USED CATERPILLAR 517
Overview
Looking for a Cat 517 for sale in Addison, New York? This 2004 Caterpillar track skidder is a work-ready forestry machine equipped with a swing grapple, rebuilt Cat diesel engine, new transmission, and new undercarriage. Offered by Trustworthy Equipment LLC, this used track skidder is a strong option for buyers searching for a Caterpillar 517 skidder, forestry equipment for sale, or reliable logging equipment near me.
Available now in Addison, New York, this Cat 517 for sale is a work-ready 2004 Caterpillar track skidder equipped with a swing grapple and set up for serious forestry, logging, and wet-ground skidding work. Priced at $200,000 and open to offers, this machine stands out as a strong option for buyers looking for a used track skidder that has already received major mechanical investment and is ready to go to work.
This Caterpillar 517 track skidder is powered by a Cat diesel engine that the seller reports has been completely rebuilt. In addition, the transmission and undercarriage are reported to be new, giving buyers important confidence in several of the most expensive areas of the machine. For logging contractors, timber crews, land-clearing operations, and forestry buyers, that kind of recent component history can make a major difference when comparing used forestry equipment for sale.
Cat 517 for Sale with Swing Grapple
This Cat 517 for sale comes equipped with a swing grapple, making it well-suited for handling logs, bunches, and timber in difficult terrain. Because the machine is track-mounted, it was purchased specifically for short skidding in wet conditions where flotation, stability, and traction matter.
From a buyer’s standpoint, this setup is especially useful for operations working in soft ground, wet timber, low areas, farm woodlots, landings, and uneven forestry conditions. Unlike a standard wheeled skidder, a track skidder can offer better ground contact and stability in certain applications, especially when conditions are too soft for conventional tire machines.
Work-Ready Forestry Equipment
The seller reports that this Caterpillar 517 operates completely as it should and has no known leaks or issues. Moreover, the machine has been inspected and is described as ready to work. That makes it a strong candidate for buyers searching for reliable forestry equipment that can be put into production without taking on an unknown project.
In practical terms, this is not being represented as a parts machine or a rough repair candidate. Instead, it is being offered as a mechanically refreshed, work-ready skidder with major reported updates already completed.
Major Reported Mechanical Investment
One of the biggest advantages of this machine is the amount of recent work reported by the seller. Specifically, the Cat diesel engine has been completely rebuilt, the transmission is new, and the undercarriage is new. Additionally, the tracks are reported to be in great condition.
For buyers comparing used track skidders, those details matter. Engine, transmission, and undercarriage condition are often among the most important inspection points on forestry equipment. As a result, this machine offers a stronger value story than many older skidders with unknown component history.
Built for Wet Conditions and Short Skidding
This 2004 Cat 517 track skidder was reportedly used mainly for short skidding in wet conditions. The owner bought it specifically for that purpose, which makes sense for a tracked forestry machine designed to work where traction and ground stability are important.
Because of this, it may be a strong fit for timber crews, private landowners with logging needs, sawmill support operations, clearing contractors, and forestry businesses needing a dependable grapple skidder for wet or difficult terrain.
Shed Stored and Regularly Maintained
The seller reports that the machine has been shed stored and regularly maintained. Cosmetically, it is described as being in good overall condition, which is a practical advantage for buyers who care about both appearance and long-term care.
Furthermore, the machine comes with manuals and receipts. That documentation can help support buyer confidence, especially when reviewing maintenance history, service work, and ownership records.
Buyer Confidence Highlights
This Caterpillar 517 track skidder offers several strong buyer-confidence points:
2004 Caterpillar 517 track skidder
Cat diesel engine
Complete engine rebuild reported by seller
New transmission reported by seller
New undercarriage reported by seller
Swing grapple included
Tracks reported to be in great condition
No known leaks or issues reported
Operates as it should
Inspected and work ready
Shed stored
Regularly maintained
Manuals and receipts included
Seller can help with loading for shipping if needed
Located in Addison, New York
Priced at $200,000 and open to offers
Ideal Applications
This used forestry equipment is well-suited for:
Logging operations
Short skidding
Wet-ground timber work
Woodlot management
Land clearing
Sawmill support
Timber stand improvement
Forestry contractors
Private timber owners
Grapple skidding applications
Ultimately, this machine is best suited for a buyer who needs a serious tracked logging machine with a strong mechanical story and the ability to work in challenging ground conditions.
Investment Value
At $200,000 open to offers, this Cat 517 for sale gives buyers the opportunity to purchase a work-ready track skidder with major reported component updates already completed. For operators who understand the cost of engine, transmission, and undercarriage work, this machine deserves serious consideration.
Most importantly, the seller is downsizing, which is the reason for selling. That creates a practical opportunity for the next owner to step into a Caterpillar forestry machine that has been maintained, stored properly, and prepared for continued use.
Specs
Year: 2004
Make: Caterpillar / Cat
Model: 517
Equipment Type: Track Skidder / Forestry Skidder
Serial Number: 5WW0021, as provided
Location: Addison, New York
Price: $200,000 OBO
Condition: Work ready, seller reports excellent mechanical condition
Storage: Shed stored
Documentation: Manuals and receipts included
Engine
Engine: Cat diesel engine
Engine Condition: Seller reports excellent condition
Engine Work: Complete engine rebuild reported by seller
Fuel Type: Diesel
Horsepower: Buyer should verify by serial number and machine configuration
Transmission / Drive
Transmission: New transmission reported by seller
Drive Type: Tracked forestry machine
Application: Short skidding, wet-condition skidding, forestry work
Undercarriage / Tracks
Undercarriage: New undercarriage reported by seller
Track Type: Steel track undercarriage
Track Condition: Reported to be in great condition
Ground Application: Wet conditions, soft ground, forestry terrain
Grapple / Attachment
Attachment: Swing grapple
Grapple Use: Log handling, skidding, bunch handling, forestry work
Grapple Function: Buyer should verify operation during inspection
Condition
Mechanical Condition: Seller reports work ready
Leaks / Issues: Seller reports no known leaks or issues
Operation: Seller reports machine operates completely as it should
Cosmetic Condition: Good overall cosmetic condition
Inspection: Machine has reportedly been inspected
Approximate / Published Reference Specs
Note: The following specifications should be verified by serial number, Cat dealer records, or buyer inspection because published Cat 517 references vary by configuration.
Operating Weight: Approx. 40,000 lbs, based on common published Cat 517 grapple skidder references
Fuel Capacity: Approx. 68 gallons, based on common published references
Engine Displacement: Approx. 427 cu in, based on common published references
Final specs may vary depending on forestry guarding, grapple configuration, undercarriage setup, and machine options.
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