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.