Cat 247b Snow removal *let the games begin*

[BigDigger]

Hi there,

Well, I thought I would get some feedback from users of this little machine (yes KSSS I know it ain't power tan and under powered and all:laugh:)

But I am just wondering what you think of it for Snow removal, Final Grade and even rough grade?

Also it's not the B2 version so it's not the highest of the standard flows out there, but is it still functional for post hole augers, tree augers, maybe even a small tree spade?

Also the largest Snow Bucket and Snow Pusher you would put on it.

Bobcat_Ron I humbly defer to your knowledge in this so anything you can add would be welcome, also any other users out there.

Reason I ask? ::: I have the opportunity to pick one up on a 30k Cdn, 400hrs total 10 hrs on a new engine...replaced under warranty by cat, so it has fresh engine warranty as well. Interior and exterior are pretty much perfect. AC HEAT CAB Loaded with available options. NO 2 speed, but I think it's average speed is a hair faster than the 2 speed jobbers.

Impetus for doing this? Perfect snow removal sub machine!!! It burns half the fuel of the 297C I am looking at, and no matter how much machine you have the sub rate is the same so my cost of operating goes down approx 7-8 dollars an hour over the above machine, need less trailer, should be good for topsoil work in the summer though the main reason for THIS machine is snow removal. With that in mind, this would be a little bit like a winter toy because of the seasonal nature of my regular work, this would fit perfectly.

I am still looking into the 297c, but I think I will hold off on that until a later date, besides it can't hurt to see how CAT may improve the ASV undercarriage for the heavier machines.

Just a little personal history, My Wife and I just sold our business Dec 31st 2008....good timing, we owned it for 9 years and was a 22k Square foot Antique Store. I have always done other things on the side, such as skid steer work for friends and in past jobs. Heavy equipment operating, etc. (Commercial Pilot) So while I am in the process of starting another business right now, I am far too ADD to not get into snow removal....besides what am I going to do at night...sleep? h*ll no.

So, now you know why I am looking at a machine like this. I just need it to do a couple things well. It's a nice entry point machine wise and of course, depending on how much business I pick up subbing for friends etc, I may pick up the 297c, but as I said, there would be no need for a while.

Price wise I think it's very good, I find machines in this price point with approx 3 times the hours on the meter, so I feel pretty good to get a 800hr bonus for the money.

OK, too long a post, but let me have it I ain't scared.:drinkup::canadaflag:

[Scag48]

Welcome aboard. Question though, why a track machine? Your needs don't sound like you require tracks. Myself personally wouldn't consider a tracked machine if it's main purpose was snow removal. I don't understand your reasoning for rates as a sub. If you have a larger machine, the hourly rate if you choose to bill yourself out that way should be higher, simple as that. If the contractor you're working for doesn't see it that way, I'd work for someone else. Just my .02. Lots of knowledge here, plenty of brains to pick when it comes to iron. Bring on the questions!

[stuvecorp]

I am from the school of no tracked machines should be plowing, have always plowed with two speed wheel skids. I also would not plow with a skid unless it's a two speed. It depends how much you are plowing to how much you do in the summer but if you are comfortable with the machine and fits your requirements, make it so. There are some guys on here that do plow with tracked machines and seem happy.

[BigDigger]

I forgot to mention it's a 2007 model. Just so I am clear, was the B2 version sold at the same time as the B version? for instance did they still sell the B in 2007? or did it become the B2 automatically?

I just want to reiterate that this machine will not be seeing very hard use.

Oh, is it decent for slope climbs and is it strong enough for digging into a sod covered yard? I can't tell right now because the ground is more solid than Dolph Lundgrens right peck (your left). ;)

:laugh::laugh:

http://nico1980.unblog.fr/files/2008/11/dl.jpg

:hammerhead:

Cheers :waving:

[stuvecorp]

A lot of it is what is your idea of snow removal? I think in big commercial lots or 'acres' and you may be doing drives, so it depends.

[BigDigger]

Welcome aboard. Question though, why a track machine? Your needs don't sound like you require tracks. Myself personally wouldn't consider a tracked machine if it's main purpose was snow removal. I don't understand your reasoning for rates as a sub. If you have a larger machine, the hourly rate if you choose to bill yourself out that way should be higher, simple as that. If the contractor you're working for doesn't see it that way, I'd work for someone else. Just my .02. Lots of knowledge here, plenty of brains to pick when it comes to iron. Bring on the questions!

I see your point. The sub is 80$ per hour, bring your machine. No diff if it's a 297c or the 247b

One of the reasons for the tracks is for a softer touch in final grade, the fact that this track system seems to work really well with our dry snow *1 in 10 years you get a heavy wet dump* and because it's a smaller machine, I can do some residential etc, without messing up the grass. Also we have mud, lots of it. Clay soil. I also prefer the hill climbing ability. The tracked machines I used in winter I loved. That's why I have a soft spot for them, granted I wasn't paying for them either. The slippery surface is VERY easy on the tracks however, should help extend them somewhat.

The wheeled machines I am finding that have more hours, cost the same or more, this is a really decent price for a machine of this vintage.

It's not perfect logic, but you get where I am going I think. I should mention that locally many of the residential grade guys are using tracked machines, albeit smaller ones such as the ASV RC30, but it works, would also be nice for rock placement on existing lawns etc. Again thought, much of the use it will see will be in winter. The track machines are pretty good for stacking snow *driving up the pile* and that can be a bonus. certainly not critical.

[BigDigger]

A lot of it is what is your idea of snow removal? I think in big commercial lots or 'acres' and you may be doing drives, so it depends.

Yup it would be for larger commercial lots. just a big pusher and go. But I should be clear I would be one of several units working on a site.

[Scag48]

I will point out that just because someone else is doing something doesn't necessarily mean you should. Grading can be done with a wheeled machine just fine and I still don't see the appeal for a track machine pushing snow. I will agree it can be done, but a 2 speed wheeled machine will blow the doors off a tracked machine in lots. Wheeled skids the same size as a 247 more money? No way. $30K will get you a brand new 226BII if you do it right and that's the same machine, 247 will lift more due to the tracks but the powerplant is the same.

I don't understand the $80 an hour thing either. Obviously that isn't something you created, but it sounds like subbing for some of your GC's is a no money situation. Like I said, showing up with a bigger machine to get done faster you should be compensated for such. If that's how the GC's are going to roll out there, I definately suggest a wheeled machine for lower operating costs when compared to tracks.

Just some things to think about. It's a real bad time to be getting into the biz, even the boys who have been around a while are feeling the hurt. For a guy to survive in times like this, operating costs need to streamlined.

[BigDigger]

OK, that is good advice.

Let me do some more looking into wheeled machines.

Bobcat Ron any thoughts on any of this as a user?

[Scag48]

Oh yeah, almost forgot. If you're doing lots of slope climbing, the tracked machines are good for that. The reason I say look at a wheeled skid is that you said it's main purpose is snow plowing. However, the tracked units will climb decently. I ran a 257BII for a good day at the training grounds last spring, I cut and regraded a 2:1 pretty easy with it. The slope I was cutting had a nice toe, so it went from no slope to 2:1. The top was much of the same, 2:1 to bench. I even came in from the top to see how it'd do on the way down. The 257B/257BII is by no means a real powerhouse machine and I was able to get it do more than I would have though, I attribute a fair amount of the to the undercarriage design. This is where suspended undercarriages really womp rigid carriages. The carriage will allow more track to stay on the ground, allowing better traction.

[stuvecorp]

I am sure people get sick of my VTS propaganda but this is one of the driving ideas behind it for me. I use to make way more money in the winter doing plowing and sweeping. The bad is the VTS is likely way bigger than you are looking at. I get your idea on bringing a cheaper and smaller skid if you can get the same money per hour(might run a RC30:laugh:). I wanted a machine to earn it's keep and contain costs as much as possible, this worked well for me but everyone is different and just want to give you different thoughts.

[BigDigger]

Hey, that is good info stuvecorp. So tracks have worked well for someone. Are those VTS tracks very tough? I am giving you permission to wax poetic about them....so have at her. :)

[oakhillslandscaping]

your best sized pusher is gonna be 8ft at 10ft your gonna have a lot more issues do to weight all skids push an 8ft better. i bet that machine will do fine looks like your gonna use it for light landscape work and thats a decent sized skid and as long as its a long reach youll be able to hit a 10 wheeler for dirt and snow removal

[J. Peterson Grading]

I plow with track machines. I don't have any problems. EVER!!!!!!!

J.

[talus]

Well J.,thats because you have impeccable taste in equipment. :clapping: I'm trying to get a friend to sign up to lawnsite. He has an SR 80 also. He's got around 1000 hours on it. I want him to post pics of the u/c to shut up all the ASV u/c haters.

[all ferris]

From what I hear, a 247 couldn't beat it's way out of a wet paper bag. If you put a snow pusher on it you will want more power. Snow gets heavy when you 're using a pusher.

[bobcat_ron]

Grab it, it's a deal, brand new they are $50-$53,000 range, mine was priced out at $55,000 with extra options, it's a steal, turn up the injector pump a bit more and go.
An 8 foot pusher is the biggest you could put on it, but it's taking a chance, the machine will spin out PDQ.

[oakhillslandscaping]

as far as tracks are concerned ice is your only problem but it is no matter if you tracks or not sometimes with tires you get lucky with an pressure on a bare spot

[BigDigger]

Thanks for all the feedback, yeah it seems like a good deal.

Summer will see top soil, grading, winter will be edge clearing. This machine is perfect for that.

What is funny though is that while it's not the most powerful, it's amazing to push it through 50' of snow 2' deep and it just goes on through without and issue or getting hung up. Try that with a wheeled machine.

I know this thing ain't perfect but at this price I can put a thousand hours on it and still get a buck for it at the end. Something to consider.

Cheers

[ccstrebe]

After owning three wheeled machines and two tracked machines, you couldn't pay me to own a wheeled machine again.

[BigDigger]

what kind of wear can I expect to see on tracks etc from a winter of owner operator use? I assume it's pretty easy on them, but some of you might know otherwise.

Cheers

[bobcat_ron]

what kind of wear can I expect to see on tracks etc from a winter of owner operator use? I assume it's pretty easy on them, but some of you might know otherwise.

Cheers

You still have to make 3 point turns and slow turns for general direction changes, but if you know its straight ice under your tracks, go nuts.

[BigDigger]

Well, I suppose I should tell you that I am as yet undecided. I have a couple days to think about it, but I am looking at the 246C and the JCB1011 as options since they are not much more and would push a bigger bucket, have more juice, and are new...at least in the instance of the JCB

hmmmm I am confused...

[bobcat_ron]

Stay with Cat, JCB is weak and poorly balanced, and they are very costly to repair.

[ksss]

[QUOTE=bobcat_ron;2829320]Stay with Cat, JCB is weak and poorly balanced, and they are very costly to repair.[/QUOTE

You almost have it Ron: Go with CASE, CAT is weak and very costly to repair.:laugh:

[Scag48]

I'd stay away from JCB all together, they just aren't a good choice in North America for service, let alone their average performance, there are much better choices avaiable IMO.

Not trying to bust your balls man, but you really don't know what you need and that's a bad position to be in. Like I said, not trying to bring you down whatsoever, that is never my intent in my posts and I wish you the best of luck in your endeavour. I am, however, just making you aware of your options and what's at stake when purchasing. You really, and I mean seriously, need to know exactly what you need if you're getting in business right now unless you have a bank full of cash and it really doesn't matter. If that's the case, more than half of us would be doing something else :laugh:.

If you can swing new, that's cool, there may be some deals, but I have found more value in very low hour units, much like the 247B you found. Let someone else take the initial depreciation hit, much like a car, and grab a 20-150 hour machine for about 30% off the new price. Those deals are out there, that 247B was a decent deal no doubt, but it's only a deal if it's the right machine for you. Buying the wrong machine for the job and trying to make it work just because it was a steal rarely works out, I shouldn't say never, but I don't recommend it.

My advice from here is to really sit down and decide what your needs are. From what it sounds like, you'll be doing snowplowing mainly with grading in the summer. In my eyes, you do not absolutely need a track machine. You could buy one and use it for plowing, no doubt, but it's not the most cost effective machine for that job. To top it all off, if all you're going to get is $80 an hour as a sub regardless of machine, I'd damn well buy a wheeled machine. If someone isn't going to compensate you for getting done faster by paying you more per hour for a larger machine, screw them, buy something small and run it.

[dozerman21]

I say if you're still a commercial pilot then get whatever the hell you want!:drinkup: Pretty good coin in that gig.

[BigDigger]

I am still a commercial pilot, not actively flying.

This machine will be mostly for winter use.

I have come a long way in really deciding what is important...example deciding that the 297C while nice is too much for what I need.

I am focusing on Med frame now. I totally agree, I don't need too much machine for this work, it will be a lot of edge cutting and backdragging. So I don't need a monster, but I want something big enough to push a nice snow bucket.

The 247b is a nice option because of price, and the tracks work good in our powdery snow, but I totally agree, if I don't need them, best to avoid that cost, it will save me approx 4-5 bucks an hour based on 1000hr track maint, assuming I don't need to replace them at 1000hrs but at 1500hrs or so.

Re the used machine, I totally agree again. I am looking for something in the 200-300 hr range. seems to be a good bang for the buck on wheeled machines, but makes me nervous on tracks.

After actually doing some subwork on a buddies machine last night it quickly snapped into focus what I really need so I think the Med frame is the way to go.

I only considered the JCB because *while it't not perfect for me* it is 43k cdn with extended warranty and buckets. Same machine with todays exchange....well you can do the math, so it represents a good value on a 0 time machine, Our local JCB dealer is actually really big. So I am not worried about that at all. but I hear you on the unit....it's just odd ball in some ways. While the power is nice, seems like it will only cost me money on gas.

I am starting an unrelated business, but for the winter this will be my baby, so I want it to be a good one. I agree that I have been a bit all over the place around here, but now that I have slowed down and thought about this for 2 seconds I am realizing I don't need as much machine as first thought, and that there will be little advantage to having such a large machine.


Tell me this.

If I can get a 2008 246c for 40-43k cdn, vs the 32k 2007 247b would the 246C not be a less costly machine to run over the long term?

Re the Case, my Hammer/case dealer has ZERO units with cat style pilot controls, it's what I learned on....I just can't do the H pattern. So I am somewhat out of luck there.

again thanks for the feedback. I welcome all criticism good or bad....so far it's been all good though. I am not the sensitive type ;)

[stuvecorp]

Disclaimer: I like Case and know more about them so that's why I bring it up, ignore if you like.:) I haven't heard of too many out there but wonder how a Case 420 with VTS would work? Run the VTS in the summer when grading and then put the tires back on for snow plowing. If there would be one with the Cat controls that might work from what you mentioned. It is a smaller machine and does have two speed option for plowing. Don't blame you for wanting to stay with the control style you learned on. I have the 440/70XT size with the VTS and it is kinda a big 'feeling' machine(with VTS is approx. 10,000 pounds) and can probably get by with a 78" bucket(mine is 80"). It sounds like you aren't going to treat your skid like a dozer so makes sense to downsize.

As for the VTS, I like the ride with them on and think they are as close to the Cat/ASV type ride as you can get. I tried the dedicated track machine and did not like the ride. The plus with the VTS is you are not putting extra hours on your undercarriage so that 80 an hour should go further. The VTS does give you extra lifting performance. The bad with the VTS, if you get a new one they can be expensive, can make your machine wider and heavier, for some if you are 'rammy' there could be power train issues but haven't heard owner operators having those problems.

The big thing is to take your time, explore different machines and crunch the numbers.

[BigDigger]

Regardless of your un-abashed love of Power Tan Ksss I do respect your opinion, while you are a fan boy through and through, you at least speak sense, even on the most general non machine specific stuff you talk sense. Same with Bobcat Ron. You guys have been great.....and Scag, same thing, you have been a great help.

Well keep it coming.

[BigDigger]

Hi there,

I have narrowed it down to the 2007 Cat 247b and the 2008 Cat 246C both with similar hours 385 or so.

Any opinions?

The only thing holding me back from going with the 246C is that the 247B will come with a bunch of work. The 246C I am on my own, which I am fine with.

I love the ride and float of that damn ASV track system. The 247B is about 8k cheaper so that would buy me my undercarriage repairs, and that is a consideration. I suppose resale will be better on the 246C.

Great little 246C that I love everything about except the ride

or...

Great little 247b that everyone hates, but would do everything I need it to, and also has the ride to go with it...as well as some work.

Winter for both machines will see me working non stop.

I am sure some of you are dumbfounded that I am still looking at the 247b, but it's a good little machine, and seriously does what I need it to and will be fantastic for final grade/topsoil etc. the 246C is newer, better technology (presumably) more power, more lifting capacity, more hydrolic flow (though I doubt that will be an issue in either case) also has the sexy cab. Just hate the bouncy ride (in comparison) to the track machine, and the 247b doesn't have much travel to speak of either.

It's not that the 246C has a minus against it, it's just missing a plus. it would also be missing undercarriage costs....except for tires, being more expensive of a machine that still adds up though.

I just need some clarity to pull the trigger, these will both do the job, I don't have much topsoil experience, but how do the wheel jobbers do with it?

Cheeeeeeeers

T-Bone

[all ferris]

Buy both of them and your problem is solved.:drinkup: I really think if you're going to be serious about pushing snow with your machine you will want more power and a heavier machine than what you are looking at. There is a company in Chicago (Arctic snow and ice - look them up), all they do is snow removal and apparently lots of it. They use Cat wheel machines for pushing snow but I'm not sure of the size machine. What are the hp ratings on the 2 machines you are looking at and how much do they weigh?

[bobcat_ron]

It's a 20 hp difference between the 246 and 247, put a VTS on the 246 and you will have more pushing power than the 247, but no near the floatation. I still like the 247 better, it's narrower.

[BigDigger]

THanks for the replys.

They are both 66inches wide. I believe. So they are the same width.

[BigDigger]

BTW I noticed when using the 247 that the arms seemed flexier....or maybe a hair tweaked....though it's not an issue as he will fix any and all problems before handing it over...the Cat dealer will do the work so I think I am safe.

[BigDigger]

are the differences between the B version and B2 significant enough? do they affect reliability? is it a deal breaker?

[ksss]

It's a 20 hp difference between the 246 and 247, put a VTS on the 246 and you will have more pushing power than the 247, but no near the floatation. I still like the 247 better, it's narrower.


I am will to bet that the psi per square inch of track would not be far off, assuming an 18 inch track on the VTS.

The 246 when compared to the 247 is capable of a lot more work (not so impressive when compared to other machines in its ROC class), but the 247 is a miminalist machine. Meaning it has poor lifting performance, very poor aux. hyd performance and no power. However like the man said if it does all that you need it to both now and in the future (thats a big part of the decision is what you may need from a machine further down the road). Then I would say get the 247, I think thats what the man really wants anyway. If you will need more performance out of the machine, then the 246 is the better choice. You can VTS the machine for under 10K, you get better machine performance all the way around over the 247, but you can't duplicate the ride of the MTL (of course on the plus side, you cant get any more fragile either). Personally if someone put a gun to my head and forced one of the two options I would take the gunshot to the forehead (kidding....sorta). I would go with the 246C and plan on finding a VTS for it. It allows more options, better performance, better resale, and a better cab.

[Scag48]

I think you really need to decide what size class you want, then figure out tracks or no tracks, then figure out what brand. Just my .02. The 247, while it has tracks, will get stomped by a 246, they are two very dfferent sized machines. Right now you're deciding on the machine based on price it seems. Like I said before, great deal on that 247, but it is a smaller machine and the deal only makes sense if it's big enough for you. Do not get hung up on the "this machine will cost me $10K less than my other option therefore I can afford to throw an undercarriage at it". That is not the way to go about it. Money is money, save it wherever you possibly can but don't sacrifice performance, reliability, and resale when it comes to purchasing. If you were considering a 226 or a 247, this would be a no brainer, the 247 hands down. However, you're considering a much larger, more capable wheeled machine thrown against the 247. Keep in mind that just because it (247) has tracks doesn't mean it will perform as well as a 246 will in most situations.

[westcoh]

I think you've gotta take a look at exactly what kinda work you're gonna be doing, and then decide if the extra costs associated with a tracked machine are gonna be worthwhile.
I think I saw you post earlier that your from Edmonton, and if your gonna be doing alot of final grading around all the new houses with the tiny yards, the size of the 247 and tracks will be a major advantage. Speaking from experience, a wheeled machine will make ruts along the side of the house in all the soft clay around the foundation when your just barely squeezing between the two houses bringing topsoil to the back yard. That being said, I do a fair amount of final grading each year with my skid, and by the time I'm done you'd never be able to tell if it was done by a wheel or tracked machine. In the winter too, those tracks are just costing you extra money compared to a wheeled skid.
It sounds like your set on that 247, and looking to hear that it's the better choice. If you can live with the higher costs of a mtl I'd say go for it and be happy with your purchase.

[BigDigger]

Thanks all for the replys.

OK, I suppose I brought up price, so I deserved that, but in reality, the cost doesn't matter, but I am weighting cost towards the over all value of the machine
I feel drawn to the 246C in many ways, I don't even have my heart set on either one. Seriously I can't decide, Both versatile in their own way, at the end of the day about the same cost, factoring in under carriage of course. Like Ksss said though, the 246C is a more capable machine vs the 247b. The 247B is just enough machine, but there is no extra left in that tank...but the tracks are nice.

I shouldn't say that I can't decide, I am going down to Calgary finning to look at the 246C on friday. Likely cut a cheque then and there if it's in as good a shape as the photos suggest.

KSSS I am actually asking! Why don't you feel the 246C stands up in it's ROC class?. I just need it to do more than the 247b, and it will, but is it really so bad? have at her!!

Again, thanks for the help, I don't usually agonize over a purchase...it's just not in my DNA but these two confuse me. No one can make the decision for me and that's not what I am asking for, but the input has been excellent. So thanks to all.

[Scag48]

The 246C is not the best performer in its class. I'm a Cat guy, I support the skid steer line but I never have liked Cat's larger skid steers. I know from a performance standpoint it won't be the best out there. With that said, I don't think it's the worst, either. Performance alone should not justify what machine you buy. Service is first, specific features/reliability/resale second, performance third, price last. At the end of the day, you could have the best performing machine, but if you can't get parts for it and it's sitting, who's making more money at the end of the month? The dude with the slower, but still running machine. Some just don't understand that and sacrifice dealer support for the most balls to the wall machine for their application.

KSSS just loves that power tan so much he just can't get away from it. He'd be leaving a fire trail running from power tan if he ever had the need for a mid size wheel loader, but that's a whole other adventure. :laugh:

[ksss]

The 246C is not the best performer in its class. I'm a Cat guy, I support the skid steer line but I never have liked Cat's larger skid steers. I know from a performance standpoint it won't be the best out there. With that said, I don't think it's the worst, either. Performance alone should not justify what machine you buy. Service is first, specific features/reliability/resale second, performance third, price last. At the end of the day, you could have the best performing machine, but if you can't get parts for it and it's sitting, who's making more money at the end of the month? The dude with the slower, but still running machine. Some just don't understand that and sacrifice dealer support for the most balls to the wall machine for their application.

KSSS just loves that power tan so much he just can't get away from it. He'd be leaving a fire trail running from power tan if he ever had the need for a mid size wheel loader, but that's a whole other adventure. :laugh:


Well I like the CASE wheel loaders as well. The 621 and 721 are excellent wheel loaders. Don't own one but rent them as needed.

The 246C is not the best performing machine in its ROC class, it is stronger than the 247 by a long shot which is what is most important to you in this decision. The 246 will be wider with VTS tracks than the 247 is, that maybe an issue for you. If you an get by with that issue, I say go with the 246. I think you would like be more happy over the longer term of ownership, than with the MTL. At some point you will have to have the tracks worked on and at some point you will need to trade it or sell it off and those will be low points in your ownership experience. The 246 with the VTS will make you a much happier camper overall I would predict, as long as the width isn't an issue.


I must diverge from Scag somewhat. Performance means a lot to me, I am lucky I guess that I can get it all in a proper mix. Performance, reliability are the big issues with me. Dealer support and price are not on the top. I believe that you bought the machine to get whatever you need done, not to have it serviced. So it has to be nearly the best at whatever task that I need it to do, I then need it to be reliable and well built. I don't baby my iron so it needs to be robust and reliable. When it does break I need good service, I seldom have issues when I do I get taken care of. I believe that most dealers provide that regardless of color (as long it is of the main players in the market).


Good luck, always nice to go and pickup a new machine.

[BigDigger]

Well guys, I bought the 247b. Yes I bought an underpowerd MTL with an expensive undercarriage ;) I am totally fine with that.

I am certain for the type of work I will be doing, Snow removal *edge cutting etc* and topsoil final grade it will be a great machine.

This machine will also earn a bunch of work from the person I am buying it from. Yes it's legit, the guy seems to want to help. Time will tel.

Thanks for all of the help. I do appreciate the time and effort put into this thread by all of you. Thanks for everything.

Cheers

[AMCAT]

Sent you a PM

[Junior M]

Pics! We need pics! Does it have a cab?

[Scag48]

Well I like the CASE wheel loaders as well. The 621 and 721 are excellent wheel loaders. Don't own one but rent them as needed.



Ah Kaiser we need to get you in a Deere loader, that'd change your tune in a hurry. :laugh:

[BigDigger]

Hey,

I will post pics when I get it. It's mint. Has Cab, Heat, AC. Full load, just no ride control (don't even know if that was available on this year of machine) It also has the electronic work harness installed already.

The previous owner is taking it into Finning/Cat to get it inspected, he has promised to fix ANYTHING that needs fixing on it, idlers, boggies, bushing whatever...so that's nice. He made it part of the deal that I am his first call on a sub *if he actually needs one with the way things are going* and I will be brought onto job sites to learn some of the finer points of finish grade/topsoil....since up to this point I have done neither. So this is a good learning experience for me. Should be good!! We will see if this all ads up over time. Either way I got a clean almost new machine for a song. Most machines at this price have 3x to 4x the hours.

Pics forthcomming

[BigDigger]

Sweet mercy there was a last minute change....see my new thread :o)