cat vs bobcat skid steer

[barbender]

If you are looking at rubber tire machines, the longer the wheelbase the more stable they tend to be. Also, over the tire steel tracks make them much more aggresive and stable. One thing about the Cat machines- with the vertical lift models, if you work in tight spaces, you will back into stuff with it.

[red oaks lumber]

tire size make a huge differance! i run 14 x 17.5 gives me 11" of ground clearance and a very smooth ride.
i cant speak of other brands but, deere has settings in the computer to adjust and fine tune all the hydralic settings to your own likes. which once you have them set how you like it becomes a whole new machine. also if your not a good operator the brand dosent matter, skill is everything.

[ladylake]

 I've driven too many bobcats (not all) that  were jerky, something no operator can overcome.   Steve

[Robert Duval]

Cat and ASV run the same bottom ends on the tracked units. Stay away from them unless you absolutely need the lift capacity. The bottom ends are very expensive to keep up. I have ran alot of different machines and they all have their good points and bad. Cat and Bobcat are expensive names. Parts are expensive for both as well. I have a preferance to cat but that's because I have worked on them, understand their crazy parts system and have the most saddle time in them. See which dealer is willing to give you better deal and most importantly who will give you a better warranty.

[okmulch]

I'd debate the the track machines not beating you up. The rigid rubber u/c machines will beat you up bad, especially once the tracks get worn down a bit. They are definitely more stable though.

Thats why the air ride seats in the CAT's are nice.

One of the main reasons we use CAT is that we have a part drop box in my town. I can order a part in the afternoon and have it at 7:30 in the morning at the drop box. CAT is more expensive it seems but getting parts without having to drive for 2 to 3 hours round trip is nice.