Considering a toolcat, couple general questions and any intel on where to get a good deal on a unit with 1k hrs or so?

[Sawyer Rob]

You wife may not like the noise of the toolcat running by either, the ones I've been around weren't all that quiet when they went by me.

SR

 

[ruffdog]

Some (edit: MOST) of the noise is the large cooling fan needed to cool the hydraulic fluid. Running a high-flow hydraulic system makes a bunch of heat and you need a serious fan to cool it.

 

[s2dm]

Really appreciate all of the help this far. I think I’ve officially got toolcat lust disorder at this point.

Three more quick questions

1) I’m leaning towards a 5600, but wanted to see how useful the pto and three point were on the 5610. I’m used to operating a Deere 210 with the seat cranked and excellent visibility, so my first thought was that I’d way rather grade in front on a toolcat with a 3 way adapter, but that’s not an experienced opinion. I was not a fan of changing 3 point implements on my kubota tlb which got sold for the 210

2) I haven’t even been able to find a used one, much less a new one, within 500 miles of me (Santa Barbara). Any thoughts on how to lay eyes on one locally without spending a few days traveling to do it?

3) I’d like to find a lower hrs machine, fine spending up to 55k. If anyone has any leads on a 2014 + someone is willing to part with, please pass them on.

again, really appreciate the help. I’ve learned a ton on this forum over the years.

 

[Xfaxman]

more quick questions

1) I’m leaning towards a 5600, but wanted to see how useful the pto and three point were on the 5610.

The PTO is powered by a hydraulic motor and rated for 25 hp.
I used mine on one project with a borrowed post hole digger. It worked great.
I prefer out front attachments.
Here is my three point:

Removed without tools, so will be easy to put it back on if needed.

 

[myersjc]

I will agree the 3-point has limited use on the 5610. It is nice for those one off attachments you don't use often because 3-point attachments are so much cheaper. Up front grading or "float" on the toolcat is a little challenging. The steep angle upward on the boom arm means that in float any resistance tends to push the arm down instead of up. Add in the suspension that will flex and you can go from just skimming the top to taking a big chunk out in a hurry. Once you get a feel for it it's easier to just make adjustment manually and feather it up and down as needed.

For me the biggest selling point that tipped me over the edge for the 5610 is I mow the 30 acres of solar panels and the debris, dust, and junk that mowing can kick up would plug up the radiator under the bed of the 5600 needing cleaned out 1-2 times a day to keep from overheating. On the 5610 the radiator is mounted up high right behind the cab and stays much cleaner and easier to clean when it is needed when I am mowing the tall weeds

.

 

[ruffdog]

Really appreciate all of the help this far. I think I’ve officially got toolcat lust disorder at this point.

Three more quick questions

1) I’m leaning towards a 5600, but wanted to see how useful the pto and three point were on the 5610. I’m used to operating a Deere 210 with the seat cranked and excellent visibility, so my first thought was that I’d way rather grade in front on a toolcat with a 3 way adapter, but that’s not an experienced opinion. I was not a fan of changing 3 point implements on my kubota tlb which got sold for the 210

2) I haven’t even been able to find a used one, much less a new one, within 500 miles of me (Santa Barbara). Any thoughts on how to lay eyes on one locally without spending a few days traveling to do it?

3) I’d like to find a lower hrs machine, fine spending up to 55k. If anyone has any leads on a 2014 + someone is willing to part with, please pass them on.

again, really appreciate the help. I’ve learned a ton on this forum over the years.

1) As said above, the radiator on the 5610 is better positioned for cleaning and for mowing and mowing is my #1 use. I already had a 3pt tiller, blade, snow blower, and rotary cutter so the 5610 could use those items. The 3pt allows me to tilt the blade while a tilt attachment would be needed on the front.

2) It took me a few years to find a great deal on the used TC I traded the tractor and UTV for. Just lucky.

 

[ruffdog]

If you watched the auction on the near new 2013 and 2015 5610 toolcats, they both hit $50k+

 

[DEWFPO]

2009 Series D bought new. No major work at all, just reg. maintenance.

 

[Parkside]

I have a one year old 5600 purchased new.

I got it mainly to blow snow at the house. We have about 1600’ of relatively flat gravel road. No salt in use. The blower only clogged once last season. Luckily I have a heated shop.

we also made good use of the Brushcat mower. The PTO rotary cutter on the L6060 is a little more efficient but the mower on the front was great for tight spots and around trees.

The forks got a lot of use too. My wife and I installed a 1500# safe in our walkout level with it. Also a quick attach ball mount for moving trailers was helpful.

The traction control worked well in the snow. I did not use chains.

The power Bob-tach for the SSQA is very useful. You can change simple implements from the cab. You just have to attach or detach the hydraulics on those units.

As far as cab comfort, it is roomier than I expected. It is a hydro drive so be sure the kids (or dog in my case) are ready for a quick stop Until you get the hang of it.

One thing I did not do and wish I had was Line-X ( or equivalent) the bed.