Compact wheel loader vs Skid steer

[radman1]

I currently have a 2006 Bobcat S300 with a/c, 2 speed, hydraulic bobtach and few other options. Very good condition, runs great, 3000 lb lift, 80 hp, 8500 lbs. I am considering buying a used compact wheel loader (CWL) instead of the SS. Have been looking at Case, CAT and NH. No JCB dealers in area. Looking at machines with 80 hp, 7000 lbs lift and weighing 12,000-13,000 lbs. I have enough trailer to haul that much weight and still stay under 26K total.

The CWLs lift more, have better all around visibility, and allow me to get in/out with lift in the air. Most have standard front aux hydraulics with flow rates similar to skid steer, and most now have skid steer attachment plate which is a must for me. CWLs don't seem very common compared to larger wheel loaders or skid steers and the overall market seems small. What are the problems with them? Most dealers say they will dig as well as skid steer.

I want a used machine in very good condition with low hours. Hard to find them. I found a used Case 321E with about 500 hours with optional limited slip rear axle, additional couterweight, bucket and forks. Dealer says it is in excellent condition and the price is very good. I would have to have it trucked and buy without seeing the machine. How difficult is it to arrange for trucking? Any recommendations for trucking?

Any opinions for or against would be appreciated.

http://www.maquinarias.com.pe/case/e...%20Compact.pdf

http://www.maquinarias.com.pe/case/e...ier%20III).pdf

http://xml.catmms.com/servlet/ImageS...mageId=C545354

http://www.markusson.com/PDF_files/c...eelloaders.pdf

[Duffster]

I currently have a 2006 Bobcat S300 with a/c, 2 speed, hydraulic bobtach and few other options. Very good condition, runs great, 3000 lb lift, 80 hp, 8500 lbs. I am considering buying a used compact wheel loader (CWL) instead of the SS. Have been looking at Case, CAT and NH. No JCB dealers in area. Looking at machines with 80 hp, 7000 lbs lift and weighing 12,000-13,000 lbs. I have enough trailer to haul that much weight and still stay under 26K total.

The CWLs lift more, have better all around visibility, and allow me to get in/out with lift in the air. Most have standard front aux hydraulics with flow rates similar to skid steer, and most now have skid steer attachment plate which is a must for me. CWLs don't seem very common compared to larger wheel loaders or skid steers and the overall market seems small. What are the problems with them? Most dealers say they will dig as well as skid steer.

I want a used machine in very good condition with low hours. Hard to find them. I found a used Case 321E with about 500 hours with optional limited slip rear axle, additional couterweight, bucket and forks. Dealer says it is in excellent condition and the price is very good. I would have to have it trucked and buy without seeing the machine. How difficult is it to arrange for trucking? Any recommendations for trucking?

Any opinions for or against would be appreciated.

http://www.maquinarias.com.pe/case/e...%20Compact.pdf

http://www.maquinarias.com.pe/case/e...ier%20III).pdf

http://xml.catmms.com/servlet/ImageS...mageId=C545354

http://www.markusson.com/PDF_files/c...eelloaders.pdf

How are you going to accomplish that?

Sorry, no experience with CWL other than what I have read about guys plowing snow with them.

[radman1]

How are you going to accomplish that?

Sorry, no experience with CWL other than what I have read about guys plowing snow with them.

It will be very close. 12-13K machine (including bucket), 5K trailer (20K rated GN) and 8K for truck. May have to take the bucket (1000 lbs) or any heavy attachment on separate trailer. I live in rural area. I will not be hauling it often.

It kind of amazes me what these "compact" machines weigh. Some of the smaller one are around 10K lbs.

[Groo]

I imagine they are better "out in the open", but wouldn't be nearly as good in very tight spaces or as good doing lift and dump 180 degrees apart. I'm also guessing they are more expensive up front.

[Duffster]

It will be very close. 12-13K machine (including bucket), 5K trailer (20K rated GN) and 8K for truck. May have to take the bucket (1000 lbs) or any heavy attachment on separate trailer. I live in rural area. I will not be hauling it often.

It kind of amazes me what these "compact" machines weigh. Some of the smaller one are around 10K lbs.

Why is staying under 26k note worthy?

[rswyan]

Why is staying under 26k note worthy?

Because above is CDL territory ....

[radman1]

Why is staying under 26k note worthy?

CDL is the reason. I have farm plates which allow 26K total.

[Big Wave D]

I've used a Bobcat made one several occasions. Found it to be a real workhorse.

I know that Kubota also makes one, but not sure if it is sized big enough for what you're wanting.

Here are Kubota specs:

Kubota Tractor Corporation - Construction Equipment | R520S

Bobcat made one. I don't know if they are still sold new in US. Seems that the Model 2410 was largest sold here.

Here is a TractorbyNet link from a previous discussion:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/b...00-2410-a.html

Hope this helps

[gatractorman]

I cant see anything outworking the Bobcat that you have, do you need more lift capacity? You can purchase tracks to go over the tires of the B/C that dramatically improve digging.

[Duffster]

CDL is the reason. I have farm plates which allow 26K total.

Just a heads up then, CDL is based off Combined GVWR so that 20k goose with pretty much any pickup is already in CDL territory.