Mulching w CAT299XHD or BobcatT870 or TerexPT110G

[HenRut]

We're a private farm operation considering a high-flow tracked machine to handle a number of chores, including mulching, on our 100+ acres. We've narrowed down our choices to the above machines and would much appreciate expertise from veteran land-clearing, grey-beards on this forum. I've done a fair amount of research on all three models, but as a noobie who's never ran anything that doesn't resemble a tractor, even demo joy-riding in any of them will not help me much.

Here are my thoughts and questions (based purely on paper specs and what I've read in other forums).

Right out the gate, Terex wins on price, then Bobcat, then far back, the Cat. As I'll be running a mulching head (Fecon, Magnum or Cimaf) I like the hydraulics (pressure & flow) of the Terex, followed distantly by the Cat, and Bobcat. Correct me if I'm wrong (again, no experience or real basis for comparison), but the edge in build quality goes to Bobcat, then Cat. Ride quality appears to go to Terex, followed by Cat (w suspension option and air-ride seat). Dealer support would favor the Terex as I've got a well-regarded dealer within 12 miles of me, followed by Bobcat (26 miles), and Cat at 30 miles).

As mentioned, ours is not a commercial land clearing or rental business with the expected harsh and varied operations or ham-fisted operators. If the machine breaks, it will be more of an expensive inconvenience than a payday lost many miles from home base. That said, for the kind of money any of them will cost, I don't need a fragile creature that I have to baby.

Now, the dilemma, on paper the edge goes to the Terex, but Terex/ASV gets no love from land clearing vets who curse the machine's existence. Most of the bad reputation appears to come from earlier ASV incarnations and primarily with the undercarriage. Is this still the case with the new "G" model PT110's? Have folks been so burned by older ASV's that the newer ones get tarred with the same brush? Is the Terex CTL still made by ASV? In other words, is the reputation deserved in this latest model? Right now the race for me appears to be between the Terex and Cat. If I was doing commercial work with multiple operators I would go with the Cat. But, for what I would spend for the Cat alone, I could get the Terex and have enough left for a mulching head and another attachment or two. Thoughts?

 

[GreensForestryMulching]

Every question you've asked can be answered by reading through threads in this section.

 

[HenRut]

I've searched and found quite a few related threads going back years. Not much specifically on current machines. But, thanks for your generous help.

 

[tonyoz]

What other work do you have for a CTL? How much of your 100+ acres needs to be cleared? Either way is the cost of outlaying those dollars for a CTL and mulcher plus other attachments worth it for such a small block rather than hiring in a machine as and when required? If you get a contractors to quote by the acre you will now straight up the money side of it without all the breakdowns that you most likely never aloud for.:2cents:

 

[HenRut]

Thanks for the reply. We've got about 50+ acres of trees that need thinning/clearing, plus access/fence line road(s) cut, pads leveled for out-buildings, etc. We've got one quote (so far) which has led the owners into looking at purchasing machines (along with an 8 ton excavator). They don't want a slash job and are willing to take their time. When done, the machines will be sold.

 

[ROWmulcher]

If you decide on the terex, I have a low hour pt 110 for sale. No head, possibly could work out a deal on a FAE 150. I won't go into the benefits or which is better, as I run several different brands. But if you do decide on terex I may be able to save you some money.

 

[masalser]

Every question you've asked can be answered by reading through threads in this section.

Not really greensfirestrymulching. I've been following this forum for many years and am always interested in ASV/terex since I own an rc100. I'd be really interested to hear user thoughts on their newest machines and I don't believe much has been posted.

 

[HenRut]

If you decide on the terex, I have a low hour pt 110 for sale. No head, possibly could work out a deal on a FAE 150. I won't go into the benefits or which is better, as I run several different brands. But if you do decide on terex I may be able to save you some money.

After what I've seen on this (and other forums) I must say the Terex isn't looking too good (which is exactly what my search is about). If I do decide to go Terex, I will PM you. Thanks.

 

[HenRut]

Not really greensfirestrymulching. I've been following this forum for many years and am always interested in ASV/terex since I own an rc100. I'd be really interested to hear user thoughts on their newest machines and I don't believe much has been posted.

Ditto, masalser. My post wasn't my first go-round on this forum. My question was based on the fact that there isn't much relevant CURRENT info on the machines I've referenced. Understandable since the website is primarily for small to medium-sized tractors. Yeah, I recognize that some of the more experienced users in the Land Clearing forum may become weirdly annoyed at the questions from (what appears to them to be) lazy noobies, but what's the point of the forum if you can't ask (even asinine) questions... especially if searching doesn't produce the answers? Might be better to simply not answer than to (possibly) intimidate new or timid users not to even participate.

 

[fishfactor]

Service support is important. Hydraulic HP and torque is important. I can't speak for Terex because there is no support in our area so we didn't even consider one, but the CAT 299 XHP significantly outperforms the Bobcat 870, and we were able to get the price of the 299 to within $2,500 of the 870.