Best Track Skid Steer Under 7,500 lbs?

[Dougster]

NOPE...Customer PAY...

Ouch!!! I feel your pain.

Better you than moi!!! Knowing Milton CAT as I do, I'd be instantly bankrupt!!!

Dougster

 

[White Shark]

Hi Harold - I am definitely considering the CATs... at least the Model 247 (see my last post above). Looks like I am going to lose that one clean machine that reappeared on eBay. Looks like there is a new bidder there willing to pay almost anything to get that particular machine.

No way I can compete with my thin wallet against a really determined bidder.

Dougster

I bought a new 247B last year and I love the thing. I also wanted to stay under 7500 lbs and the 247B comes in at 6888 lbs + bucket. With the CAT 4:1, I'm still in the zone. If I did it again, I'd probably spend the few extra bucks for the 257B.

The 257B is a bit heavier but has optional Hi-Flow hydraulics which makes trenching faster, etc, and the bucket goes 7" higher due to the vertical path. The 247B has the radial path. Both use the same 58hp CAT diesel.

I bought the closed cab and the A/C and Heat are the greatest, not to mention the fact that the glass keeps heaping buckets from spilling over onto you when fully raised on windy days.

I rented a lot of different units but bought the CAT because I like the suspension undercarriage, the lack of steel bands in the kevlar/fiberglass/rubber bias ply tracks, overall ride, and controls.

I have a CAT 4:1 with straight cutting bar, dirt bucket with teeth, Virnig rock bucket, and a set of pallet forks (they threw that in to close the deal).

It's really hard to buy a bad skidsteer these days, since the competition is fierce and there are some nice machines out there. I like the CAT and it works well for me. Just one guy's opinion...

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[White Shark]

NOPE...Customer PAY.....Warranty ran out in MAY..... No help from CAT..I cried for any assistance available even split the bill said NO...Gave the go ahead for the engine R&R since its worth absolutely nothing not running.....

Hard knots....

Just wondering....what caused the engine failure? I haven't seen any fail, but I haven't really heard anything bad about the 3024C mill when I was researching.

I always let mine idle for awhile to cool after running it hard and I always use the glow plugs when starting. I also change oil more often than recommended and stay ahead of the maintenance curve. I also try to avoid running max rpm as much as possible. I avoid the hand throttle unless necessary and use the pedal instead to keep rpms mid range and within reason.

Large flow hydraulic flow implements are never an issue since I use an Excavator or my Ag tractor with 3 point attachments instead of a trencher / breaker / etc on the 247B. This saves high wear and should prolong life quite a bit. I balance jobs across my equipment to put wear on machines that are specifically designed to be best for the task. The 247B will handle whatever you throw at it, but as a Contractor, I am trying to maximize my investment $$$.

Thanks...

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[Kendall69]

here’s one

YouTube - L & H Footings

 

[Dougster]

It's really hard to buy a bad skidsteer these days, since the competition is fierce and there are some nice machines out there. I like the CAT and it works well for me. Just one guy's opinion...

In a new machine with warranty, you are probably right. The trick for me will be buying something used that won't break the bank with excessive maintenance and repairs.

Dougster

 

[Dougster]

here’s one
YouTube - L & H Footings

I think that's the guy that took out my old driveway a few years back!

He was never on more than two wheels the whole time!!!

Dougster

 

[jmfox]

I use an Excavator or my Ag tractor with 3 point attachments instead of a trencher / breaker / etc on the 247B. This saves high wear and should prolong life quite a bit.

I was considering a rotary cutter for my compact crawler, but a long time friend and machinery salesman convinced me otherwise. Actually he beat me up a little to set me straight. I needed it as I keep forgetting that a wheel machine with large ag tires and pto is much more efficient for certain tasks like mowing etc. Hydraulic motors are evolving but they cannot compete with pto's for power transfer. The skid steer is best at digging and other bucket tasks. Using a $50k skid steer and a $5k mower attachment to do what the old tractor and $1500 brush hog can do is just silly. Yes, I would like to be in my air conditioned cab, but pampering is not worth exposing my turbo to grass particles and the additional track and undercarriage wear, not to mention the degradation that hot oil has on the hydraulic system.

jmf

 

[jmc]

The only skid steer machine on the market that is designed for tracks is the ASV. Even Cat, who use an ASV track system, have converted wheeled skid steers to track. jmf

I believe Takeuchi pioneered tracked loaders back in the 1980's and it was designed as such from the ground up. They also make the Gehl unit. I just wanted to clear that up in case I ever sell mine someday.

John

 

[Kendall69]

There’s an internet video out there at one of the ASV dealers that shows several other track skid steers doing the same task, and the ASV blows away all the others.
Hill climbing, going through mud, balance, ride quality etc. Granted it was done FOR ASV, but when you see ASV go up a hill the others can’t, or go over the rod smoothly where the other bounce all over the road - seeing is believing.

If I can find it I will post it.

 

[Maka]

Here JMC. This is a great article that shows machines, who's who, history, prices etc. http://www.compactequip.com/pdfs/ce_june06_tracking_the_industry.pdf

I think ASV was first to market with a compact track loader. Takeuchi came in 1992 but ASV introduced theirs in 1990. Both are designed as track machines from ground up. The ASV in my opinion as a dealer is a far superior design.

Maka