New 17" all season tracks for my mustang are $3000, should last at least 1500 hrs. Tires are $250-300 for comparable machine. Might last as long but probably not. To me maintenance cost are a bit higher, but productivity is a lot higher, especially with bush work
Skid Steer - Tracks or Wheels?
- Thread starter Hilbilly
- Start date
- Views: 39515
The decision has been made and I ended up with a 1999 Bobcat 763 with pretty bald tires. Even with the bald tires it's not as bad as I expected but can definitely see where tracks would be much better. There were a few times today, in the bush, that I struggled to get through a small dip or over some roots and I'm positive that with OTT's or a CTL it would have been a non issue.
If I find this was the wrong choice I can either add some OTT's, get new tires or sell this and spend more money for a CTL. I'm still trying to figure out if this is what I really want.
I just about flipped the thing over backwards today. I've had it up on 2 wheels many times but this time I was climbing something a little too steep and had the bucket up a little too far and hit a bump. I could feel it starting to go over and pulled back on the motion levers to save myself. I now travel with the bucket lower.
If I find this was the wrong choice I can either add some OTT's, get new tires or sell this and spend more money for a CTL. I'm still trying to figure out if this is what I really want.
I just about flipped the thing over backwards today. I've had it up on 2 wheels many times but this time I was climbing something a little too steep and had the bucket up a little too far and hit a bump. I could feel it starting to go over and pulled back on the motion levers to save myself. I now travel with the bucket lower.
ovrszd
Epic Contributor
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- Kubota M9540, Ford 3910FWD, Ford 555A, JD2210
You'll have a few of those OMG moments until you get used to it.
I think you'll really enjoy using it once you get accustomed to everything. Then as your technical skills get better you'll figure out whether you need tracks or not.
Congrats on the purchase. Course, no pictures, no purchase.
I think you'll really enjoy using it once you get accustomed to everything. Then as your technical skills get better you'll figure out whether you need tracks or not.
Congrats on the purchase. Course, no pictures, no purchase.
Rustyiron
Super Member
Happy day!
Look onto a good heavy tooth bar or a tooth bucket, you'll wonder why they even make smooth buckets.
Look onto a good heavy tooth bar or a tooth bucket, you'll wonder why they even make smooth buckets.
ovrszd
Epic Contributor
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- Missouri
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- Kubota M9540, Ford 3910FWD, Ford 555A, JD2210
Good looking Cat Hillbilly. Congrats.
Good advice. I bought a used 6' toothed LowPro Bobcat bucket to make my Grapple with. I paid $600 for it. I rarely use my Kubota smooth bucket.
ovrszd
Epic Contributor
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- May 27, 2006
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- Missouri
- Tractor
- Kubota M9540, Ford 3910FWD, Ford 555A, JD2210
I don't know if you have brush/trees to deal with, but if you do, here's another build project. Very, very handy on a SS. You can see what you are doing so much better than on a tractor FEL.
Sprinklerman
Platinum Member
I had a bobcat 753 , wheeled , it worked , but I didnt like it . I used my buddies tracked bobcat , night and day difference . I wanted one , But couldnt justify the price . Sold the 753 and bought a New Holland tractor . I have put more hours on the tractor in 4 months than I did on the bobcat in 3 years .