Starting to invest more into our firewood operation and we're thinking about getting a skid steer of some kind. I have operated a ASV and Bobcat years and years ago, but over all I know little about them. Anyone have any advice on makes and models that are user friendly with good power to wight ratio? I have around $15k to spend. I don't want to blow much more then that, because I don't want/need another loan. It seems like there are a lot of wheeled Bobcats around for cheap with fairly low hours. Any thoughts on those? I don't want to get a small under-powered machine. I would like it to be able to use it to handle log length firewood and/or a decent size saw log.
i have a 1845 case with the hand controls. been a good machine and strong as hell
Case 1840 would be a close second in my experience to an 1845. These older models dont have all the electronics and computers that the newers ones have. I like case for their durability. The bobcats in my experience were prone to breakdowns.
I've had an old late '70s bobcat for about 15yrs, has over 8100hrs on it now, no problems other than the self-inflicted kind. I keep thinking I want to upgrade sometime but it just keeps on doing what I need to do with it.
Before I got my skidder I used it in the bush a bit with the grapple bucket, back wheels up in the air all day long. But it is a very slow machine compared to anything newer.
I would not be without a skid steer.
For 15K you should be able to find a decent bobcat 773, very good machines without too much of the electronic crap.
As far as operating, bobcats old hand and foot controls are about as simple as it gets, and trouble free.
Never heard a bad thing about the previously mentioned cases either, reputed to be bullet proof.
The only advice I can offer is don't buy too small of one. I don't know all the model numbers but I do know they come in all sizes.
I don't know much about Bobcats from personal experience. I own a Case 1845c, around a 98 model with 2500 hours or so. I think it had 650 on it when I got it. I also put many, many hours in Case 1845s for the asphalt company I used to work for. We worked the snot out of those machines, the only thing I have ever broken on them are drive chains. One on the company's machine and one on mine. The 3.9 Cummins at 56hp isn't working hard enough to hurt itself- when watching ads in equipment magazines it isn't uncommon to see machines with low hours, yet they just got a new engine. I can't remember ever seeing an 1845 with "fresh engine at 1800 hours" like I have with other manufacturers. If you are handling tree length wood, I think a boom mounted grapple works much better. I can heel some decent sized sticks with mine, and it's so much faster to reposition wood if it needs spun end for end or something.
I have had a skid loader for years. My advice is to buy the biggest machine your money will buy. I have been lucky and only bought two used ones and both were lower hour machines that hadn't been used hard before I had got them. I had good luck with them and ran them up to about 3,500 hours and moved them on. Last several I have had I bought new. New holland and Bobcat. Had good luck with them until the last one which is the one I have now which is a 750 bobcat. I have been running a ground force tree saw and a Robo grapple on it cleaning up a 160 acre pasture. When the machine had about 110 hours on it the battery blew up and started the machine on fire. I got lucky I think and we put the fire out. I have a $10,000 deduct on my insurance so I didn't turn it in. Bobcat was no help. I had to install a new wiring harness in the machine as the wiring that goes over the battery is the harness that goes threw the machine. It was a two year old machine so I didn't want to splice the harness and the motor and hyd's had to come out as hot plastic from the battery blowing up burned a hole in the plastic fuel tank that sets under the engine. The machine is about 5 years old now with 800 hours on it now and hasn't cause any more problems. I would love to trade it but with the cheap grain prices it will have to work for a while longer. I won't ever buy another Bobcat product the way they treated me on this problem. Good luck with your search. After owning a skid loader I don't even have a loader for any of my farm tractors.
Thanks for all the reply's so far.
Generally speaking, what are high hours for a skid steer? I looked at a few on-line that advertised a new engine, but the machine had under 2000 hours. I have seen this a few times.
I have an old Bobcat, and agree that everyone should own a skid steer. They're so handy you'll find a way to grind your coffee with it.
When it comes to loading split wood out of a stockpile though, I much prefer the Hough H30b.
I've used the same rock bucket on a larger Bobcat and biggish Deere farm tractor, loading the same truck box, and the bucket loader is smoother, dumps higher, and doesn't tear up the yard. It's also easier to get in and out of, and provides a better view of the working edge.
So if you have the room to swing it, and don't actually need the maneuverability of a skiddy, you might consider a wheel loader. There's an older Clark listed in Brattleboro for short money.
Then again, everyone, including you, needs a skid steer.
Years ago I had a wheel loader and it had it place but I find my big skid loader is my go to loader most of the time. I also have a old 941B Cat track loader that has it place but just like when I had the old wheel loader moving it around from farm to farm is a big job. I can easily throw the skid loader and a few attachments on the trailer behind the pickup and go.
Quote from: danbuendgen on September 24, 2016, 07:10:12 PM
Thanks for all the reply's so far.
Generally speaking, what are high hours for a skid steer? I looked at a few on-line that advertised a new engine, but the machine had under 2000 hours. I have seen this a few times.
That's the same situation I was referring to. Low hour machines with new motors. Why? I think under 3000 is fairly low on the Case 1800 series, I definitely consider mine with 2500 low hour.
I looked at a few small front end loaders. At first that's what I wanted. They have much better visibility and there are a bunch of cheap ones around. But it seems like a skid steer would be more versatile. Can any skid steer attachment be used on a small front end loader? I will look into the one in Brattleboro, I have not seen that one yet. I did see this: http://vermont.craigslist.org/hvo/5797820663.html He told me the loader goes up to 8', so I guess it could load my truck. I'm interested in a smaller machine, so I can move it myself. I would like one with heat (a/c would be a plus, but not necessary) for plowing snow.
My buddy told me to get a skid steer with the High Flow hydraulics, for running a forestry mower, ect. He does tree work and says there is a huge demand for them around here and no one seems to have them. A forester just told me that the other day also. However, when I look at adds, they almost never say if there are high flow or not, and when I ask people don't seems to know what I'm talking about. Plus, I think a high flow type would exceed my 15k. I don't want to get a loan for one. Not now anyways.
Thanks for the help.
They have a Komatsu CK 30 at the excavation company I still help out at time to time. It has the high flow hydraulics. We run a tree shear on it and a rock hound mainly. That thing is awesome, but expensive. I worked at another place with a case 1845c, and for being such a small machine it has a suprising amount of power. Another popular farm machine is the New Holland L785. Had one at a dairy farm I worked at. That thing was absolutely rode hard and put up wet, but it's still kicking.
Wheeled skidsteers are easy to get stuck, but I know some folks who use those track that connect over both tracks and say it helps but nothing beats the real deal.
For the high flow machines, look for a cluster of remote hydraulic ports (4) and an electric plug.
Quote from: 4x4American on September 25, 2016, 08:36:58 AM
For the high flow machines, look for a cluster of remote hydraulic ports (4) and an electric plug.
Ok thanks. This is what I wanted to know. I have seen a lot of machines that advertise "remote hydraulic hook up". So I guess that has to be it.
I have seen the over the tire tracks for skid steers. I know a guy that has them for his machines. Steel tracks with grousers welder on. Goes all over the place.
Just because it has remotes dont make it high flow; the high flow quick connects are bigger than the normal remotes
I can't offer a brand recommendation because I've only ever owned my 2003 Gehl which I got used with less than 1200 hours.
However, from a use standpoint I recommend something with tracks. Preferably rubber as they do less ground damage. When I put the steel tracks on my Gehl it's like driving a rotor tiller. ;D Also, get yourself a grapple attachment and a set of forks. Doing wood, they are far more useful than a bucket or other attachments.
EDIT: Thought I should add my Gehl is a model 6635. It's a beast. :) My tracks are removable and go over the skid steer tires.
While I certainly understand the appeal of the tracked machines, for me I like the simplicity of the tires, $1200(Can$) or so and you can have a new set of tires.
Track machine is basically a small dozer, tracks and under-carriage are a ton more $$$$. But you have decide what you need your machine to do.
You will not find much of a track machine for your $15000 limit I reckon.
+1 on the grapple and forks for sure!!!!
Those are the kind of things that make skids so much fun !!!!!!!
I definitely need a grapple and forks for it. It's main use will be firewood and snow removal. Plus the occasional tree service job. I don't think a tracked machine is for me. I worked for a small tree service with a ASV skid steer. We did the undercarriage when I worked there, and it cost them over 15k in parts! I worked for a logging company years and years ago, we did a Timbco undercarriage and it cost 20k in parts. Considering a full set of tires for 1k, makes it hard to go with tracks. I can always get over the tire tacks or put on some tire chains for the winter time. Don't get me wrong, rubber tracks have there place, but I can't afford it. I would rather put the money into my skidder.
Thanks for all the info.
This is one of those deals whsre a guy has to decide what his priorities are. You're likely not getting into a high flow machine at your 15K price point, and if you're wanting the high flow for running a forestry mower, you may as well get a track machine too so you have no compromise performance. I think an 1845 or similar machines from other manufacturers would fit the bill best for what you're wanting to do. Front end loaders are great in the right applications. If you are strictly loading trucks, or if your operation was big enough the machine spent the whole day loading a live deck, I'd say FEL all day long. But for the myriad of tasks that one machine will be called on to perform when it is the only machine on the job, you really can't beat a skid loader. Yes a FEL will out perform a skid for loading tasks, but they are quite clumsy when it comes to the other tasks you'll need it for. I run mine with steel OTT most of the time in the summer. Better traction when I am digging hard, and they add a lot of counterweight. As far as tearing stuff up, yes they do, but I've found that a lot of people can't figure out that just because you can sit in a skid loader and counter-rotate on top of a dime, doesn't mean that you SHOULD all the time. I mean, do you crank the wheel all the way and step the throttle to the floor every time you take a turn in your pickup? :D I was trained in on skid loaders on the asphalt paving crew, if you went dragging you're wheels around and tore the gravel base up you got a real good butt chewing :o You figured out how to turn without tearing stuff up pretty quickly. Make a three point turn or whatever it takes. I let one of my buddies set his swing mill up at my place and use my skid steer to load his log deck, he tears things up worse with just the tires on than I do when I have the tracks on. Skid steers do tear things up more than a tractor or FEL, it's the nature of things- they are SKID steers. But a good operator minimizes the damage to something a quick backdrag once in a while takes care of. A poor operator has ruts and holes and then starts bouncing over them, dropping stuff and blames the machine. Am I making my point ???
plus 1 to what barbender said
Quote from: barbender on September 25, 2016, 01:59:11 PM
Am I making my point ???
Yes. Point well made and I do agree.
I also doubt I could find a high flow machine for my 15k. And if I can, it would be a worn out piece of you know what. Overall I just need a machine to aid the firewood operation and push snow. If I knew that there was a ton of work for a skid steer with a forestry mower I would get the loan and buy one. But there is no telling. Foresters have told me that if I had a forestry mower they could set me up with all kinds of work, but those same foresters told me if I had a forwarder they could set me up with all kinds of "good" logging jobs, and that never happened. They just are trying to sell me a job that no one has bought in ten years.... Which is no help to me.
I think the later model 1845c's offered a high flow option, but it was rare. And I hear you on those job "promises". If you want me to go buy a $70K machine, put a contract in front of me that has enough work to pay for it ;)
Quote from: barbender on September 25, 2016, 05:04:46 PM
And I hear you on those job "promises". If you want me to go buy a $70K machine, put a contract in front of me that has enough work to pay for it ;)
That's right. Talk is cheap and action speak louder then words.
Wow, check this out, is it for real? I doubt it has a forestry mower, just a brush mower, but still.....
Just had a buddy email this to me.
http://hartford.craigslist.org/hvd/5780966270.html
I also found this video in youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qavETmMTs4
I don't know much about the older ASV's, except they had a tendency for the tracks to jump off. A lot of guys around here are still running those. One of my buddies was ASV's factory mechanic for about 8 years so he's a wealth of knowledge on those machines. That may well be high flow.
I just got a email from the owner of that ASV and it has sold. I hate it when people don't take off there adds when the machine sells.....
Here's a few others I want to check out, feel free to give me your thoughts.
Case http://westernmass.craigslist.org/hvo/5690746131.html
Case this one is just out of my price range but looks good. http://nh.craigslist.org/hvd/5749823323.html
Bobcat http://westernmass.craigslist.org/hvo/5784876378.html
Cat http://vermont.craigslist.org/hvo/5799590891.html
Cat http://vermont.craigslist.org/hvo/5799599980.html
JD http://nh.craigslist.org/hvo/5792033177.html
That Case 1835C has about as solid a reputation as you can get.
The Bobcat is a radial lift version of the 773, with slightly less capacity, another good choice.
I have no experience with Cat.
So you have settled on a radial lift machine? For my purposes that is what I prefer too.
Quote from: 62oliver on September 26, 2016, 06:57:53 PM
So you have settled on a radial lift machine? For my purposes that is what I prefer too.
To be completely honest I don't know the difference. Or by radial do you mean wheeled?
These are just a few in my price range that don't took totally trashed. I have decided on a wheeled machine for sure.
http://www.equipmentworld.com/side-by-side-radial-lift-vs-vertical-lift-skid-steers/
here is one article that describes the difference, there is many more out there, just google, they both have their strong points.
It boils down to vertical more suited for lift and carry type work and max height lift. Radial more suited to ground engagement(digging) and mid-height lifting.
Ok, thanks for the info. I had no clue. How can I tell when I look at one if it's radial or vertical??
I guess I don't know what would be better. Maybe the vertical lift for loading split firewood into the truck? But it would be mostly used for moving log length (20' or less) firewood around the yard and snow removal at my place and for a few neighbors. Over all, I guess I don't much care. I guess any one would work just fine.
I just spoke with the guy selling the 98 Case and will be looking at it on Friday.
Anyone know if the 08 Cat has EPA emissions crap at that point??
I would be very leery of those 2 cats listed in Vt. Looks like very short money for that new of machines. The pictures also look like scammers pictures, to good to be true. Ahearns might work with you some on $. I bought a used Kubota tractor from them and it was as good as they said it would be. It's been excellent . I have a ASV 4850 , 110 hp tracked 1998 unit I bought used 6 years ago. It has high speed hydraulics , I have not used that yet. Bucket, forks, and grapple bucket. It will move almost anything. I really like it.
Quote from: Holmes on September 26, 2016, 08:15:42 PM
Ahearns might work with you some on $. I bought a used Kubota tractor from them and it was as good as they said it would be. It's been excellent.
Thanks for the advice. I agree the Cats seem cheap. I have had come bad run in's with dealers. But if you had good luck with them that makes me feel much better. I think i want to take a look at that one this weekend. My wife is from Mass, and we were going to visit her sister this weekend so I will check it out. THANKS!!!
When you look from the side at the loader arms there is some kind of a linkage at the back end of the machine that moves the rear pivot point ahead as the bucket is raised. So they also have a few more moving parts/pivot points to grease and wear out.
With the radial lift the bucket starts to go over the cab a bit as it is raised. If you don't have some kind of a bucket levelling system (like that Case 1835C does), you can actually dump something right onto your lap if you're not careful, my neighbour dumped a patio slab on himself with his radial lift bobcat, lucky for him he smashed his glass door!!!
On that Case, the levelling system is those rods you see running on the top of the lift arms.
Ok, now I get it! Thanks.
You could call ahearns and ask for the sales man, I use the be honest system, Hi I have $$$$$$ I can spend, I know that is lower than what you are asking , can you put me in that skid steer?
Some model of the Cats had electrical problems. I would stay away from the newer BobCats as they are having problems with some of them. If you get a lot of snow and have to run the mach on a side hill hang it up they loose a lot of traction. I have run Bobcats, NH, John Deere, and Cats and Case. Of all of them I liked the cats the best for being able to see what you are doing and for operator comfort. The Case was next in line then the NH. The Bob Cats had a safety bar that if your legs are short and the seat is ahead it will catch you under the ribs and to me it felt like you was running on 2 wheels as it bounced so much. I bought an older NH so I did not have to deal with all the computer stuff
Don't recall which models or years, but CAT had a serious problem with premature engine failure on account of oil starvation. That might account for low hour machines with new engines.
The Bobcat and Case machines you posted had long production runs, so they obviously worked well for many users. Both are good options, but it probably comes down to local dealer support, and preference of hand or foot control.
I got a very good deal on my Bobcat partly because the previous owner had spent so much time in a Bell harvester that he didn't want to retrain his feet just to shovel dirt. :D
No doubt you'll appreciate whatever you buy, but you might want to rent one for a representative job, and consider those hours in the seat as research dollars well spent.
And +1 on bucket leveling. Don't know about the Case, but you can turn it on and off on the Bobcat. That choice comes in handy from time to time.
If you plan on loading splits with a rock/tine bucket, bear in mind that you lose a lot of dump height due to the extended length of the bucket floor.
Thanks for all the info and tips.
At this point I'm leaning towards the newer Case with the over tire tracks. I'm going to check it out, and if I like it, just offer my 15k. If they don't go for it, keep shopping around. I can always come back to it, and look into financing the last few grand for it. With the way the economy is, it's not a good sellers market. So I have that in my favor.
I have 4700 hours on my 1845c. Great machine. I wouldn't get anything with a smaller capacity than the 1845 otherwise you'll be disappointed. Also, get a good grapple for it. I use a Bobcat industrial tine grapple. Virtually indestructible.
Talk to them and they may let you try it out for a few days or a week. When I was looking dealers were bring machines out for me to try for a week at a time.. I still don't know how a couple of them knew I was looking at machines. The salesman stopped by one day and talked next day. One time I had 3 different machines in the yard at one time.
The Case 1845 looks pretty straight. I have a buddy looking for one, if that machine was available locally he'd probably go buy it tomorrow. The 40xt is a decent machine too, a little more complicated but still solid. It basically replaced the 1845 in Case's lineup. The 1845 has a mechanical auto bucket leveling. The 40xt has an electronic leveling system I think, and it might have been optional. The smaller 1800 series machines lacked any kind of leveling system, so yes, you could put a load in your lap. Vertical lift can be nice, especially if your loading tall trucks (we used to load tandem end dumps all the time, the Cat 287 could really reach across the box of the truck, so you didn't have to push the load to the other side). Cat definitely had some engine failures with the little Perkapillar, ours had the oil pump failure at around 1200 hours I think (caused major engine damage requiring a top end rebuild). Same engine in the RC model ASV machines. Another nick on that engine I have heard is that the turbo costs more than an engine if it goes out. I really liked that Cat machine otherwise. If money were no object, and I could get a brand new machine tomorrow, it would probably be the Cat 279 or 289. Cat rubber track undercarriage, 279 is radial lift, 289 is vertical lift. Radial lift is generally recommended for machines doing heavy digging, but the 287 had vertical lift and saw some major punishment without any problems, so I don't know that it really matters. Enough skid loader rambling by me tonight ;)
I had a 440 case and its leveling system was controlled hydraulically. I had a spring break inside the valve and tear up the spool valve twice. I traded it on my current SV250 after that.
With the 1845c and the 40XT, how much weight can they lift? Would it have the snot to lift a good size pine or hardwood log? Like I have said, I would be using it for moving around firewood, but I have a buddy that does tree service work and he would hire me here and there to help him on big tree removals. So it would need to be able to move a lot around. So far I'm leaning towards the Case machines, I like the Cummins in them also. I already am very familiar with those engines and have a lot of filters kicking around for them too.
Thanks everyone!
They say operating load is 1740 and the tipping load is 3500 or so. The one I run dodnt give me any problems but I mainly ever moved dirt with it.
I just remembered that there is or maybe was a john deere skidsteer for sale on rt going into whitehall. Looked fairly clean. Might be able to find it on craigslist
Quote from: danbuendgen on September 27, 2016, 06:09:29 AM
With the 1845c and the 40XT, how much weight can they lift? Would it have the snot to lift a good size pine or hardwood log? Like I have said, I would be using it for moving around firewood, but I have a buddy that does tree service work and he would hire me here and there to help him on big tree removals. So it would need to be able to move a lot around. So far I'm leaning towards the Case machines, I like the Cummins in them also. I already am very familiar with those engines and have a lot of filters kicking around for them too.
Thanks everyone!
I used a 1845 Case on one job I had and I picked up green oak logs that were over 25 inch dia and 10 foot long and put on the sawmill. I would not want to try and load them on a truck with it. Just remember when you are near the tipping point weight wise DO NOT BACK UP. I stood mine on its nose a couple of times. These machines will outlift what the book says it will but you want to do it safely
My old bobcat is only rated at 1300lbs. so especially when I used it in the bush I was always pushing it beyond it's limits. I would carry whatever the grapple would hold and the back wheels would be up in the air the whole time. Skids can be sketchy/ fun to run, wear your seatbelt, and when you stand it on its nose, remain calm and slowly put your boom down!!! :o :o :o :o.
You'll get used to it (ya, I probably need a bigger machine :D)
Something to keep in mind, the Case skid radiators are in the back, and if you use it in the bush you should take measures to protect it from jamming sticks thru, bobcats have a solid door in back, rads are on top.
Quote from: 62oliver on September 27, 2016, 07:26:57 AM
My old bobcat is only rated at 1300lbs. so especially when I used it in the bush I was always pushing it beyond it's limits. I would carry whatever the grapple would hold and the back wheels would be up in the air the whole time. Skids can be sketchy/ fun to run, wear your seatbelt, and when you stand it on its nose, remain calm and slowly put your boom down!!! :o :o :o :o.
You'll get used to it (ya, I probably need a bigger machine :D)
Something to keep in mind, the Case skid radiators are in the back, and if you use it in the bush you should take measures to protect it from jamming sticks thru, bobcats have a solid door in back, rads are on top.
You took the words out of my mouth about the radiators. I looked at Case in 2011 when I bought my 750 Bobcat and thought of damaging rad was the reason I stayed away from case and new holland. I knew most of the hours on this machine would be running a tree saw and grapple in the bush.There rad aren't protected enough. I wish the bobcat had a reverse on the hyd fan to clean the rad and coolers out.
Thanks for the tip. But I don't plan on taking it in the woods at all. Just at the wood yard and the occasional tree service job. If I could get a hi-flow machine, maybe I could see renting a forestry mower for it, but that would be a long ways off. And if I do go into the brush, I will need to reinforce the radeator area to keep sticks at bay.
Thanks to everyone for all the comments. I figured a few folks would chime in, but had no idea that this thread would get to be 3 pages long!
the case i have is older (1996ish?) and doesnt have any aux hyd. But for the past 6-7 years that iv owned it all its done is load log length on my fw processor with forks or clean up a small header here and there. If its wet at all i use the skidder or dozer. The tires arnt great for off road. Mine has almost 9k hrs on it on the orig motor. I did put all new wheel bearings and drive chains on a few years back during mud season. other then thatna pretty low maintaince machine
I have a bobcat 175 wheel machine. bought it a few years ago with 1700 hours on it and now it has 3000 onit. never had 1 problem. I wish it were 2 speed though. I used it to lead logs at first but now mainly use it to unload firewood poles and lad split wood. would never be without it again ;D
I have a 4625sx gehl for its size its an animal with 3700h on it the only thing with it was it was an electrical night mare its all gone now push button start and pull handle to shut it down wanted a new Holland but could not find one in my price range but my buddy has a cat 272 that thing will lift a skid of concrete mix all the way up with no trouble driving that's going to be my next toy my backhoe never gets used any more I use the skid steer for every thing and then some
Quote from: coxy on September 28, 2016, 08:53:22 PM
I have a 4625sx gehl for its size its an animal with 3700h on it the only thing with it was it was an electrical night mare its all gone now push button start and pull handle to shut it down wanted a new Holland but could not find one in my price range but my buddy has a cat 272 that thing will lift a skid of concrete mix all the way up with no trouble driving that's going to be my next toy my backhoe never gets used any more I use the skid steer for every thing and then some
I did a portable job for a guy and he let me loose with his Cat 277B, that thing was just pure brawn
I'm going to look at the older Case and Bobcat on Sunday.Bobcat comes with tracks, bucket, forks, and snow plow. And the newer Case we want to see on Monday. I think we are leaning towards getting a loan for the newer Case. It's only got 700 hours, Cummins engine, tracks and chains, and hi-flow. I don't want another loan, but I think if I take care of that machine it would last a long long time. Plus I like the hi-flow options and heat in the cab for winter use. I just heard of a guy that had a ASV in our area, he runs it with a forestry mower and get $1500 per day. That to me seems like GOOD money for sitting in a machine with a/c/heat all day long.
Make sure the case has ac also. In your post you only mention heat. I made that mistake years ago with the first skid steer I had that had a factory close in cab. It was a new holland and only had heat. It was new when I bought it off the lot. The dealer had spec it out. I knew I wanted a full cab and heat didn't think about ac and how much I used the ac in my farm tractors when it is cool out but when the sun is out you need ac . Today I run the ac almost all the time in the skid loader. In the winter it will help the heat defog the windows when pushing snow. I put ac in that new holland later on. Good luck finding the right one for you.
My first one was a John Deere 260 2 speed...hearty machine...bought it used with 68 hobbs on it...liked it so much traded that in 2 years later for a new one... same type machine...
Ahh he's over Vermont way, heat is more important than AC up here! :D
Quote from: 4x4American on October 01, 2016, 07:22:26 AM
Ahh he's over Vermont way, heat is more important than AC up here! :D
AC is important even in the north. When your sitting in a enclosed cab that isn't much larger than your body that is directly over top of the motor, hydraulics, etc it gets very very toasty in the cab even when the outside air temp is rather cool. I've been known to run the ac in my bobcat when the sun is shinning and the temp is in the 50's.
No way I don't believe it!
:D :D
If you plow snow with a blade that angles . Keep a hefty 4X4 handy or a chained up tractor . YOU WILL RUN IN THE DITCH . Ask me how I know .
Chiming in a little late.....CAT all the way. I bought my 287b right when the housing crash happened, late 2008. The dealer is 20 mins away and has parts really quick, usually in 24 hours or less. Fuel cap, idler wheel bearings (what a bear), hard hydraulic line underneath motor, other odds and ends. We've put 1000 hours on top of the 1700 it had when we bought it. Use hand controls one time and you'll never go back. I have picked up 7.5k# jersey barriers with it. Yes the undercarriages are costly. Take into account though how much gravel it will see too. I have run most of the brands and the best is still CAT. It connects with the ground the best. It floats on soft ground the best. Its the best for fuel economy. You can see the edges of the bucket the best. Its the most roomy.
It's a bear to move place to place though. You have comparable hills to Pittsburgh, I'm sure. Make sure your truck and trailer can take the weight too.
X2 on the "learning curve". I can keep the yard pretty clean by swinging wide and making 5 point turns when you need to. High flow attachments are extremely expensive and the pretty harsh on your machine. Most local guys run a true forestry mower for that reason. I wish I could run a mower or stump grinder but don't see myself shelling out that kind of cash for one attachment and that attachment relying on a $50k machine to run it sufficiently.
I put a cab and heat on after the fact. Wish I had AC a good amount of the time. The neighbor has a new Kubota SVL90 that has EVERYTHING and is awesome to run but is a little hard to see out of. 0% for 5 years ain't bad either.
When I upgrade, in order: 1. Steel undercarriage 2. A/C 3. Reversing rad fan 4. Backup Camera 5. High Flow, if I can afford it.