Which Track loader to choose?

[mrbobcat]

The way a track machine is operated makes all the difference in the world. I've heard of guys replacing tracks on a variety of different branded MTL's within 500hrs

My personal exp. is if the guy in the seat is writing the check every month , the machine just plain out lasts longer than a machine with multiple operators who dont have vested interest in the machine. Ive seen em replaced at 200 hours , all the way to 2000 hours.

Scott

 

[Kendall69]

So do we have a winner yet?
Cat, JD, Komatsu, ASV ??


You guys have some great info, actually I would rather have guys trash, the other guys equipment, because after you sort through all the chaff, there lies some truth and info I would never otherwise hear about - certainly not from a salesman trying to sell you a unit. With all the PC most slaes guys won't trash the others product either so all you ever hear is all the " great" things about a unit . I want to hear the bad things, then I will know what to avoid.

The track input has been great.

I'm also on the fence, going from a tractor to perhaps a skid steer. Skid steers or track steers seem so much more versatile than a tractor.

Cat sales guy told me Friday that Cat had a bad track system, and ASV had a great system so they purchased the company, is that true??

I will be looking at JD this week, problem is no one has any. I do know the Cat guy drove 75 miles to see me,and is offering to pickup the unit and take it back 75 miles for service and bring me a loaner to boot. Hard to resist great service.

 

[Dozernut]

ASV Inc. Press Releases ASVI has no announcement of a Cat take over. Cat did buy some stock (less than 20%) in ASVI about seven years ago but ASVI has been buying the stock back. As far as I know Cat has always used the ASV undercarriage. I would double check on what your salesman tells you.

 

[tlbuser]

So do we have a winner yet?
Skid steers or track steers seem so much more versatile than a tractor.

Hmmm, yes and no,. really depends on too many variables IMO. I really like both, but a big negative to SS types is crawling over the lift arms to get in the seat. JCB has a robot arm which takes that obstacle away, but I'm not a JCB fan so.........Another negative in my experience is trying to use a backhoe on a SS, yuck.
A tracked machine for dirt work - it doesn't get any better
A tractor is "roadable" to a certain extent, I wouldn't even think of trying that with my tracks !
A decent size tractor /TLB with all of the quick attach doodads and extra hydraulic support is pretty awesome too.

MCHALKLEY has about 3000 posts on TBN. He spent alot of time figuring out some of these things and writing pretty detailed discussions on it too. Worth every penny and lost sleep time

 

[candersen10]

Earier in the postings there was an argument about the longevity of the Caterpillar/ASV undercarriage. I currently have a CAT 257 from 2003 with just under 600 hours on it and the track system is completely shot. I never turn the machine aggressively on pavement and it is used almost entirely in mud/dirt conditions with few rocks. Either way you look at it, the track life of the undercarriage on the CAT machines is just not as good for several reasons. 1) the rollers are coated in a rubber/polyeurethane material which wears especially when exposed to any sort of gravel or rock 2) the tracks are only made by ASV and maybe one 3rd party manufacturer so there is little incentive to lower prices. It costs about 3000 dollars for a change out of tracks on a John Deere CT332, compared to 2000 dollars per track on a CAT 257 which has a smaller undercarriage. 3) the actual tracks themselves are not as durable as most others. Earlier in this posting there was an argument over whether John Deere designed its own undercarriage or not, which it hasn't. Yet this is a great thing, not a bad thing, because it means that the parts are easier to get and because Deere uses Bridgestone tracks, they are easier to find a replace. Also, I'd rather have a company that has been making tracks and tires for many years make my tracks than have ASV, a company that has really only been around since the late 80s make my tracks

Ultimately, I think the undercarriage on the CAT's is their most significant fault. I'm getting rid of my CAT 257 and buying a Deere CT332 almost entirely because of this fact, although the 40 percent increase in power, and nearly double tipping load also provides some incentive. I personally would say that at the moment, the Deere CT332 is the best CTL in the business.

 

[Tags]

Earier in the postings there was an argument about the longevity of the Caterpillar/ASV undercarriage. I currently have a CAT 257 from 2003 with just under 600 hours on it and the track system is completely shot. I never turn the machine aggressively on pavement and it is used almost entirely in mud/dirt conditions with few rocks. Either way you look at it, the track life of the undercarriage on the CAT machines is just not as good for several reasons. 1) the rollers are coated in a rubber/polyeurethane material which wears especially when exposed to any sort of gravel or rock 2) the tracks are only made by ASV and maybe one 3rd party manufacturer so there is little incentive to lower prices....

Ultimately, I think the undercarriage on the CAT's is their most significant fault. I'm getting rid of my CAT 257 and buying a Deere CT332 almost entirely because of this fact, although the 40 percent increase in power, and nearly double tipping load also provides some incentive. I personally would say that at the moment, the Deere CT332 is the best CTL in the business.

I do understand what you are saying, 600hrs is not much at all, but do you clean the tracks frequently, which is a PIA, and are they kept at the correct tension, which is also a MAJOR PIA. This undercarriage is not for everyone that is for sure, but this style undercarriage will go further in muddy areas and leave less dammage than any other track machine out there, but in the wrong circumstances it will destroy itself.

Nothing against the Deere, but they need to get with the program, I think they are the only guys left with the old style skid steer controlls. The machine is also incredibly loud. It does have incredible power at the bucket though and I have to agree, the undercarriage will endure much harsher conditions, and the visibility is fantastic. I am by no means a "die hard Cat guy" either, at the time I purchased it, it was the best machine for my needs. If someone had a machine with similar controlls and the same ease of service as the Cat I would buy it, but as of right now , no one does.

 

[tlbuser]

If someone had a machine with similar controlls and the same ease of service as the Cat I would buy it, but as of right now , no one does.

Wasted words. One post to bad mouth Cat and ASV, never to be heard from again. So glad my world has more color in it

 

[Tigerotor77W]

Or the Caterpillar C-series MTLs:

Trade Press: Press Releases & Kits>Press Releases>Europe/Africa/Middle East/CIS

 

[Tags]

From what limited pictures that are there, the MTL's look good, better visibility, the new ASV undercarriage, more breakout force, and a nicer cab design...everything they needed. Glad to see that Africa, Europe, and the Middle East will be the test subjects..good luck fellas...

 

[Kendall69]

ASV has a 1000 hr warranty on it's tracks - that aint chicken feed...

ASV Rubber Track Loaders come with a one-year/unlimited-hour warranty* that covers defects in material or workmanship. Rubber tracks have a separate warranty that provides prorated coverage against defects for two-years or 1,000 operating hours*, whichever occurs first.