If you have been scouring the listings looking for a kramer 804 for sale, you probably already know how quickly these things move when they hit the market. It's one of those machines that people tend to hang onto until they've absolutely run them into the ground, simply because they're so handy to have on a job site. Whether you're landscaping, moving pallets in a tight yard, or doing light utility work, the 804 sits in that "Goldilocks" zone—not too big to be clunky, but definitely powerful enough to handle a heavy load without breaking a sweat.
I've spent quite a bit of time around compact loaders, and there is something uniquely satisfying about the way Kramer builds their stuff. Most people are used to articulated loaders where the whole machine bends in the middle, but Kramer does things a bit differently. Seeing a used 804 for sale is always a bit of an event because they represent a specific era of build quality that a lot of folks still swear by today.
Why Everyone Is Looking for This Specific Model
So, what's the big deal with the 804? Well, it mainly comes down to the chassis. Unlike most of its competitors, the Kramer 804 features an undivided chassis and four-wheel steering. If you've ever tried to lift a heavy bucket while turning an articulated loader on a slope, you know that heart-in-your-throat feeling when the center of gravity shifts and the machine starts to tip.
With the 804, that's just not a thing. The frame stays rigid, and the wheels do all the turning. It makes the machine incredibly stable, which is a massive plus if you're working on uneven ground or trying to stack hay bales three high in a windy field. It's this stability that keeps the resale value high. When you find a kramer 804 for sale, you're usually looking at a machine that can punch well above its weight class in terms of lifting capacity because it doesn't have that "tipping point" weakness that articulated models do.
What to Check Before You Hand Over the Cash
Buying used heavy equipment is always a bit of a gamble, but you can stack the odds in your favor if you know where the 804 likes to hide its problems. If you find a kramer 804 for sale locally, the first thing you want to do is get it warmed up. Don't just let it idle; actually move some dirt or at least cycle the hydraulics until the oil is at operating temperature.
Look at the Steering Pins and Bushings
Since this is a four-wheel-steer machine, there are a lot of moving parts in the axles. Give the steering a full workout. If you hear any clicking or see excessive "slop" in the wheels when you change direction, you might be looking at a pricey bushing replacement in your near future. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's definitely a bargaining chip.
The Engine Bay
Most of these units were powered by reliable Deutz or Yanmar engines, depending on the specific year and region. They're generally bulletproof, but check for "blow-by"—that's when smoke or oil mist comes out of the breather or oil fill cap while the engine is running. A little is normal for an old machine; a lot means the engine is tired and might need a rebuild sooner than you'd like.
The Quick-Hitch System
Kramer uses a pretty robust quick-hitch system, but they can get worn out if the previous owner wasn't big on using a grease gun. Check for cracks in the welds around the hitch. If the machine was used with a hydraulic hammer or some other high-vibration attachment, these areas can get stressed over time.
Life in the Cab
Let's be honest, some older compact loaders feel like you're sitting in a metal box full of angry bees. The 804, though, was actually ahead of its time when it came to operator comfort. The visibility is fantastic because you're sitting up relatively high, and there's glass everywhere.
If you're looking at a kramer 804 for sale and the cab is still in one piece, you'll find that the controls are pretty intuitive. It uses a joystick for the main loader functions, which feels a lot more modern than some of the "two-lever" setups you find on other machines from the same era. One thing to watch out for, though, is the heater and ventilation. These cabs are great, but they can turn into a greenhouse in the summer if the fans aren't working right.
Comparing the 804 to Modern Alternatives
You might be wondering, "Why should I hunt down a used kramer 804 for sale instead of just financing a brand-new compact loader?" It's a fair question. A new machine comes with a warranty and that "new car smell," but it also comes with a mountain of electronics and DPF filters that can be a nightmare to fix if you're a DIY mechanic.
The 804 is from that era where things were mechanical enough that you could actually fix them in your own shed with a standard set of wrenches. There's no complex computer screen telling you that you can't work because a sensor in the exhaust is slightly dusty. For a lot of small farm owners or independent contractors, that simplicity is worth its weight in gold.
Plus, the turning radius on these things is just stupidly tight. Because all four wheels turn, you can practically spin it on a dime. If you're working in tight residential backyard projects, a skid steer might be the only thing more maneuverable, but a skid steer will tear up the grass. The 804 gives you that tight turning without destroying the turf, which makes customers very happy.
What's a Fair Price?
Pricing for a kramer 804 for sale can be all over the map. I've seen beat-up units with 8,000 hours going for surprisingly high prices, and then every once in a while, a "barn find" pops up that looks like it was only used to move mulch on Sundays.
Generally, you're paying for the condition of the tires and the hydraulic pump. A full set of new tires for one of these isn't exactly cheap, so if the rubber is balder than a cue ball, factor that into your offer. If the machine has a bunch of attachments—like a 4-in-1 bucket, pallet forks, or a snow blade—that adds a lot of value. Buying those pieces individually later on can be a real headache.
Maintenance Tips to Keep It Running
Once you finally land that kramer 804 for sale and bring it home, don't just put it straight to work. Do yourself a favor and change all the fluids. I'm talking engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and the gear oil in the axles. You never really know how well the previous guy maintained it, no matter what they told you.
Keep an eye on the cooling pack, too. Because these loaders are often used in dusty environments, the radiators can get plugged up pretty fast. A quick blast with an air compressor every couple of days goes a long way in preventing the engine from overheating during a long shift.
Final Thoughts
Searching for a kramer 804 for sale takes a bit of patience. They aren't as common as some of the big-name American brands, but the people who know them, love them. It's a sturdy, reliable, and incredibly agile machine that doesn't feel like a toy.
Whether you're a hobby farmer needing something to move manure and hay, or a contractor looking for a reliable site loader that won't tip over the moment you hit a bump, the 804 is a solid investment. Just do your homework, check those steering pins, and make sure the hydraulics aren't screaming. If you find a good one, it'll likely serve you well for another decade or two without complaining too much. Happy hunting—hopefully, the right one pops up in your area soon!