Track Loader selection guide

[TNdigger]

Ok none of you like my compairables so let me hear your raw input. Here is the criteria. I need a track loader that can perform under the following conditions.
-Transport pallets with 3000+ lbs
-Handle hilly terrain
-This machine will ne used over existing lawn.
-My market is high end residential
-Applications include landscape construction, hardscape construction, and other typical applications. Nothing extreme though.
- Less than 50K US dollars
- Serviceability? Not by trained and certified mechanic.

Machines I have Demoed or Inquired about Include:
Bobcat T 250
Case 440 CT
ASV SR-70
CAT 257b (failed first criteria)
Cat 277

Any and all responses are appreciated. Please explain your selection.

[mrsops]

Ok none of you like my compairables so let me hear your raw input. Here is the criteria. I need a track loader that can perform under the following conditions.
-Transport pallets with 3000+ lbs
-Handle hilly terrain
-This machine will ne used over existing lawn.
-My market is high end residential
-Applications include landscape construction, hardscape construction, and other typical applications. Nothing extreme though.
- Less than 50K US dollars
- Serviceability? Not by trained and certified mechanic.

Machines I have Demoed or Inquired about Include:
Bobcat T 250
Case 440 CT
ASV SR-70
CAT 257b (failed first criteria)
Cat 277

Any and all responses are appreciated. Please explain your selection.

is the t250 more then 50k? how did you like the performance of the t250?

[JDSKIDSTEER]

With or w/o cab?

[bobcat_ron]

Putting the Cat 257 in there was kind of stupid wasn't it??

What about the Takeuchi TL150, it matches very closely to the T250.

[JDSKIDSTEER]

TL150 will blow T250 out of the water. TL140 may do what he wants in his price range.

[TNdigger]

All machines are open cab.
I didn't put the the 257b in the mix. the rep of the your claim to fame said it could handle it. It did not
I have demoed the TL 140 Was not pleased with agilty of controls. maybe just the unit I tested.

Thanks again. Even smart a#$ with the disorder.

[JDSKIDSTEER]

You may not like the vertical lift design, but the Deere CT322 will easily lift 3000 lbs. and should be able to get into for $38,900.00. Sevicablity is great. I have a buddy at Richie tractor that can hook you up with a demo.

[bobcat_ron]

Pssst, can ya wait until August?

[Digdeep]

I think you should look into the ASV SR80. I have seen them lift over 3,000lbs and it has the lowest ground pressure (3.1psi) out of any trackloader that will fit your application. I also know that you should be able to get into it with an open cab for under 50K- I know a guy who did. Some of the other application criteria you have listed fit the bill as well. There is no other machine that will handle hilly terrain like the SR80- it has 71" of track on the ground front to back and the tracks are 20" wide (55% of the machines width is track) but the width is only 72" with a bucket- ASV produced a video that demonstrates it balance and traction- there is even a video on youtube showing it pushing a T250 backwards in th esnow at about 6mph. Lift height 125" to pin, standard high flow- 30gpm load sensing piston pumps, 12.5mph ground speed, 15" ground clearance, pilot controls. I have seen this machine perform lawn installs and operate on turf with very minimal damage. I also think the width is a positive due to some constraints in yards (I know because even my RC50 is tight sometimes). It may be worth a demo.

[stuvecorp]

Digdeep does have some real good points, the amount of track width is scary on those(ASV). It doesn't sound like you are going for a 'production' type skid, that would be more like the Case or TK. I have to look up the width on the Case or others, what is the width of your trailer? The 72" width is big on tight projects. The ASV pilot controls are easy to learn/run also. I personally don't care for the Perkins motors in the ASV's and feel they don't have the fit and finish some of the other brands have.

[Digdeep]

Digdeep does have some real good points, the amount of track width is scary on those(ASV). It doesn't sound like you are going for a 'production' type skid, that would be more like the Case or TK. I have to look up the width on the Case or others, what is the width of your trailer? The 72" width is big on tight projects. The ASV pilot controls are easy to learn/run also. I personally don't care for the Perkins motors in the ASV's and feel they don't have the fit and finish some of the other brands have.

I'm pretty sure that the engine in the SR80 is a Mitsubishi branded by Perkins. I even think I've seen the Mitsubishi name on the engine when I was looking at them at an open house. It's the same engine that CAT's 277,287, and the 297 use-3.3L. The SR70 also uses the same engine as well.

[stuvecorp]

I'm pretty sure that the engine in the SR80 is a Mitsubishi branded by Perkins. I even think I've seen the Mitsubishi name on the engine when I was looking at them at an open house. It's the same engine that CAT's 277,287, and the 297 use-3.3L. The SR70 also uses the same engine as well.

My bad, I assumed that they were all Perkins.

[ksss]

I would demo the 440 CT and see what you think. I found it more powerful than the T140, and it is more compact. They come with pilot controls. The series 3 machine will give you the latest that CASE has to offer.

[LDH]

........................

[stuvecorp]

The 440CT is 72" wide, I thought it was wider.

[TNdigger]

I have not demoed the john deere machine yet.
Trailer is 84" wide.

What is happening in August?

When you refer to 'production'models is that because of their performance or reliability. Or just shear work.

Thanks asgain for you guys info. It is really helpful to get you input

[ksss]

I think Ron is hinting that the CAT CTL will be released. By "production" I believe he is refering to a machine capable of moving a serious amount of material.

[Digdeep]

I think Ron is hinting that the CAT CTL will be released. By "production" I believe he is refering to a machine capable of moving a serious amount of material.

I'm looking forward to seeing these machines. I think someone posted that the smalles machine was going to go for about $60K and I think it will be about 84" wide with a bucket. I don't know if width is going to be an issue for TNdigger but he did say his current trailer is only 84" wide. If it's a deck over it should fit just fine but I've seen 78"-82" machines not fit between the wheel wells of some skid trailers.

[stuvecorp]

I'm looking forward to seeing these machines. I think someone posted that the smaller machine was going to go for about $60K and I think it will be about 84" wide with a bucket. I don't know if width is going to be an issue for TNdigger but he did say his current trailer is only 84" wide. If it's a deck over it should fit just fine but I've seen 78"-82" machines not fit between the wheel wells of some skid trailers.

My view is that they (all manufacturers) are letting the machines get to wide. I suppose part of it is to have stability with the width but I don't want to have to get a deckover trailer and a machine. When I started with our NH that was 66" wide you could get in so many places, with the 440/70xt at 78" I noticed at projects it was much tighter. In my case the Towmaster tilt is limited to 81" between fenders and I don't want to buy another trailer to haul a new skid.

I peeked on Machinery Trader and the 440CT's ball parked around $40,000.

[ksss]

My view is that they (all manufacturers) are letting the machines get to wide. I suppose part of it is to have stability with the width but I don't want to have to get a deckover trailer and a machine. When I started with our NH that was 66" wide you could get in so many places, with the 440/70xt at 78" I noticed at projects it was much tighter. In my case the Towmaster tilt is limited to 81" between fenders and I don't want to buy another trailer to haul a new skid.

I peeked on Machinery Trader and the 440CT's ball parked around $40,000.


I have a Tow Master trailer as well and it is 82" between the wheel wells (I really like the trailer). I have a gooseneck but I hate being forced to only use a certain trailer for a certain machine.

[stuvecorp]

For a skidsteer/mini x size trailer they are so nice, ride smooth. It will last forever. I got it from Cat(their trailer to deliver with), the salesman gave me a good break on it. I would like to move up to a 14,000 pound in a year or two.

[ksss]

For a skidsteer/mini x size trailer they are so nice, ride smooth. It will last forever. I got it from Cat(their trailer to deliver with), the salesman gave me a good break on it. I would like to move up to a 14,000 pound in a year or two.


I have the DT18. It has an 18K capacity and it 20' in length with dove tail. Sweet trailer but for $9K it should be. I have bought cheap before and had to buy twice so I bought what I thought to be the best. So far (three years old this year) I think I did well with it.