Purchase Information

[jmfox]

I worked for years looking back over a 3pt. hitch, and frankly I like the idea going forward. As to workability I believe that attachment options are the key to its good use. I'm looking forward to shearing, clearing, land sculpting, mowing and snow removal. While doing my attachment homework I ran across this option for those who would like to preserve their pto investments: Wide Range Enterprises Inc. - Skid steer loader (Bobcat) 3 point hitch equipment adapter with powered PTO

jmf

 

[panther1400]

jmfox, I found that too and I like that idea better than putting it on the back.

 

[radman1]

The 753 is probably not a good comparison to the toolcat. 753 could lift about 1300-1400 lbs, 4700 lb wt., 43.5 hp, 14.3 gal/min hydraulic. Toolcat beats all of those specs except lift height. 753 up to 109" vs toolcat 84". I believe the 753 was last made in 1999 or 2000. Toolcat cost is much higher than a new 753. Toolcat price is probably near that of a new loaded S250 or 300 which is near the higher end of skidsteers in capacity. However, the toolcat can do a lot of things a S250 can't and can do lighter duty tasks probably better and quicker. It is always a trade off depending upon use.

 

[panther1400]

The toolcat will run with 2000lbs easy all over the yard.

 

[radman1]

I believe you on the 2000 lb lift. I think that is a strong point for the toolcat. Bobcat specs it out at 1500 lb capacity but it certainly will lift more. Can't have too much lift on any loader IMHO.
Have you had time to get your machine dirty yet? Do you use it on a farm, business or personal use? I used my bobcat 873 on our farm and moved brush and dirt last weekend for 4-5 hours. It is a lot of fun. 8000 lb machine, 70+ hp and sometimes I wish I still had more.

 

[UFM82]

The Toolcats previous to the D series ran a solid axle assembly with double-cardan joints at the wheel ends, much like you would see on a large rough terrain forklift. Very heavy duty IMHO. I've never seen a failure on that component.

I am reading this entire thread with some mixed feelings. It definitely makes for some interesting reading.

 

[panther1400]

I believe you on the 2000 lb lift. I think that is a strong point for the toolcat. Bobcat specs it out at 1500 lb capacity but it certainly will lift more. Can't have too much lift on any loader IMHO.
Have you had time to get your machine dirty yet? Do you use it on a farm, business or personal use? I used my bobcat 873 on our farm and moved brush and dirt last weekend for 4-5 hours. It is a lot of fun. 8000 lb machine, 70+ hp and sometimes I wish I still had more.

Little dirty, I use it for all 3. Load pallets of seed and chemical, move and load round bales, dirt and rock work, mowing lawn shortly

 

[jmfox]

Interesting reading and interesting people.

The new D-Series did move the goal posts a little, and a new look is required. My hesitation is that the machine is a reaction to market forces rather than forces of nature. Most of us here know that there is a big difference between a vehicle built for travel, and construction machinery. Trucks and buggies like to play in the dirt but when it comes time to move it, there is nothing like a tractor. It's a stretch for a pickup to plow snow, but for a tractor it's effortless. We all know what would happen if you put the corner of a truck plow in some packed dirt and tried to cut a swale. Bobcat tells me not to worry about the drive train changes, but I'm not yet sure if they're talking about the Toolcat machine or the Toolcat utility vehicle.

jmf

 

[dsb5610]

jmf,

Not sure I share the same concern. In the years I spent farming we pulled fuel tanks, anhydrous ammonia tanks, implements, etc through the fields with 4x4 pickups. There were times running around checking cattle I thought for sure this time it would leave us sitting. Never happened.

The new suspension looks similar to that of an ATV which takes an amazing beating and keeps right on going. The Toolcat suspension is on a larger scale. It remains to be seen if it is enough but if not Bobcat will be on the hook to fix it. My 'A' series had axles replaced.

I'm not sure the new design can withstand as much as the old design but I think it will meet the requirements of what the Toolcat is intended for. If I had to replace bushings every few years in exchange for a much smoother ride I would be all for it.

dsb

 

[jmfox]

dsb5610, what you describe is what I want I'm banking on. However, if you've ever seen the difference between a pickup that was used for plowing and one used for transportation only, you might think otherwise. It may well be that the low speed allows the Toolcat to be set up like a vehicle and work like a tractor.

Your point about the price of comfort is a good one depending on how often it needs to be paid.

My fear is that I will be digging out a 6 foot pine with ball intact in a soggy field, and snap an axle trying to back out of the hole; then, when I take it it up with Bobcat, they will shake their heads and say it can do things like that but as far as the long haul, it really is designed for spraying, mowing and driving in parades.

jmf