Bobcat S-130 VS Tractor

[Deere3120]

Ok a friend of mine has a S-130 skid steer Bobcat and I want to get a JD 3000 series tractor for landscaping and snow removal. I have used it for snow removal with just the loader and the thing I did not like about it was it has no reach capabilitys as a tractor would. It seems as I always had to get right REALLY close to dump the snow. It also is kind of tippy. He told me a tractor will be no better, I told told him a tractor has more reach and more wheelbase also. Please help me convince myself I am making the right choice. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[bearhawk]

compromise and get a toolcat /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Those are two different machines designed for different tasks.

I think a Bobcat with a 5' snow blower would move some snow!

But a tractor will ride much better /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Jim

 

[Deere3120]

Ya, But I need a Backhoe and Skid Steers ruin lawn unlike a tractor.

 

[bearhawk]

Sounds like you know you need a tractor.

Get what you want.

 

[bam747]

In addition to the aforementioned Toolcat, how 'bout a Bobcat A300.

"A", as in All-Wheel Steer. Very nice on sod. Very nice on tire wear. But throw a switch, and it's a skid steer. It is rated for Bobcat's biggest backhoe attachment.

One little problem... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

It's probably Bobcat's most expensive model and also one of their biggest units. 3000 lb ROC. 81 hp. Operating weight of 8350 lbs.

'Course, there's also the tracked Bobcat (and others). Supposed to be nicer on grass. Still "skid steer" though...

 

[Deere3120]

46,000 is way to much for my budget.

 

[pekabu]

I think with a tractor it's easier to put those front wheels places where a skid steer would scary.

 

[jeffinsgf]

I disagree with the last comment about getting closer with a tractor. I have both a 7753 Bobcat and a JD 4410. I like the view better from the Bobcat and the center of gravity feels more comfortable on a slope. I can see the front edge of the bucket, which makes tight work easier. However, now that my landscaping projects are nearly complete, I just can't stand to use the Bobcat. Even trying to make wide turns, it just rips the yard up terribly. Also, as mentioned earlier the ride is rough -- really rough. It will be on eBay soon.

 

[RobertN]

Check out a tracked machine. ASV makes a nice 30hp track loader(skid steer like, but with tracks). Other manufacturers make them, but most are bigger machines. They tracks are as easy if not easier on turf than a wheeled CUT.

tracked loader by ASV

I do not think I have more reach on my small Kubota(B8200, about the size of a newer Kubota B2910 or JD 4110). I have used the ASV RC30, and a few Bobcat skidsteers(463, S150, S185). If you measure from the front of the tractor to the front of the loader, the difference is probably tiny.

I've loaded lots of pickups and flatbeds with both, and a couple dump trucks too. It was easier with the Bobcat or ASV machines. They had better reach and height capability.

You could compare driving one to a van vs a pickup. If you have to pull up close to a fence or curb, the front wheels and bumper of both the van and pickup will be at very close to the same spot. Win the van though, you're sitting over the front wheels, so visiblity is better. Ever notice how it feels a little different driving a van at first? On the tractor, your front tires are way out there, and it feels better because you're sitting back6 or 8' from the front.

The track machines I have operated are much more stable than either the CUT's or skidsteers I have used...

 

[RedRocker]

ASV was on my short list too.