Compact Track Loader, whos the best?

[TheRealWorld]

I have a 20 yr old Bobcat 773. Owned it for near 10 yrs with only a hose and battery replacement. Operated this machine when I was in construction. Good power and parts support.
This particular model won't take aftermarket tracks without smaller tires and wheels so that's a no go. Wheels not tracks is my only regret but not a deal breaker. At this point I'll keep it. GL on your search.

Thanks for the input, what was life like before these machines were available?

 

[paulsharvey]

Thanks for the input, what was life like before these machines were available?

I have ran the older, mid to late 90s wheeled skid steers (cat, Bobcat, ghel, and deere), and i think for most things I would take an industrial grade tractor over them 9 times out of 10. We gained a ton of stability with the CTLs.

 

[paulsharvey]

Who remembers grading with your feet, and driving with two hands

 

[Paystar]

Who remembers grading with your feet, and driving with two hands

I used to hate the old Bobcat's with foot controls.....only because any time I had to get in one, I had already been running Cat with joysticks.

 

[scootr]

I used to hate the old Bobcat's with foot controls.....only because any time I had to get in one, I had already been running Cat with joysticks.

Likewise I hated Deere foot controls (backhoe) after I had learned on Ford joysticks. I learned on the old pedal Bobcat machines so Mine being this type suited me just fine. The SS and the Grading tractor had 2 different uses with some overlap but one could not replace the other completely. Which is why I have both.

 

[paulsharvey]

Our OP might need a swivel bracket *don't know if that's the right term?* for leveling, as well as general forklift work?

Another possible option would be a small Genie telehandler, there used to be a guy on here that really preached that gospel to anyone considering a CTL.

Edit: a swivel bracket does Don't turn your normal bucket into a 6 way dozer blade, but its gets you closer than a standard bucket w/o swivel mount.

 

[scootr]

Telehandler nay be a better SS but I'm not sure I want to mow a field with one ?
I keep 3 machines because they all excel at a couple things but none does it all well.

 

[paulsharvey]

Telehandler nay be a better SS but I'm not sure I want to mow a field with one ?
I keep 3 machines because they all excel at a couple things but none does it all well.

Yeah, but the OP didn't mention mowing. My personal feelings are a Telehandler Can be forced into a grading and or dirt work role, but they don't do well. The buckets are often fairly light duty, material moving buckets, well suited for loose material, mulch, and manure. They truly to excel at material moving with forks

You have TLBs which are fair at everything
You have CTLs are excellent at small dirt work, and are a Swiss army knife
You have telehandlwrs which excel at forklift work
You have mini articulated loaders, which are good at not tearing up ground, and good at loading, and moving material
Industrial grade tractor basically are a back hie, that completely gives up all excavating in favor or being pretty dang good at grading.


For a true do all combo, it's hard to beat a CTL and a 5 ton mini ex

 

[JLAlbert]

I had the same thought, and I am hoping to hear some follow-up on this, as my only close dealer is Bobcat, thanks for your input

Check with equipment rental outfits. United Rentals, Sunbelt, whoever is in your area. They usually have machines from different manufacturers. A short rental of a few machines will cost some money, but will help you decide what you do and do not like.

 

[paulsharvey]

On the 5 year old used side; 100% there can be about 50-60% savings over new. Just don't buy online, you really do want to inspect it, and if you don't know what you are looking for, it's worth spending $500 ot so, to have a compinent mechanic look at it before signing.

Another approach, Kymron, has import 70ish HP CTLs for about 50% the price of a Cat. I'm not specifically recommending this route, just something you might want to think about, if we are looking. If you are thinking, 500 hours over the next 5 years, I dont know that it would be a Bad option, but if you are looking at 800 hrs/year for 5 years, I wouldn't go that route