ASV RC-30 for part-time landscaping work?

   / ASV RC-30 for part-time landscaping work? #1  

jd2210va

Bronze Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2004
Messages
55
Location
Central VA
Tractor
NH TC29D
I have a NH TC29D tractor with FEL and a T6 Harley rake. I started doing some part time landscaping work this year and based on my experiences so far I'm considering purchasing an RC-30 track machine and selling the tractor (can't afford duel payments). I'm hoping with the ASV track machine I could pick up more work where the soft ground wouldn't hold me back like what I ran into with the tractor a few times. Also, hoping with the added manueverability of the track machine I could get jobs done quicker. I have read several older threads on some of the track loaders but was hoping to see any more recent opinions of the track loaders, especially ASV machines. I looked at an ASV RC-30 last weekend that's in a rental fleet. It looked to be in good shape overall without too much wear on the tracks to my untrained eyes. Has 350 hours on it. Dealer quoted $21,000 with a 4in1 bucket. Primarily planning to do lawn prep, some grading work and light brush clearing type work with it. Would appreciate your advice on the subject.
 
   / ASV RC-30 for part-time landscaping work? #2  
I have used them (rented) and think they are awesome! They are smaller and lighter than most machines, which I liked. Easier to tow, and the small footprint is good for tight access.

When I used them, the conditions were damp, and access too tight for my B series Kubota. It worked well in conditions which would have been poor for a skidsteer. And, although they are comparitively light and only 30hp, they are pretty tough workers.

If I were to replace my Kubota, I would get an RC30 with a 4-in-1 bucket, and probably a PHD. Oh, and a mower... I did landscape for a while. Even though I do not any more, I think a RC30 would be a good all around machine.
 
   / ASV RC-30 for part-time landscaping work? #3  
IMO, unless you're doing trac houses or spec. home lots, you will quickly outgrow this machine. Depending on the year, that price is kinda high too. (2000, 256 hours 48" bucket and 4n1 for $20,000.00 according to ASV site) ASV does build a nice machine though. If you're buying used anyway, why not look for a Polaris ASL300, same machine polaris Here's something to look at skidsteers
And, contrary to some opinion, alot of counter rotating is detrimental to healthy tracks.
 
   / ASV RC-30 for part-time landscaping work?
  • Thread Starter
#4  
Robert, thanks for the reply. I appreciate your enthusiasm for the RC30. Since it's based on your actual use of the machine it must have impressed you quite a bit. It has me thinking that I should rent one for a day to do some work around my property where I can compare it directly with my TC29D (and the ground here is good and wet now, still have some snow on the ground from last Monday). Just comparing the visual size of the RC30 against the RC50 at the rental store had me leanig towards the 30 due to it's compactness, but.....I am left wondering if I'd be wishing for more power in the near future and I also have some reservations about the limit on attachments (ASV Posi-tool) for it.
 
   / ASV RC-30 for part-time landscaping work?
  • Thread Starter
#5  
TLBUSER - Outgrowing the RC30 quickly is one of my concerns. I find myself wishing for a little more lift capacity on my TC29D loader at times, which is about 900 LBS (same as the RC30). I think maybe I haven't really figured out just what work I will do with it, in part because I've never used one yet. After looking at classifieds this week I was thinking the same thing about the quoted price - a little high. I was planning to do some bargaining if I decide to purchase from him.

As a contractor and owner of an ASV RC60 would you mind sharing what type of jobs you primarily do with the RC60? An RC50 would probably be all I'd want to tow and could afford (maybe!).

Thanks for those links and your advice.
 
   / ASV RC-30 for part-time landscaping work?
  • Thread Starter
#6  
Just a follow-up note: I test drove an RC-30 yesterday at the Rental store. I was really impressed with how smooth the unit operated. I'm talking the joystick controls for the loader and the hydrostatic transmission as well as the suspension of the machine. All the movement just felt effortless. Granted I wasn't really working it but I did go over to a big dirt pile they had, which was surrounded by mud, and take a few full scoops with the bucket. Again it seemed like it wasn't even being worked and their was no loss of traction. After that he let me drive an RC-50 just to feel the difference. Obviously it felt larger and more powerful. I really feel that the RC-30 could do the jobs around my property as well as the part time landscaping jobs better than my tractor but of course that all comes at a higher price tag. Decisions, decisions..... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
   / ASV RC-30 for part-time landscaping work? #7  
Right now, we're working with a custom home builder, electrical and plumbing company. We're doing tree, rubbish, building removal, rough / final grade and underground utility installation (water, sewer, electric) and repair. I will also move material for the landscaper if we're on-site. The RC60 is an upgrade / replacement machine from our bobcat and crawler. So far, it's so much better. Maybe that's just because I now have heat and A/C /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif For our applications, one is replacing two and doing the job. As far as moving it around, I now use a 1 ton dually pickup. Weight wise, I could use a 3/4 but I like the ride and handling on the dually better.
 
   / ASV RC-30 for part-time landscaping work?
  • Thread Starter
#8  
Sounds like your keeping the RC-60 plenty busy and maximizing it's use (profit!) Interesting to hear that it replaces two machines but based on my limited "test drive" of the 30 and 50, I can see where an RC-60 must be capable of alot of work.

After re-thinking my test drive of the RC-30 this past weekend, I came to the same conclusion as what you suggested. I think I would outgrow it quickly and be wishing for a little more power, weight, lift height, attachment availability, etc. So I called today to price a new RC-50 with a 4n1 bucket. That set me back a little hearing that price so I went back to the idea of a used one. He has a 2005 model with 335 hours with some extras on it, in great condition (according to him) with the 4n1 for $30500. It also has some factory warranty left on it. I think that's a little on the high side again but....he will rent out attachments to me if I purchase from him, whereas he says he won't rent out attachments to anyone who hasn't purchased a machine from him. Plus he is definitely closer (35 minute drive) than any other dealer. I think tomorrow I'm going to sign-up on that deal. It stretches the budget alot further than I originally planned but it's do-able and I think I'd really be alot happier with that machine and hopefully I could make it pay for itself.

Would you mind sharing some tips on how to make contacts with builders/contractors to pick up work. Do you price by the whole job or break out different tasks/jobs at different prices? Can you give me a ballpark hourly rate you charge? Thanks for your input.
 
   / ASV RC-30 for part-time landscaping work? #9  
Sent a long PM and know I forgot something /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
   / ASV RC-30 for part-time landscaping work?
  • Thread Starter
#10  
Thanks for the PM, it covered alot of "good" ground. I sent a reply.
 

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