Goodbye Kubota, hello EarthForce

[MChalkley]

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

Harv - That's good enough for me...

MarkC

 

[Gatorboy]

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

Mark,

I know your thoughts on skid steers, but I think I am on the verge of ordering a Bobcat 873 SSL. It has a 48.8" wheelbase, 73HP Turbo-charged engine, and can accept over 75 attachments. Bobcat is offering a FREE enclosed cab w/heat and a C/I bucket if a SSL is ordered by 12/31/01.

I am looking to get one with Hi-flow hydraulics and am now in the quote gathering stage. So far the best price I've got is $25975. For my use, I do not think that I would get that much use from the backhoe that the Earthforce has as standard equipment.

I'll let ya know how I make out.



Dave "Gatorboy" Hoffmann

 

[MChalkley]

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

Dave - I've used a Bobcat 873 before - it's a very nice machine, no question about it. What are you planning on doing with it? Did you ever make it down to Folcomer's?

MarkC

 

[Gatorboy]

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

Mark,

Well off the top of my head -- I need to build a bridge, 1500' driveway, grade for my 1st barn (plus more later), dig many posts, dig basement for when I build my home, septic tank and field, trench for electric & water, etc. etc.

No, I never did make it to Folcomers. I'm close to a deal with Bobcat of Baltimore -- but I am waiting for the quote from Newark, Delaware. No sales tax in DE. Then I can start turning the screws.




Dave "Gatorboy" Hoffmann

 

[MChalkley]

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

Well, keeping in mind that I've very biased against skid steers (but I have used them many times), I'd still submit that you can't go far wrong by at least looking at the EarthForce units. It sounds to me like you've got a lot of use for a backhoe. Plus, remember that I bought a backhoe-mounted auger. With the backhoe, you can have a second attachment on the machine, and it doesn't have to be a bucket. And when you're not using it, it still makes a great counterweight for that incredible front end loader capacity... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

MarkC

 

[ronjhall]

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

Mark
To much <font color=green>GREEN</font color=green>. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[Bird]

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

That sounds great, Mark. Of course in my part of the country I wouldn't want the cab without air-conditioning, but with the glass removed, it might not be too bad.

 

[gordon]

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

Gator give Burke equipment in Camden a call it's right next to Dover DE. I think you will get a better qoute from there. Same man owns both of them. Well he also owns one in southern DE as well. Great man to deal with. Best thing is no sales tax in DE so that's 5% right off the top. The number there is 302-697-3200

Have you looked into the track models of the Bobcat?

Gordon

 

[gordon]

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

As you well know my last Kubota had a cab and I loved it. Keeps alot of dust off of you on those very dry days. It was heated with no a/c as well. Would have been nice to have the a/c but with the valves turned off to the heater and the fan on high in the summer helps alot. Most difficult thing is keeping the windows clean in dusty conditions. Best thing is when your working in winter and can climb into a warm cab. Now thats livin./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Well on the new tractor I'm still going to be cold--no cab. So I'll be thinking of ya this winter in your nice warm heated cab. But I do have my plans almost done for my canopy, finally./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

So far unless I"ve missed it does it have a radio, you will need it with the cab. Take my word for it. Downside of some cabs they are very noisy by nature. Others you can't hear the tractor run. Hopefully yours will be the second of the two.

Good luck, I'll keep my orange
Gordon

 

[Gatorboy]

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

I had sent an email to Burke-Equipment, but it bounced back. I'll be sure to call them.

I would love at track model -- T200, but they are about $9K more! I am at my limits already at just under $30K.


Dave "Gatorboy" Hoffmann