Buying a JD 190E Excavator and JD 450B Dozer at Auction: User Experiences and Advice

[MikePhua]

A user posted on an old forum expressing interest in two machines spotted at an auction: a John Deere (JD) 190E excavator and a JD 450B bulldozer. He asked other members whether these two machines are worth buying and what precautions he should take.
1. The Original Question
The poster mentioned planning to try his luck at the auction after seeing these two machines in seemingly good condition. He wanted to know if they would be suitable for personal use or small-scale construction. He also admitted limited knowledge about these models and sought advice from experienced users.
2. Forum Members’ Discussion and Suggestions
Several experienced members responded actively:
JD 190E Excavator

• Some pointed out that the JD 190E is actually a model produced by Hitachi (a variant of the Hitachi EX60 series) but rebranded with the John Deere name. Hitachi’s small excavators have a good reputation and are relatively easy to maintain.
  
• Users advised confirming parts availability before buying. Since the JD 190E is an older model, some parts overlap with North American John Deere machines, but others require sourcing Hitachi-compatible or imported components.
  
• If in good condition, this model is very suitable for small earthworks, ditch digging, or farm maintenance. It offers high cost performance and is relatively simple to operate.
  

JD 450B Bulldozer

• Members noted that the JD 450B bulldozer is a classic model popular in the 1970s–80s, known for its simple, durable structure and relatively easy-to-find parts.
  
• However, due to its age, special attention should be paid to undercarriage wear, track tension, and hydraulic system leaks.
  
• It was emphasized that excessive undercarriage wear can lead to expensive repairs (replacing tracks, sprockets, rollers, etc.). Therefore, it is crucial to carefully inspect these areas on-site during the auction rather than judging by appearance alone.
  

3. Common Precautions When Buying at Auction
Experienced users generally emphasized that buying equipment at auction involves both opportunities and risks:
✅ Advantages:

• Auction prices are often below market value. Sometimes, well-maintained equipment can be found, saving significant purchase costs.
  

⚠️ Risks:

• Machines are usually sold “as is” without warranties or after-sales support.
  
• Auctions provide limited inspection time, often without the chance for a thorough test run, increasing the risk of hidden defects.
  

👉 Recommendations:

• Attend the auction in person, test the machine when cold, listen to the engine, check hydraulics, and verify operational responsiveness.
  
• Bring along a mechanically knowledgeable friend to assist with inspection.
  
• Research comparable machines’ prices on the secondhand market to avoid overbidding.
  

4. Summary
Forum veterans generally agreed that:

• If in good condition and reasonably priced, the JD 190E excavator and JD 450B bulldozer are classic, reliable machines well-suited for farm work and small construction projects.
  
• However, buying at auction requires caution. Don’t be lured by low prices without thorough inspection. Always reserve budget for future maintenance.
  
• Pay particular attention to undercarriage wear (especially for bulldozers) and hydraulic component aging.
  
• For first-timers at auctions, thorough preparation and bringing a trusted expert can greatly reduce the risk of buying a problematic machine.
  

Closing Note
Many experienced members shared practical wisdom:

“Auction prices may be cheap, but inspect carefully and bid cautiously. Only then can you enjoy peace of mind and save costs in the long run.”