AC TL-16 vs. Caterpillar 944

Looking at old school rigid frame wheel loaders and have narrowed the field to the two choices above.  Would like to hear the pros and cons of these machines.  The chosen unit will work on topsoil and move 1,000 pound boulders to aid in building a stone wall.  

Since you are looking at 60 year old machines with limited parts available. How many are expecting to come out of the woods if you put a wanted ad out?

all the old cat parts are shrinking fast  but thier are more of the cat stuff left than the rest put together

orangeman wrote: Lee and Ray54 - Thanks for the input.  In the case of the AC TL-16  I have a choice of three non running - one with a cab.  So likely would take all three to make one.  The Caterpillar 944A has a cab and ran recently but has a pony motor for starting.  As I understand, the early 944A machines came with a pony motor but can be converted to DC electric  start motor.   The 944 machines carried on as a 944B and may have served as the design basis for the Caterpillar 950 wheel loader.  I also understand that Caterpillar has few if any parts remaining for the pony motor.  So likely, that the machine would need to be converted to a direct electric start.   There is also a AC 840B with Cab that is running nearby and working but not sure I can convince the owner to sell at this time.  Again, certainly appreciate the insights.

i spent many hours on a 966a and when all the steering was at its best you had to rode it in reverse the one i run run had zero brakes  , i was real good at shuttleing it from forward to nutral to  reverse for braking  that was 40 years ago

That's a great shot of a TL-12 in action.  More often than not you see photos of them painted in industrial yellow rather than Persian orange.

How much are they worth now? I've got one in great shape that's running and it's a monster of a machine that I was interested in maybe selling

JVIN248 - Right On regarding the parts support for the Cat 944 and given the numbers produced that is why the Caterpillar 944 is even in this discussion! Thanks for the link to the rescues - I like working machines that aren't parade queens.  The whole idea is to have something that can handle the task, has a reasonable long design life and parts either used or new can be obtained so the unit can run again and do work on a medium size acreage.  The rock wall is for privacy and to define a future planting boundary.  With my age slowly advancing and having a few minor (slow me down) health issues - now resolved - the open station of the Caterpillar for access and egress from the cab is far better than a climb, slide in cockpit arrangement.  I also see that the front mount loader arms provide a very nice safety advantage and the dimensions on the loader supports look to be very stout on the Cat as well.  At this point am leaning toward the 944, maybe add the AC TL-16's if my machine shed can be arranged to hold them - I do like the AC TL-16's and 20's they certainly would be a good choice too - just a little more stepping and stretching to get into the cab.   Thanks all for your valued insights ~ they are much appreciated.  Hope you all have an excellent fall season!  Respectfully ~ Orangeman

Coke - thanks for the insights on the skid steers as an option. I have a Melroe here available but the boulders that am planning to move would push it right to its design capacity so that won't be a choice.  While I could easily rent a skid steer that has higher capacity I will need to use a county road then onto a State highway shoulder to move them to their location.  That said, the road speed offered by the loader is better, the lift-carrying capacity of the bucket seems like its design is better suited to nestle the boulder in the bucket for transport. Have decided to put the AC 940 wheel loader into the list of machines to evaluate as it could easily do the  job as well.   Only issue with the early articulated units is the center pins are usually pretty tired and worn thus the rigid frame consideration.  Am getting closer to a decision and am hoping to secure the unit this fall - do some maintenance and fluid changes for work to begin next spring.  Thanks again for the insights they are appreciated. ~ Orangeman

Edited by orangeman - 26 Sep 2024 at 9:08am

I turned dwn 8,500 for it last summer. A far cry from 2,500 i paid for it which included a mint W9 and the haul from no tree area Dakota 😊 perfect tin 😊 Its been a great machine ! It gets maintained. I purchased a new 749D which i like ALOT but for what i use the tl-12 for no skid steer comes close.. I was looking for a machine i could clean out large loathing sheds that the header height was lower and could load one of NH largest manure spreaders quick and easy and wet e is heavey and didnt worry about flippin over, they lift anything you put in the bucket. I can drive it over to the gravel pit on the farm fast sometimes to fast lol and load into dump truck..or load round bales around all the fields pretty darn quick. Dont ever roll over funerals can be expensive for surviving family members. Not for the faint of heart or out of shape feller just to climb up get into it. I have a D8,and a D7 with a bucket i can load the TL in if i need something a bit bigger/beefier. I just dont use it like a dozer...dah. I wouldnt dig a basement with it...dont need to use it that way. Just restored a cletrac BGS that i ran yesterday for the first time in 45 years plus. TL,s are cool RARE for sure. For me i didnt get worked up about the parts. I make stuff. Engines are the the same in A/C mine is a gasser same as in 17. Hyd no sweat, wheel cylinder brakes parts no problem, I rebuild hyd cyl dwn to cutting knuckles off and new rams. Shuttle valve control leave the lower shield panels off for cooling in the summer, back on in the winter if need be. Eeeh there cool. Its a antique!!! Are there better machines sure...worst absoulelty. Does what i need it to do.