Which Track loader to choose?

[barrylndn]

I've only had two machines, neither new...one New Holland, one Cat. Both had tires. When looking at tracked machines, a friend who was a mechanic for years at NH, then DEERE, then NH again said, for our area, don't get tracks. We have extremely rocky soil. According to him, having replaced several of each brand (the NH store carried ASV as well), he had never seen a machine come in w/over 1,000 hrs on a set....and most often were replaced between 600 and 800hrs. I realize that in certain conditions, and with proper care, they may last much longer, but in my neck of the woods, that's not the norm. I trust the man who isn't selling me something.

 

[TMTS]

I get about a 1000 hrs out my ASV tracks (on the 4810- about 3400 hrs total)

Tracks are expensive to maintain, but its a trade off worth making for the machine as a whole is just about perfect for what I do- good ground clearance, excellent hydraulic output, reliable CAT/Perkins motor, and the low ground pressure.

I have had some electrical/neutral safety switch issues with my 4810- also several front wheel mis-alignment issues b/c the plate that holds on the front axle is not strong enough to take the weight of the Dymax shear and mulcher I put on the loader. I think the RC100s have a better front axle configuration...

But for me the thing that sells me on the ASV is the customer service. I bought my machine from the CAT dealer (back when CAT sold ASVs) and they could give a hoot about my machine (sort of like a step-child I guess) So I call ASV directly and Tim, Buck or one of the guys I get in Service are excellent...

-tmts

 

[rutwad]

I am looking for input on track loaders. I currently have an RC-60 ASV, and will be upgrading. We are comparing the ASV SR-70, the John Deere CT332, and the Cat 287B. If anyone has any input, I would appreciate it.

Dave in Buffalo NY

I probably overlooked it, but for what applications will you be using the machine?

 

[Digdeep]

The SR70, JD CT332 and CAT 287 are three different animals. The SR70 has an ROC of around 2,750lbs while both the CT332 and 287 ore both well over 3,000lbs (closer to 4,000lbs). I would probably compare the RC100 to both of those models and probably even throw in the new CAT 297C. Like rutwad stated, what is the primary application you will be doing?

 

[Tri-Cut]

I have a 297C I use primarily for mulching. I bought the Cat for several reasons the dealer in my area has an excellent reputation. The two ASV dealers don't. I was not impressed with the 332 for my application no suspension, no pressurized cab , the door had a 1/2" gap in one place not good for mulching. I didn't like the overhead door. The 332 did have good power. I like the 297C, the RC-100 is also a good machine.

 

[Terra Firma Scott]

WELCOME TRI CUT!

How do you like the new 297C? You are the first person on here I know of actually using one...DROOL.....Especially for mulching...Do fill us in ..I would like to step up to that machine soon...Pros and Cons what can you tell us.?..Power,Dust,Tracks,Suspension/undercarriage,Maintanance,etc......

 

[TMTS]

I saw that the 297C has a pressurized cab...I wish ASV would have a pressurized cab as an option on the RC-100...would make it easier to compare the RC-100 to the Fecon/Rayco FTX-100s. I spoke with someone at ASV and they could neither confirm or deny that they were working on a pressurized cab- but they did mention that some dealers in Australia are retro fitting ASV's with pressurizing kits. I have no idea how difficult or costly it might be, but it would sure be a nice option for many of the folks who mulch with the bigger ASVs

-TMTS

 

[buffalohunter]

Nobody has mentioned it but I have Bobcat T-300, it has been an excellent machine. I am a maintenance freak so it never goes without being cleaned or serviced. I got about 1200 hours on the first set of tracks digging foundations for houses. I thought that was good but it is the first Bobcat I have ever owned so I am kind of a rookie with this machine. Just my opinion.

 

[jmfox]

Nobody has mentioned it but I have Bobcat T-300, it has been an excellent machine. I am a maintenance freak so it never goes without being cleaned or serviced. I got about 1200 hours on the first set of tracks digging foundations for houses. I thought that was good but it is the first Bobcat I have ever owned so I am kind of a rookie with this machine. Just my opinion.

What attachment did you use to dig the foundations?

jmf

 

[Johndeere3720]

Ive run the CT332 but it was an open cab. with open cab, the higher the trottle goes, the quieter it gets. Very nice CTL. I had fun at the dealer with it and spun around in their perfectly smooth gravel. I really likeed doing that, if only bobcat had a gravel lot instead of pavement.