Thoughts on Bobcat all wheel steers skid loader.

[4570Man]

In the next year or so I’m hoping to purchase another loader machine. A regular skid steer is too rough on the ground for my likings. I’ve only been on one miniature wheel loader and it was a 5 ton machine so a little bigger than what I want. It just doesn’t have the precise control or visible I felt like I have in a SS. Trading my L3800 for a L45 Kubota wouldn’t be completely out of the question but I already have a full size backhoe so getting a dedicated loader platform makes more sense. I need the ability to load logs and handle pallets and do finish dirt work. I also want to be able to do light work on grass without destroying it which leads me to the bobcat all wheel steer. I’ve never operated one and I’ve only seen one in person at the farm show and I didn’t pay much attention to it then. So if anyone has or used one what’s the consensus?

 

[XSKIER]

Any idea what model wheel loader soured you on the idea? There are dozens of different models, mostly made in Germany regardless of the name on the side.

I've spent a few hours on the A300, and it is definitely a unique ride. It is much smoother turning on concrete and does less damage on grass. You can even switch back and forth from all wheel steer to two wheel steer in high range, to conventional skid steer. They are big in the realm of skid steer world, about 5T, and need the weight to handle a load well. For my uses, an articulated loader is fantastic. The ability to swing your load right or left while stationary is really nice. If you try that in AWS mode on the A300, the tires quickly saw themselves right/left into the earth while you move fore and aft to reposition. You already know the visibility rearward sucks on a skid, so add to it the AWS rear swinging to the outside of the turn, and it's easy to bump into things that you'd thought you'd clear. Articulating wheel loader rear tires have to follow in the front tires path by design. So if you are clear with the fully visible fronts, the rear is clear too.

 

[XSKIER]

I had this little puppy on demo for a week, and no way would I trade it for any skidsteer with any special feature. Ended up that it was about two inches short to place pallets on my mezzanine, so I settled for this german Kabota.

 

[4570Man]

Any idea what model wheel loader soured you on the idea? There are dozens of different models, mostly made in Germany regardless of the name on the side.

I've spent a few hours on the A300, and it is definitely a unique ride. It is much smoother turning on concrete and does less damage on grass. You can even switch back and forth from all wheel steer to two wheel steer in high range, to conventional skid steer. They are big in the realm of skid steer world, about 5T, and need the weight to handle a load well. For my uses, an articulated loader is fantastic. The ability to swing your load right or left while stationary is really nice. If you try that in AWS mode on the A300, the tires quickly saw themselves right/left into the earth while you move fore and aft to reposition. You already know the visibility rearward sucks on a skid, so add to it the AWS rear swinging to the outside of the turn, and it's easy to bump into things that you'd thought you'd clear. Articulating wheel loader rear tires have to follow in the front tires path by design. So if you are clear with the fully visible fronts, the rear is clear too.

It was a Gehl and I’m not really sour on the idea and I still might end up with one but I don’t like them as much as a skid steer. They’re a lot bigger for the same capacity. The visibility isn’t as good. The loader loader arms are out in front of you, not beside you. It’s not as precise of a machine, mostly due to visibility. It’s not as versatile, but you could make most of that up with a skid steer adapter plate. The advantage of the loader is way more ground friendly than a regular skid steer and the big wheels handle rough terrain better. And the loader I was on was 4 wheel steer not articulated. The Gehl I was on was nearly the same size as your Kubota. If I was only loading it would be loader for the clear win, but I’m wanting to assist my backhoe with dirt work as well or do jobs where the backhoe is too big.

 

[XSKIER]

You need my 210C. LOL!

 

[4570Man]

My grandpa has an old case backhoe with a removable backhoe that we just got fixed. It’s got a 4 in one bucket now and I might put a permanent fork grapple on it. It’s a piece of junk but it’s already paid for and I don’t have any money to buy another machine right now. For the small fortune it would cost to convert my 310 backhoe to quick attach, plumb hydraulics and buy attachments it won’t bust I’d be a lot better off with another smaller machine.

 

[XSKIER]

That sounds like a great plan, be sure to post the pics of the transformation.

 

[RickB]

The Kubota R530 comes with a universal SSQA coupler.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I test drove th A300 many years ago. The Deutze engine at the time, gave me a splitting head ache. I liked the idea of no skid marks on turf. The complexity scares me. All the fanciest stuff in the world isn't worth a crap if it fails and gives you grief and costs you money.

I got the R510 and love it. I like the visibility all around and to the bucket edge.

I am not a Big Fan of JCB, although they do make innovative stuff and if I had to buy a SS, it would buy a ROBOT, for the ease of entry and exit.

 

[4570Man]

I’m not a big fan of added complexity either but 2 steering axels shouldn’t be that bad. This probably isn’t a life time machine either. More like use it until it’s worn out and let someone else deal with it.