I would avoid first model years of anything because it takes time to work out the kinks.
Every machine has it's strengths and weaknesses. Your best bet is to demo/try/rent each machine to see what works for you.
Things I look for:
1. Operator comfort - need a quiet cab, ease of access, ease of escape in emergency - how do you get out when the machine dies and the loader boom is blocking the door and the engine compartment has caught on fire? How accessible are all the grease points? Refueling? DEF port?
2. Visibility - CTL/SS have poor visibility as a rule as you are sitting inside a milk crate. How good are the cameras? Are controls sensibly placed?
3. Fuel economy - this is a big issue for me, I dislike operating fuel guzzlers and equipment that needs lots of DEF to keep running
4. Hydraulics - MUST HAVE LOAD/RIDE CONTROL (aka accumulator) and high flow remote hydraulics
5. Reliability- harder to assess this one
6. Service - Machine has to be easily serviceable, ie. how hard/easy is it to clean engine screens, you NEED to have support from the vendor and on-site service when your machine goes DOA somewhere in the back forty
7. Engine - what are the service intervals? Cost of consumables like filters etc? How hard is it to clean radiator grills, engine cooling screens? Does the engine have automatic reversing fan blades to keep crud out of the radiators?
