Print

[Jwood]

So what is everyones favorite brand, tracks or no tracks and attachments also what hp or size.

[slimjim]

As with everything out there, good service and parts availability, next is what you can do with it, then comfort with the machine, personally I like the fact that my Cat dealer can be reached with 1 phone call and my parts will typically be delivered next day, the service department is more than helpful with questions and in over 15 years I have received only 1 incorrect part, a hydraulic hose cut about an inch to short. Skid steer, definitely track drive, here kitty kitty!!!

[aries9245]

CAT 246
82 hp
4cyl turbo
I agree with slim ....I owned a bobcat 853 for 10 yrs and it wasn't until my deal closed its doors I started to consider other options although my cat dealer is over an hr away they have a drop off box at a local  plow dealer that's only 20 min from me the cat has more room in the cab , quicker, and more power so I feel I made the right choice .. I do like the john deer and new holland as my second choice

[Jwood]

I would have to say my favorite brand right now would have to be Terex for a couple reasons they are a true Multi terrain loader, they are built in Grand Rapids which is about 1.5 hours from me and their track system with the suspension can't be beat. I've used a John Deere tracked machine and didn't really care for it.

[Jwood]

Pt75 would be my choice for the model

[martyinmi]

I would stay away from the smaller Bobcat skid loaders at all costs!!!!
We bought 3 590's last fall and there has been only one(1) week since where we haven't had a mechanic out for warranty issues.
They are a piece of crap!
The oldest one has the fewest hours, as it got a new engine transplant at 52 hours.
It made the dealership it's home for nearly 3 months!
They run a 2 micron fuel filter that plugs in less than 100 hours.(We filter everything coming out of our tanks with a 10 micron) None of our other equipment has issues, so it's definitely not fuel quality.
Lots of electrical issues too.
Everyone in our area who has bought them in the last couple years is fed up with 'em.
Bobcat was bought out by Doosan back in '07 or '08, and production on them began shortly after in S. Korea.
I think the units that are '11 and older and still decent quality.

[Rscott]

We run a cat 259 2 speed skidsteer at work and that things a joke! It's nice when it works but that's fairly rare. 500 hours and both drives have been rebuilt,  fuel pump capped out twice. Randomly the park break engages. Only counter rotates when it wants to and when it does is usually violent.

 We also run a Bobcat t190 and it's got 3500hrs and has only needed maintenance.

 I can't say what's best for anyone,  but I definitely wouldn't be shopping at cat.

[racnruss]

New is always nice if you can afford it.

If used is the way you'll go, I'd say look at what's easier to work on.   I've helped work on Bobcat skids and they are cramped and you end up cussing the engineer a lot.   Case on the other hand seems to be more open and easier to replace hoses and stuff on. 

I have no other experience with working on any other brands but if I was deciding on a used skid steer I'd lean toward Case just for that reason.

Tracks are nice because no flat tires and easier on yards.  Negatives are cost and helpless on ice.
Tires are cheaper, you can go solid tires to avoid flats, and you can put chains on rear axle for traction on ice.

[mlappin]

Bobcat 864 with the wide tracks. It'll go places you can't walk, has a incredible amount of push as well.

[hoardac]

I have run different Bobcats for 25 years and have had great luck with them. We have a new Cat skid steer at work and it is a real nice machine time will tell as to the reliability of it. Tracks would be the best but I have a 2000 553 at home even though it is a small machine it has paid for itself many times over. I would love to have a 60 to 80 horse power bobcat someday but they cost quite a bit.

[Bud Man]

I have had a Bobcat 763. I bought it new around 1999, maybe 2000, can't remember. It just doesn't cause any problems. I'm really good about maintenence. Make sure to get a diesel with at least 40 to 50 hp. Tracks or tires is up to you. Tracks cost more and have some advantages but there are times I'm glad I have tires. Attachments are whatever you need and can afford. I have a snowblower, brushcutter, pallet forks, snow blade and am in the process of building a logsplitter. Decide if you like foot/hand controls or all hand controls. Most of all, have a good local dealer for service and parts.

[Sluggo]

I think it's what you grow up with.  I can drive my bobcat t190 with my eyes closed but put me in a john Deere and get the hell out of the way.  They are like wood stoves,all are good,some are better,all have issues,all need maintaining. I couldn't imagine burning wood without my skid steer.  Farmi winch on the front makes life so easy.

[mlappin]

Regardless what you buy the skid steer will be cheap, all the toys for it can get expensive.

Have a rock bucket, pallet forks, hay spear, grapple, Limb Hog, inverted wood splitter and can borrow a post hole digger for it anytime I want. Looking for a brush cutter for it next.

Once you have one you won't believe how many uses for it you can find.

[willieG]

I also have a farmi winch for my tractor, I bought it about 6 or 7 years ago (I think it is 6 or 7000 pound pull model) I cut most of my wood out of a ravine and it is quite handy to pull the trees up to a flat spot in the meadow to cut them up

[farmboythegreat]

what happened to the guy that was going to put the backhoe off a Case 580 onto his skid steer  ??