Actually I have a cat 508. I haven't used it in the woods, as it needs some work. It has a turbocharged 3204 engine, powershift trans, and is a cable machine. I bought it for pretty cheap, because, well, it was company owned and has tons of hard hours. Hard hours. Still runs and works for the most part though.
As much as some will say that Cat or Deere parts are expensive, I think you get what you pay for. Comparing an old standard shift TJ with a detroit to a Cat or Deere of any vintage is kinda like comparing a new 2010 ford F150 to a 1960 Ford F100. Yes you can work on the old truck yourself with minimal tools for probably a lot cheaper than the new truck, and both pretty much get you from point A to point B, but realistically, if you are depending on it for your livelihood, which one are you really going to pick?
Do people still work those old machines,yes, sure, some work them everyday. For myself, especially if I was going to work in the woods full time (I'm not) something like a CAT 508 or Deere 540B would be about the minimum level of equipment I'd want.
The Cat 508 specifically is around 100HP, Powershift, 3204 is a very common engine, (used in D3 dozers, 910 wheel loaders, and others, so lots of used parts around), built like the proverbial brick outhouse. Mine has 23.1-26 tires, which aren't hard to find, and the machine is legal hauling width, I think right around 9 feet. I know the tires were just a few inches wider than my fathers trailer @ 102". The other nice thing is, I forget the exact weight, but it can be hauled on a 10 ton tag trailer, without any trouble. I think the Cat's in general are built heavier and with a bit better quality than comparable Deere machines, which in this case would be a 540B. I have both Cat and Deere construction equipment, and the good thing about both is that parts are readily available, for anything less than maybe 30 years old, and fairly available for older stuff. I do think Cat parts support is a bit better than Deere, but that also depends on the dealer, I always liked Syracuse supply better than Milton cat (who bought SS out) but Milton isn't bad.
Where did you find a 508? This particular model is relatively uncommon, more common are the 515 and 518. I would not let that deter you, like I said Cat has all the parts you need. If it's a 'beater' the price should reflect that. Personally, after having bought old beat up machines, or machines with problems (I have fixed/rebuilt or repaired the steering clutches on 4 different dozers of my own, not to mention work I've done on other peoples machines)....I would pay more and get a better machine...with parts/labor and downtime, you will definitely be $$ ahead, by spending more to get a better machine up front.
Good luck, post some photos if you can. I don't have any photos of my 508 handy, maybe I'll get some....although....it looks a little rough at the moment.
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