New Holland Vs Bobcat Questions

[Tigerotor77W]

No loader -- except for Deere and Gehl/Mustang's largest two -- will ever match NH's stability unless every single loader decides to go to low-slung loader arms with no frame towers.

Certain Bobcat loaders can go up a ramp on a trailer with no bucket and without tipping backwards.

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

Your mention of a gooseneck trailer reminds me of my last experience with a Bobcat. Last fall, I drove a Deere 325 and a Bobcat S160 back-to-back. Both machines were brand-new. I had to drive each loader up a rather steep, 4-foot bank from a parking lot onto a level grassy area. Neither machine had an attachment on the quick attach plate.

I hopped in the Deere and moved it up the bank to the desired spot...no problem. Without thinking and being used to my New Holland, I attempted to do the same thing in the Bobcat...key word 'attempted'. I nearly sat the brand-new Bobcat on its tail! Scared me silly and I turned as white as the Bobcat's paint! Somehow, I got the Bobcat to settle down on all four wheels and managed to slowly back down the bank. Then, I spun around and backed the Bobcat up the bank.

Hey, I am not picking on Bobcats. Bobcat has a better enclosed cab, a wider variety of attachments, better dealer/company support in many regions of the country, and are the market share leader in skid steer loaders.

But, I prefer my New Holland.

 

[Tigerotor77W]

*I'm not trying to pick fights here. If there is something odd about a comparison, I'll mention it. But honestly, I am not trying to tick people off by slandering their machines. It is my belief that skid steers are pretty standard these days... an operator who loves his Cat will be just as one who loves her Bobcat as one who loves a Case... etc. When comparing certain items, however, there are advantages of certain manufacturers to others.

In defense of a weaker product as it is in that size class, do note that comparing a 325 and a S160 isn't a true apple-to-apples comparison... the 325 is in an entirely different size class. (Remember that it's the old Deere 260, which had 2200 pounds of lift then, 2500 now! That's considerably more than the S160.)

I'm not arguing that the smaller Bobcats are a "little" behind the times. The 763 platform, with its poor 40.6" wheelbase, has been around since 1993. It's time for Bobcat to pay attention to the mid-size guys and the S300 and revamp both. The S300 isn't much better than a S250; the S150-S205 (seven models, including track machines!) frame needs to have a longer wheelbase accomodation. But take a 325 against the S250? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[UALSUX]

Thank you all for your comments. Im leaning towards the new holland machine, one reason being my local Bobcat dealer has a bad reputaion here and will not warranty any used machine thats out of a factory warranty. No idea how they do used equipment business like that.

I do have 1 more question about the New Holland engines. The sales rep tells me the engine is made by New Holland which I find hard to belive. I think its a Ford design licensed to New Holland. The mechanics in the shop at the dealership tell me no its a Jap engine. I contacted New Hollands customer service via email and they tell me its a New Holland engine. I ask them ok where is the factory that manufactures them? No idea, I only know what the computer in front of me says. Maybe they made on mars imported by the japs and marketed by the Russians in Siberia lol.

I cant believe theirs so much confusion from a major worldwide manufacturer of construction equipment. Maybe it says made in Taiwan on the valve covers somewhere lol.

Does anyone out there know EXACTLY who designs, and manufactures the engine and exactly what state if USA their made at? I also would love a phone number of the plant to confirm that they are made where they say their made and actually would like to take a tour of their factory.

Thank you all for your assistance. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[whitetiger]

Some of the engines are Shibaura and some are New Holland. The skidsteers are built at a plant in Wichita Kansas. Both the New Holland and Case loaders are built there. What size are you looking at?

 

[whitetiger]

Ok, I went back and looked after I posted, you are looking at a LS170. The engine used in this loader is a Shibaura engine produced in Japan. It is the same company that supplys New Holland and Case with compact tractors and has for 30 years or so. It is a very smooth running, trouble free engine.

 

[senator1]

I have never owned or operated a Skidsteer but am in the market for one and have been reading as much as I can on this forum and others to learn as much as I can before purchasing one. I am looking at the New Holland L170 and Bobcat S160 or S175 used machines with low hours about 300 to 600 hours. The other Manufacturers are just too far for me to go to.

I will be doing mostly post holes for split rail fences, front loader dirt work,demolition of blacktop and concrete and possibly back hoe work. I live in the mountains of Colorado and mud or manicured lawns are not an issue here. The soil is basically decomposed granite,very hard and lots of Granite rock even in wide open meadows which look "soft" on the surface.

My question is basically which of the 2 machines is better for mechanical reliability because the New Holland is basically a nightmare to pop up the cab if the machine is dead. Dealer told me about 2 hours which I personally thought is absurd. The bobcat opens up in like 5 minutes just 2 nuts to be removed. I plan on doing as much of the required maintenance on my own since I worked on Commercial Jets for 30 years but hate to think of opening up that New Holland Cab.

I would appreciate some info from people that have actually owned and operated a New Holland and how reliable these machines are. I actually like the New Holland machines longer wheel base since stability will be a major factor on the terrain I live by and the vertical lift design. Plus my local Bobcat dealer will not give any kind of a warranty on a used machine which I think is a terrible way to do business. New Holland will give 90 days which is better than nothing.

Please im not looking for the Chevy vs Ford debate just pure actual personal ownership mechanical reliability experiences on both machines.

Thank you in advance

Hey, It is a tough call. Many people have there personal preference on the topic of which machine is better. I personally like my New Holland. The controls are much easier (for me )to use. I had a bobcat when I first started my business in 1990. It was a great machine and worked fine, with low maint. and very little down time. I purchased my NH in 1995 have had to do my routine maint. and tires. I did recently put a new starter on it. It is just a matter of opinion if you ask me. I feel both have good resale and both if maintained well should give great service for many years. We live in atlanta Ga. so parts and maint. were never a issue with either machine. Just to let you know I did sellmy bobcat for what I paid for it.

 

[dgodrummer]

new member here also searching for my first skid steer (down in Durango CO). so it's been some time since you've must've bought one. what'd you get? thoughts? I'm looking at a Deere 240 (checking serial soon to see if it's s series II). guy will deliver and sell me cheap a grabble bucket for loading my logs on the mill.