Compact Track Loader, whos the best?

[TheRealWorld]

Kind of a simple question, and I could not find anything like this so I am posting a new link. I would like to know opinions and facts about the overall reliability and design features in your opinions and if you have unbiased comparisons. Thanks a bunch, this is a great place to expand one's knowledge!

 

[paulsharvey]

Kind of a simple question, and I could not find anything like this so I am posting a new link. I would like to know opinions and facts about the overall reliability and design features in your opinions and if you have unbiased comparisons. Thanks a bunch, this is a great place to expand one's knowledge!

Been out of the market for a while, but I'll throw one that is nowadays overlooked, but I would look at first, the Gehl. There machines seem less tech heavy, and atleast 10 years ago, really were very good, if not that popular machines.

 

[mikester]

The best one is the one that operates economically, does the required job quickly without mess, doesn't break down or have excessive wear and tear, and lasts your working lifetime and you can sell it for more than you paid for it.

 

[paulsharvey]

So, you ask an impossible questions; a simple This One is Best.
So, let's try to have a couple key features that we judge; and I'm assuming commercial use, not weekend warrior/diy/homeowners
1) Parts availability/support
2) Reliability, that's actually going to be hard to judge,
3) Hydralic flow
4) Pushing power
5) Operators station
6) Novel features/stuff only available on a few
7) Total expected ownership cost for 2000 hours

If we have CAT, Deere, Case, Kubota, Bobcat, JCB, Takekuchyi, Gehl, Kioti, Komatsu, Terex, New Holland, Wacker Neuson, Volvo, and I'm not sure is Sany, Ditch Witch, Vermeer, or some others have a CTL. You also have Possitrac that I thought got purchased, but I'm not sure on that, and if that affects anything

So parts support (by that i also mean Speed), Cat is definitely best, but you also need to consider what is close to you. If your in the UK, maybe Volvo and JCB are faster to get parts. If your in Alaska or Texas, it might be different. If you already have to go to the Deere dealer several times per week, maybe a Deere is best for you.

Reliable; I'm not sure if want to pick one, it depends on a combination on information the company won't share, your specific use if the machine, ect. What might be most reliable in a mulching environment, might not be the best in dirt, or rock, or an loading role.

Hydralic Flow; the CAT high flow machines are towards the top, ASV's largest do have excellent flow, and you can't compare a low flow Kubuta model vs a High flow deere. or vice versa

Push Power; That kinda depends not only on the weight/HP, but also the design of the tracks, and all, the larger ASV are undoubtedly able to Push an amazing amount, but I can't say for sure it's the most

Operators station, some of this is 100% preferences, up vs out doors, (if going enclosed), how your arms rest, how tall you are, ect. If you are running something like TopCon, how/where you place the screen, all that,

Novel Features; JCB Robot has some things that just aren't available anywhere else; they have "teleskid", side entry door, ect. Case, i have seen some of their bigger CTLs with steel tracks. I dont mean track overs, I mean purpose built, CTL, with steel, tracks. I believe they are non-cleated, basically track hoe (or HDD) steel tracks

Total Ownership cost; I'm not going to do that, but You should. Figure purchase (or lease, or lease to purchase) costs, known maintenance (tracks, rollers, filters, fluids, ect) for a fixed period, With the options you want

 

[Paystar]

Kubota's are pretty good. Not all the bells and whistles of a Cat but not many complaints.
One I haven't tried but many contractors rave over is Takeuchi. I keep hearing they are very good.

Just like tractors though, I'd would say pick your best local dealer's brand. Because SO MANY companies these days give you any or good support.

 

[JLAlbert]

I've run a lot of them and I like the Kubotas best. I think the cabs are roomier and easier to enter and exit than other comparable size machines. Plenty of power and smooth controls. Takeuchi would probably be my second choice.

 

[TheRealWorld]

Been out of the market for a while, but I'll throw one that is nowadays overlooked, but I would look at first, the Gehl. There machines seem less tech heavy, and atleast 10 years ago, really were very good, if not that popular machines.

Thanks for the input, Gehl was either built by or a clone of Takekuchyi, is that still the case? It would be interesting to see a list of 70 horsepower units with features and list prices along with specs.

 

[TheRealWorld]

So, you ask an impossible questions; a simple This One is Best.
So, let's try to have a couple key features that we judge; and I'm assuming commercial use, not weekend warrior/diy/homeowners
1) Parts availability/support
2) Reliability, that's actually going to be hard to judge,
3) Hydralic flow
4) Pushing power
5) Operators station
6) Novel features/stuff only available on a few
7) Total expected ownership cost for 2000 hours

If we have CAT, Deere, Case, Kubota, Bobcat, JCB, Takekuchyi, Gehl, Kioti, Komatsu, Terex, New Holland, Wacker Neuson, Volvo, and I'm not sure is Sany, Ditch Witch, Vermeer, or some others have a CTL. You also have Possitrac that I thought got purchased, but I'm not sure on that, and if that affects anything

So parts support (by that i also mean Speed), Cat is definitely best, but you also need to consider what is close to you. If your in the UK, maybe Volvo and JCB are faster to get parts. If your in Alaska or Texas, it might be different. If you already have to go to the Deere dealer several times per week, maybe a Deere is best for you.

Reliable; I'm not sure if want to pick one, it depends on a combination on information the company won't share, your specific use if the machine, ect. What might be most reliable in a mulching environment, might not be the best in dirt, or rock, or an loading role.

Hydralic Flow; the CAT high flow machines are towards the top, ASV's largest do have excellent flow, and you can't compare a low flow Kubuta model vs a High flow deere. or vice versa

Push Power; That kinda depends not only on the weight/HP, but also the design of the tracks, and all, the larger ASV are undoubtedly able to Push an amazing amount, but I can't say for sure it's the most

Operators station, some of this is 100% preferences, up vs out doors, (if going enclosed), how your arms rest, how tall you are, ect. If you are running something like TopCon, how/where you place the screen, all that,

Novel Features; JCB Robot has some things that just aren't available anywhere else; they have "teleskid", side entry door, ect. Case, i have seen some of their bigger CTLs with steel tracks. I dont mean track overs, I mean purpose built, CTL, with steel, tracks. I believe they are non-cleated, basically track hoe (or HDD) steel tracks

Total Ownership cost; I'm not going to do that, but You should. Figure purchase (or lease, or lease to purchase) costs, known maintenance (tracks, rollers, filters, fluids, ect) for a fixed period, With the options you want

Wow, this is a great list of things to consider and lots of valuable thought. Thanks for the info!

 

[D&D]

Kind of a simple question, and I could not find anything like this so I am posting a new link. I would like to know opinions and facts about the overall reliability and design features in your opinions and if you have unbiased comparisons. Thanks a bunch, this is a great place to expand one's knowledge!

You might have better luck searching at Compact Equipment

You searched for Skid steer comparison — Compact Equipment Magazine

compactequip.com

 

[4570Man]

Kubota's are pretty good. Not all the bells and whistles of a Cat but not many complaints.
One I haven't tried but many contractors rave over is Takeuchi. I keep hearing they are very good.

Just like tractors though, I'd would say pick your best local dealer's brand. Because SO MANY companies these days give you any or good support.

I demoed a brand new Tackuchi before I bought my Kubota machine and I’ve ran a few older ones on jobs and I wasn’t impressed. A Kubota cab isn’t exactly luxury but the Tackuchi cab was sure enough basic. The Kubota 75-3 actually has a much improved cab over the previous models. The Tackuchi step into the cab is too big and significantly impairs the visibility of the bucket edge. The Tackuchi controls are loose especially the steering to the point it was difficult to accurately place pallet forks in the pallet. I used 2 brand new ones and they were both like that as well as the older ones. I’m not saying they’re a bad machine, they aren’t and I’d buy one if the deal was good but they certainly aren’t industry leading like some people seem to think. I looked at a Tackuchi mini x as well and it was fine but the Kubota price was better and the Kubota dealer was offering a better trade for my used Kubota as well so I bought another Kubota.

 

[TheRealWorld]

I demoed a brand new Tackuchi before I bought my Kubota machine and I’ve ran a few older ones on jobs and I wasn’t impressed. A Kubota cab isn’t exactly luxury but the Tackuchi cab was sure enough basic. The Kubota 75-3 actually has a much improved cab over the previous models. The Tackuchi step into the cab is too big and significantly impairs the visibility of the bucket edge. The Tackuchi controls are loose especially the steering to the point it was difficult to accurately place pallet forks in the pallet. I used 2 brand new ones and they were both like that as well as the older ones. I’m not saying they’re a bad machine, they aren’t and I’d buy one if the deal was good but they certainly aren’t industry leading like some people seem to think. I looked at a Tackuchi mini x as well and it was fine but the Kubota price was better and the Kubota dealer was offering a better trade for my used Kubota as well so I bought another Kubota.

That is a fascinating report, a first-hand experience, so thanks for the input

 

[paulsharvey]

It would probably be good to tell us what your primary use is. House pads/driveways, mulching, light clearing, loading trucks, moving materials, ect.

If you are routinely loading trucks/trailers, how high are the side boards?

Do you have specific weight restrictions you are trying to meet?

Do you have specific max height or width, or similar job specific requirements.

Certain jobs, like poultry house cleaning, you might want small, works, but as cheap as possible, cause no matter how "good" it will be destroyed in a matter of a few years.

Do you have high flow impliments, such as mulchers, milling heads, ect. Also, although the hydralics and SSQA will hook up, Cat vs Bobcat electronics don't always match (so, swivel on a broom, side shift, ect).

Cab vs open? Do you care about door orientation?

 

[TheRealWorld]

OK, it will include work in hills, logging roads, general dirt moving, leveling, trenching, and just about everything you can imagine. Log moving, forklift work, brush clearing and moving, and some farm work. I know these are not good on frozen ground, but I will try. I am not sure what door orientation is, but I will use it year-round in hot and cold Wisconsin weather.

Thanks for asking.

 

[paulsharvey]

OK, it will include work in hills, logging roads, general dirt moving, leveling, trenching, and just about everything you can imagine. Log moving, forklift work, brush clearing and moving, and some farm work. I know these are not good on frozen ground, but I will try. I am not sure what door orientation is, but I will use it year-round in hot and cold Wisconsin weather.

Thanks for asking.

So, some have doors that swing out, which can be nice, but also means that the bucket Has to be down all the way to exit the door; and also, at some point, you might raise the bucket with the door open, and rip it off. JCB, you have a side door, and it's odd, but probably the best overall access.

Are you planning on 6+ hours per day in the machine? Reason is, comfort for 4 hours is a different thing than comfort for 10+ hours.

How Critical is down time? Are you loosing $2500/day the machine is down, or loosing critical clients? If so, I would lean Cat/Deere/Kubota, just for the parts network. If you can afford to wait 5-10 days on a part, and just be annoyed, than I would worry less about this.

 

[TheRealWorld]

Very interesting points, I would plan on some long days, but only 10 a year at the most. As far as the door, I guess I will look at that option, but I will likely get what comes with whatever I buy.

 

[airbiscuit]

...How Critical is down time? Are you loosing $2500/day the machine is down, or loosing critical clients? If so, I would lean Cat/Deere/Kubota, just for the parts network. If you can afford to wait 5-10 days on a part, and just be annoyed, than I would worry less about this.

I think Bobcat has had strong market share for decades. I think they would also have good parts availability (they did for me when I had a Bobcat)

From Equipment World:

Kubota retained its position as the top seller of new financed (CTL) units with 26% of total sales. Bobcat and Cat were neck and neck for the No. 2 and 3 positions, with Bobcat selling just nine more units, giving both manufacturers a 21% share of total sales.

Bobcat sold the highest volume of financed new skid steers of all manufacturers during the period. Approximately 24.9% of total skid steers sold were Bobcat, followed by Kubota (19.5%) and Cat (17.5%).

 

[Paystar]

I do like the entry door on the Kubota.

One I'd really like to have is a JCB Teleskid. Extendable boom and side entrance door. But I always here of so many reliability issues with JCB's.

 

[paulsharvey]

I think Bobcat has had strong market share for decades. I think they would also have good parts availability (they did for me when I had a Bobcat)

From Equipment World:

Kubota retained its position as the top seller of new financed (CTL) units with 26% of total sales. Bobcat and Cat were neck and neck for the No. 2 and 3 positions, with Bobcat selling just nine more units, giving both manufacturers a 21% share of total sales.

Bobcat sold the highest volume of financed new skid steers of all manufacturers during the period. Approximately 24.9% of total skid steers sold were Bobcat, followed by Kubota (19.5%) and Cat (17.5%).

Ok, you are right; I would put Bobcat/Cat/Kubota probably top, followed by Deere. Komatsu certainly has great parts availability; With some machines, in some areas, but I just don't see many of their skid steers around.

Also, there does appear to be certain niche things, where specific makes are more popular. I see a fair number of Possitrac used in powerline mulching. I see JCB used (still less than Cat) used to run a 18-24" asphalt milling heads, for 1 or 2 man small site prep outfits prepping rural mobile home lots, I largely see Kubota/Takekuchyi.

 

[TheRealWorld]

I think Bobcat has had strong market share for decades. I think they would also have good parts availability (they did for me when I had a Bobcat)

From Equipment World:

Kubota retained its position as the top seller of new financed (CTL) units with 26% of total sales. Bobcat and Cat were neck and neck for the No. 2 and 3 positions, with Bobcat selling just nine more units, giving both manufacturers a 21% share of total sales.

Bobcat sold the highest volume of financed new skid steers of all manufacturers during the period. Approximately 24.9% of total skid steers sold were Bobcat, followed by Kubota (19.5%) and Cat (17.5%).

OK, that is very interesting, I will likely choose one of those now that I know that. I felt that this info was what I needed to help make the right decision.

So now I will ask if the fully enclosed cab is the way to go, I am sure most of you will say yes, but I don't mind spending the extra money, but I wonder about the added potential problems of Air and Heat in the cab.

 

[4570Man]

OK, that is very interesting, I will likely choose one of those now that I know that. I felt that this info was what I needed to help make the right decision.

So now I will ask if the fully enclosed cab is the way to go, I am sure most of you will say yes, but I don't mind spending the extra money, but I wonder about the added potential problems of Air and Heat in the cab.

I wouldn’t think of buying a new machine without a cab. Sure it’s expensive but the cab holds the value at resale maybe even more so because it protects the operator station from getting decayed. If I wanted to be cold and eat dust I’d save 60 grand and buy a used machine. Sure it’s more maintenance but you could live in a shed without plumbing or hvac and save maintenance too.