I remember attending a tug of war demonstration at Pendleton Equipment Company in Longmont Co back in the early 70s. The M880 vs D12 Cat. There were many potential buyers in attendance including Arabs in traditional garb. In the early days they called it,”The Push Puller”. The drivers seat would pivot around the control console to the opposite position, thus not having a front or back. My grandfather’s tractor cab company WWEngineering built the cabs for the early production run. I’ve got a photo of what might have been the only OEM produced accessory bucket. The bucket had room for 2 F- 350s side by side. Gramps on occasion would stop by the local coal strip mines in Louisville Co to give uncles and grandchildren demonstration rides.
I can see where this machine would do well in certain situations like a coal plant, of woodchip storage. The rapid reversing capability is certainly an advantage. But given one does not see these everywhere says something?
I like how it's compared to a tracked dozer 20yrs older and less than 1/2 the power. That old dozer cost 1/10 the price and has probably pulled that beast out a few times! Especially if it gets too far over the bank and tried to reverse, 4x the final drives, 2x the engines, 2x the transmissions, less productive, and 2x the cost of D11 Cat with coal blade. It has very limited dealers, service mechanics, and parts stocking. Low resale value, and few attachments. If you think it's good on soft ground think again! Impossible to steer in mud. High ground pressure and too long to properly skid steer. Would wear end tires quickly. A little water whether frozen or not on surface and forget it.
