some of the big guys rented them and sent them back after a month to light,tipsy and no power no one said anything about fuel not shur if that's good or bad  ;D i wanted one a few years back but was told to get the 518 i did and have never regretted it   don't know about parts for 508    never had any trouble with the 518 parts

[millcreek40]

I had a 88 508. I ran it about a year. I thought it was a great machine. They only made them for three years I think. Parts weren't a problem. The only reason I sold it was if you should have transmission problems I was told it could be very pricey. I bought a timberjack because parts are much cheaper. I like the jacks but the cat was much easier torun.  Only three leavers on the whole machine. Up & down. In & out with the winch. And forward & reverse. I won't be scared of another one

[Mountain_d]

Ok. Thanks for the info.

[Mountain_d]

Millcreek 40, I was looking at your gallery pictures. Nice equipment. What is the advantage of the chain chokers over cable chockers? Also how do you like the 540 JD compared to you TJ? 

[millcreek40]

I have tried both cable &  chokers   The cables seem to be faster but there is no way to shorten them. The wood always seems to be dragging on the ground. I am using chain chokers again. About the 540b. I bought it put a new motor in it. It was very fast to get around with. But was very tippy. Didn't keep it very long. I have two 240a jacks now. Never looked back. The jacks will go anywhere   Even places I shouldnt

[Mountain_d]

Good to know. Thanks again. Take care.