Bobcat Compact Excavator Test Drive

Haoleguy · Sep 15, 2006

Why do you suggest the Deere?

tractorman · Sep 15, 2006

Haoleguy said:
I wanted to give an update on my tests. I now have the Bobcat 337 for test this is a 11K lb excavator. It is ~4K heavier and 1ft wider than the Bobcat 331. With just 1 hr under my belt before darkness I can already tell that the 337 excavator is world's apart from the 331 in stability and lifting weight. It also has a hefty price tag above $60K new with cab & HVAC. I will have more stick time tomorrow and Saturday to get a full feel for it. Based on an friend who has an excavation business he has hooked me up with Yanmar and Takeuchi dealers. I'm not sure what to expect for differences of these to the Bobcat but I'm interested to find out and I am keeping an open mind. I must admit the Bobcat dealer in CT has been terrific and certainly winning my vote if all comes to a draw. Any thoughts on what to expect from Yanmar and Takeuchi excavators?.....Cheers

Give me a call on a Yanmar VIO55-5. It is very well equipped and weighs in at 11500 lbs, rubber tracks, cab w/ ac, hydraulic quick coupler. We have one priced at 51,900.00 plus CT sales tax. We are located in Woodbury,CT. Get a little more seat time on the Bobcat and then come see how well these Yanmar's perform. They are also trouble free by the way. Thanks, Robert Wolff

Haoleguy · Sep 26, 2006

I'm a little stymied at this time. The local Kubota dealer only allows on lot limited movement of his KX161-3. Afraid I might scratch it. I did take him up on his limited offer and got familiar with the controls layout. Nice excavator in the tame environment but appear to have the build and specs to be in the top few of this size class. Kubota motor started easily but smoked a bit which continued on direction changes and other minor hydraulic load situations. Kind of reminds me of the Bobcat 337 in that respect. At this time the Yanmar motor was the smoothest and cleanest but not enough balls. Most likely I will ask Kubota regional or national rep for guidance on gaining a test run on my property where I can put it through the paces.

The two Takeuchi TB145's from an equipment rental co. nearby are both out on month leases.. I'm probably looking at another few weeks before I gain access. When I have more to contribute I will post again.

hockeypuck · Sep 30, 2006

Next spring we will probably sell our 30K lb machine and get a 9000 to 12000 lb one. I have looked at the bobcat's and Kubota's. I have also seen the Mustangs in use. Does anyone have any experience with the mustang brand (which is basically a Gehl).

Puck

Haoleguy · Sep 30, 2006

Puck - My understanding is that the Gehl excavators are Takeuchi in new skins. I did not know that about the association to Mustang. Did you try out any of the Kubota's? If so what did you find?......Cheers, Haoleguy

hockeypuck · Oct 1, 2006

A mustang dealer told me that Gehl and Mustang are the same. I just looked up Gehl 503 and a mustang 5003 have exactly the same operating weight. I do not think that this is a coincidence. As far as Kubota, I am impressed with the fit and finish of the machines and the ease of service on them. There are plenty of Kubota shops to get parts at, so dealer support should not be a problem. The angle blade and resale values seem to be a very good plus. Most people looking for a small excavator should feel comfotable buying a Kubota.

Puck

Tigerotor77W · Oct 9, 2006

The Mustang and Gehl are both Neuson units.

Boondox · Jan 9, 2007

My local dealer sells Terex excavators. I've never heard of them. Any collective experience out there on this line?

Pete

Robbie Hegwood · Jan 9, 2007

Recently rented a Kubota 161-3 for a beaver dam removal project. My first experience with a excavator at all. I had played with it alittle at the dealer to famaliarize myself enough to load it onto my trailer. No one there wanted to drive up on my deckover. Extremely easy to use and in 20 min. was decent with it and moving dirt well. The engine was very quiet, power was good. I could have used a few more feet in reach but that's my problem. My little brother took over on it for he has prior experience with larger excavtors. He did things with it and went places I would have never dared, even got me unstuck once. He ran it much more effecient than I and I needed to be running my RC-100. I was very pleased with it and even finished a day early. I would not think twice about renting it again it the work arose. My .02 cents. Robbie