IS the toolcat get enough traction for dirt work?

[jmfox]

I'm not sure if you're interested in the T300 or A300, but which ever one you demo make sure you pack a lunch and supper if you plan moving around 2000 acres.

jmf

 

[petedegan]

i think the tool cat digs really well- much better than tractor loader types that load, the toolcat will dig. As far as capacity, it is equivelent to a 7 series bobcat, which most people have used. capacity is listed at 1500, which is usually half the tipping load in my expierience. picks up the back end on a pickup no problem. the toolcat is nimble, and i prefer it to grade better than a skidloader. longer wheelbase and very precise controls make it easy to set the grade. handles boxblade nice. machine gets work done fast because it turns around fast, and is easy to get in and out of. i always have a nice skidlaoder next to the toolcat- i tend to use the tc 75% of the time. i remember this summer that i was moving pallets of keystone block- the toolcat couldnt handle it, and had to break pallets in half. Hope this helps.

 

[theoshin]

what tires are you using?
any weight in the back?
bucket size, teeth?

i realize my combo is not ideal for dirt work

i have trouble with anything more than sod depth removal in a clay/sand soil. wheels spin. i have the turf tires and a 68 bucket without teeth. more aggressive tires and a more narrow bucket with teeth would have helped, but not sure if it would have been enough. i even had to hit the dirt pile (made with a small dozer) with a little speed to fill my bucket. at times the dozer helped fill my bucket. it probably was an issue with traction more than anything. i agree that the toolcat is much more handy in terms of manuverability and vision as well as a lot easier to get in and out - the reason i bought it.

thx
ts

 

[radman1]

Well i am going to test drive the 300 and see how i like it. i thought that it would be better because i have 2,000 acers of land to work with. what do yall think?

Thanks Evan

My brother and I farm about 2000 acres. I just do some and he does most. He does most of the planting/tilling and I do most of the unkeep jobs such as fencing, blading, dirt work etc. We bought a used bobcat 873 4 years ago. If you want to dig, you will probably be much happier with a skid steer than TC. Both the TC and skid steer will be relatively pathetic in the mud compared to a tractor unless the skid steer has tracks. If it is even slightly muddy the skid steer is next to useless IMHO with construction tires.
For seed moving, definitely stay with the bigger skid steers. The TC maybe marginal with the pallets and too small if you buy seed in boxes/bags that some companies use.
Beware however. Once you get a SS, you start wanting more attachments. We have grapple bucket, tooth bucket, pallet forks (which are probably #1 attachment), back hoe, trencher, manlift and tree shear. I have used a box blade on skid steer but didn't like it. Dozer style blades also don't work as well unless you have tracks. Much prefer the better control with tractor TNT for blading/box blading.

 

[jgl1962]

If you are considering a track loader, you should also ask the dealer to quote/demo you an S250 or 300 with loegering tracks (not the bolt on undercarriage) and 2 speed travel. You will get 13mph over ground. Float over soft ground and fill your bucket every time.

Some rubber track loaders offer 2 speed but top end is much lower than 13 mph.

Just my $.02

 

[jandefirewood]

Sorry i havn't replied lately, its been busy around here because i did jsut purchase a t300. that is the bobcat track loader with a lifting capacity of 3,000 pounds which is the heavyest they sell. it is a amazing machine. i did get a root grapple, tooth bucket, and pallet forks all that i have used numerous times.
the machine is amazing it just rained here about 6 inches or more last weekend and i was still out working, making lots of ruts so i quit but it plowed trough almost all mud.
I ended up getting it stuck tho in a creek bottom, leared that i am not invincible.

 

[jandefirewood]

Sorry i havn't replied lately, its been busy around here because i did jsut purchase a t300. that is the bobcat track loader with a lifting capacity of 3,000 pounds which is the heavyest they sell. it is a amazing machine. i did get a root grapple, tooth bucket, and pallet forks all that i have used numerous times.
the machine is amazing it just rained here about 6 inches or more last weekend and i was still out working, making lots of ruts so i quit but it plowed trough almost all mud.
I ended up getting it stuck tho in a creek bottom, leared that i am not invincible.
I am still considdering a toolcat tho

I dono got to let the checkbook catch up

 

[radman1]

jandefirewood
Congrats on your t300. Twice the lift capacity of the TC and at times you will want even more! For farm work, the tracks would be great in the mud. Limiting factor is getting high centered. My 873 SS is nearly worthless in mud and I suspect the TC is just as bad. I am also considering the TC since I live about 90 miles from the main farm. If I get a TC, I will probably inquire if anyone has a HD lug type tire instead of the construction tires.
My brother gets anxious when I want to use the 873 and take it off the farm. He goes into withdrawl. We own it 50/50 and I had to talk him into getting a used one and now he can't be without it. He has been shearing trees recently, but on frozen ground, the traction is not good. He installed a rear set of chains last week and the traction is much better but not as good as your tracks.

 

[odleefs]

If you are concerned about traction (which really hasn't been an issue for me as of yet) consider these...
Tractor Tracks
I am unsure of the proper model needed/required for 4 wheel steer, or if even possible with 4 wheel steer, nor do I know the price but I am inquiring and I will share once obtained. Tracks would make the toolcat quite nimble and surefooted. I am considering them due to the Toolcat tracking up my lawn when it is saturated, which it has been often this warm winter!
Steve

 

[jmfox]

That's pretty interesting. I wonder how long these things would last in a work environment?

jmf