Track Loader For Residential Use - Am I Insane?

RobertN · Jan 18, 2006

The ASV RC30 is the most "compact" of the track-loaders. I am impressed with what it can do every time I use it.

For what you describe, take a look at the ASV RC50 and the CAT-247. I have used the CAT-247 too. It was an excellent machine. I was in wet conditions where my little Kubota B8200 was getting stuck(similar in size to the TC24, TC29). That CAT on tracks worked incredible.

A couple of notes for when you look at options. I found I liked the joystick control on the RC30 and CAT-247 better than the foot and handle setup I have used in Bobcat machines. I know Bobcat has that option, I just have not used it on thier machines(463, S150, S185)

I will not get another tractor without a 4-in-1 bucket. I had seen them used, but the turning point was when I rented a Bobcat S150 a while back. I got it with the 4:1. It was awesome!

There are 3pt conversion setup for use with a universal skid steer attach. They even come with hydraulic drive for PTO implements.

jim_wilson · Jan 18, 2006

I think Eddie gave a good piece of advice a few replies back - you should try actually using the tractor once you get into the house and see how it works out for you. According to your profile you have a Tach All on the FEL and you have a backhoe on the TC29 so you already have a pretty versatile piece of equipment there. Once you actually start digging you will have a much better idea of whether the tractor will work for you long term or not. Getting something like a skid steer of any type is going to cost a lot more money than what you have invested in the TC29 and not be as versatile as far as attachments go without investing a good amount more $$.

tlbuser · Jan 19, 2006

( ,it cannot use 3pt, pto attachments as well if at all, )

Have you seen these? adapter

Couple different places make them. They look neat and handy, but.....

bmac · Jan 19, 2006

Rox,

Thanks for the link. The Avant looks like a PowerTrack thats been dress up for a night on the town. Pretty sweet.

I agree, the ToolCat is an attractive option.

bmac · Jan 19, 2006

Brian, thanks for the clarification on the ToolCat attachments.

 If you HAVE to have the new C-series Toolcat features, price is no longer your top priority; 

You are right. Kind of. If I had to have a C-series NOW, then I would have to forego savings one can realize with a used machine. But, in a year or so, there might be a nice pre-owned C-series on the market. Of course, I would have missed out on a lot of fun waiting.

 But I repeat once more -- as soon as you have a day or two at the property, arrange a TOOLCAT DEMO from your closest Bobcat dealer WITH attachments like brush grapple, rotary brushcutter, buckets, etc. 

I will. In fact, my local Bobcat sales rep was supposed to call me this week but I haven't yet heard from him. He was out of the office when I called due to a death in the family so I assume he still playing catch-up. The sales guy I did talk to made sure I knew to ask for a 2-3 day demo. Of course, then I was talking about a track loader, but I'm sure the particular item is of no concern. Maybe I'll ask him to bring both. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Thanks, Brian.

jgh · Feb 3, 2006

20060203

Couple late night observations (just saw this after long absence fr TBN):

1- Avant site shows a fool operating one with a hyd breaker with no cab or eye protection. What kind of company is that careless in what they put on the web?

2- Consider the Bobcat A300, all wheel steer and out much longer than the toolcat, maybe found used. The A220 is a lesser machine which I tried out b4 later buying the A300. All SSLs are light in traction (even the tracked ones) compared to, say, my Liebherr 621C (similar to a Cat 953), but much cheaper to maintain and operate as one poster noted. And that's b4 the 20 Ton Eager beaver trailer and Mack dump to move it around with.

And on that Tim the Toolman comment a ways back, oh surely you jest, sir.

(and where can I get the lowest price on the third season dvds, anyone?)

/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Jim

Tigerotor77W · Feb 3, 2006

Out of curiosity, why did you go with the Liebherr? And not a Deere (since it is a Liebherr)? And of course, not the 953?

jgh · Feb 4, 2006

20060203

The Liebherr was an auction purchase. It was in good shape for its age, one owner. I like the pilot/hand controls as opposed to the foot shuffling Cat. Nothing wrong with either, but you can get more for your money in Liebherr. At the time mine was made (1997) there was no JD/Liebherr connection, but it is nice to know I can get parts at the same dealer that sold me my Bobcats, big JD dealer that they are as well.

I thought I'd be using the 621C to build a road in the then near future. May still happen but I am considering selling it for now. 20 T trailer, too.

Jim

Tigerotor77W · Feb 4, 2006

Gotcha. Thanks.

Coyote · Mar 2, 2006

I know this is an old post, if you haven't decided here's my .02. I bought a tractor first, used it for 6 months, had to hire a Bobcat to do some work I couldn't accomplish. Watched him work for 2 hours and was hooked! So I bought a used one and now have both. One can't replace the other, two very different tools for different tasks. BTW I bought a low hour Scat Trak, (Volvo) for $8000, and it's been great!