AC TL-16 vs. Caterpillar 944

I ran a TL-12 that like the 16 has very far forward operator position this makes getting in and out more difficult but I prefer the visibility that provides. 

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.  

Hudco:  thank for those good insights.  Is the Cat parts availability better because they sold more units or just the fact that Cat still survives and had dealers that along with the company had stockpiles of parts and perhaps deeper stronger resources that allowed them to remain in the present rough and tumbler heavy equipment market place?  ~ Respectfully,  ~ Orangeman

I had a old 55 Pettibone T-11 machine for several years , and with a Detroit 3-71 , fwd /rev box, 4 speed transmission , torque converter with Allison box and clutch . Problem with any straight frame machine and rear steering is they seldom track in any movement without a lot of steering positioning. 
 You could load from a pile . move to dump into truck , and not get back to where you loaded without a lot of maneuvering
 If it was me I would look for any articulated machine . A 1 ton rock should be no problem for any machine with a 2 yard bucket as for power to lift .
 Roading a straight frame means going in reverse as with steer in back they wander all over . All the old loaders with cab forward and loader arms behind operator can be widow makers , as access to operator station is over or under loader booms .