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BV: Lots of good advice above. Here are a few things to consider. H-3 with a 1066 loader on it is a reasonably good machine if used within its design capacity - most that I have looked at have had multiple operators since their production period of 1960 - 1968 - thus multiple defects.
I have never personally seen an H-3 with a clamshell bucket on the front which is generally referred to as a Drott bucket. I believe they were out there though and if it operates correctly - the Drott bucket then I think it would be advantagous. I have a factory straight blade that can go in place of the bucket so one would have to pull the pins to mount up the blade.
Wear points to consider - like any machine care is important. Be aware that the bucket on the H-3 could easily be overloaded. Because the bucket extends out in front of the machine the overloaded bucket could set up a rocking horse effect even when the machine had weights on the back. If the H-3 you are looking at is a shovel, then the machine should have a total of eight flat weights on the back. If not, recommend if you consider the machine you find the weights.
Another point to consider is the C channel frame that the bottom rollers attach to. Pay particular attention to the area of the frame where the front idler ends and the gusseting that communicates the two C channels together. Dead load carried in the bucket has to be transferred to some point. The point that takes up that "dead load" is the frame where the idler opening ends and the gusseting begins. This area is particularly prone to cracking. 9/10 H-3 I have looked at have a crack at this location. That said, like any steel tracked machine metal on metal wear needs to be considered. Like Coke noted above the H-3 is designed for light duty - residential and farm work - it has a fantastic tractive potential - check out the Nebraska test for the H-3.
In good condition I would say 3,500 - 5,000 consistent with what Kip noted. An HD-5G or HD6 G would easily out compete and H-3 with a 1066 loader. JMO
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