JD 317 Vs. BC S185

[Challenger 604]

Good day:

I am purchasing a skid steer and have it narrowed down to two models the JD317 (with cab) and the BC S185 (with cab). Both units are similarly equipped.

The JD317 has pilot controls, quik tatch, Acoustical package - Gen II, Cab, Heater, 925 CCA battery, block heater, horn, weights, suspension seat, and back-up alarm.

The BC S185 is similarly equipped with minor differences - HD tires, and the ACS control system.

I will purchase a construction bucket (72") and a grapple and probably a snow thrower.

I will use the machine for clearing brush, and moving logs, snow clearing and general landscaping.

The BC S185 is $1,900 dollars more than the JD317, but I really like the operator station of the BC S185 compared to the Deere (I am 6'5"). At the end of the day I think I will be happy with either machine. Incidentally, both dealerships are excellent and I can expect very good service from either organization.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

JDC

[Duffster]

The JD :clapping:

[mrsops]

Good day:

I am purchasing a skid steer and have it narrowed down to two models the JD317 (with cab) and the BC S185 (with cab). Both units are similarly equipped.

The JD317 has pilot controls, quik tatch, Acoustical package - Gen II, Cab, Heater, 925 CCA battery, block heater, horn, weights, suspension seat, and back-up alarm.

The BC S185 is similarly equipped with minor differences - HD tires, and the ACS control system.

I will purchase a construction bucket (72") and a grapple and probably a snow thrower.

I will use the machine for clearing brush, and moving logs, snow clearing and general landscaping.

The BC S185 is $1,900 dollars more than the JD317, but I really like the operator station of the BC S185 compared to the Deere (I am 6'5"). At the end of the day I think I will be happy with either machine. Incidentally, both dealerships are excellent and I can expect very good service from either organization.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

JDC

If your 6'5'' go with the bobcat i would hate to see you keep banging your head on something getting into that god awful cab on that john deere. I also owned a s185 its a good machine.

[Duffster]

Unless you have a head the size of a 5 gallon bucket you will be fine.

[sonicvanek]

I went through the same decision process back in January with those two machines. After some time in each, i felt more comfortable in the S185. I also thought the cab and gauges on the bocat are a notch above the deere. I really like the deluxe insturment panel in the bobcat. both good machines though.

[JCPM]

I also narrowed it down to a Deere and a Bobcat. I like the 317's features but went with an S175 for general ease of opporation. It's easier to get in and out of,(also 6'5) and I can see better when in reverse. A friend of mine bought a Cat skid and loves it.

[Challenger 604]

Thanks to you all for your comments - much appreciated. I have decided to go with the BC S185. I really like the Deere - however the ACS control system and the more ergonomic operator station and easier maintenance access have pushed me to Bobcat. It is probably the case that some of these issues have been resolved on the new 318D but I do not want to wait until January for a kick at the new Deere models.

I also think that in terms of resale the ACS system is a very desirable option.

[Skidsteerman]

No JY on a 317 available only Case type hand controls are.

We've had good luck replacing the front door with a SIMS door for improved egress and ingress - plus no door over head.

Easier service on a Bobcat:confused: not sure about that really as that machine will not open up completely like a Deere will for easy access to everything - good luck getting to the turbo charger on the Bobcat.

ACS system will more then likely fail in the future and you'll be stuck in one control system - the actuators will fail and are very $$$ to replace.

ACS has no real resale value.

Good luck

[Tigerotor77W]

No JY on a 317 available only Case type hand controls are.

We've had good luck replacing the front door with a SIMS door for improved egress and ingress - plus no door over head.

Easier service on a Bobcat:confused: not sure about that really as that machine will not open up completely like a Deere will for easy access to everything - good luck getting to the turbo charger on the Bobcat.

ACS system will more then likely fail in the future and you'll be stuck in one control system - the actuators will fail and are very $$$ to replace.

ACS has no real resale value.

Good luck

Do you need me to pull up a post of yours where you said that when someone buys a competitor's product, you shake their hand and thank them for considering you? :rolleyes:

[jefftb]

Do you need me to pull up a post of yours where you said that when someone buys a competitor's product, you shake their hand and thank them for considering you? :rolleyes:


Tigerotor...statement right, wrong attribution:cry:. DeereMan85 would be sorely offended.:laugh::drinkup:

Here's the post:

I'm not trying to convert you or anyone on here. I'm here for fun and to learn more about equipment. The thing I like about this forum is that you get frank opinions. Taking issue with a false statement ("basic servicing requires the booms up") is not spewing propaganda. I'll be the first to admit that some of the equipment I sell has its shortcomings, but it also has its strong points. Most of the guys I sell to have as much or more experience than you, so sticking to the company talking points wouldn't work very well anyway. I never bash the competition (except occasionally for fun on here) because who knows, I might be selling for them someday. If I lose a sale because a customer prefers the features/benefits of a competitive machine over what I have to offer, I shake their hand and tell them that if they think the other machine better meets their needs then they made the right decision for the right reasons. Then I send them a thank you for including me on the deal and asking for a shot at their business next time around. If you think that's being pushy, I sure as hell wouldn't know how to handle you as a customer.

[DeereMan85]

Do you need me to pull up a post of yours where you said that when someone buys a competitor's product, you shake their hand and thank them for considering you? :rolleyes:

That was me, not him. Either way, I think his attitude on this board is probably far different from the way he behaves around customers.

[DeereMan85]

Tigerotor...wrong attribution. DeereMan85 would be sorely offended.
Beat me to it. I surely hope I come across as more reasonable, but as I said, I think Skidsteerman's internet personality is much different than in real life.

[jefftb]

Beat me to it. I surely hope I come across as more reasonable, but as I said, I think Skidsteerman's internet personality is much different than in real life.

Doubtful I am....;)

[Tigerotor77W]

Tigerotor...statement right, wrong attribution:cry:. DeereMan85 would be sorely offended.:laugh::drinkup:

That was me, not him. Either way, I think his attitude on this board is probably far different from the way he behaves around customers.

My bad. I actually pulled up that post when I wrote it and read it again as being him. :cry:

That's what I get for being an ass, but at least now I understand why that statement seemed so out of place -- it came from a different guy!

[Skidsteerman]

Do you need me to pull up a post of yours where you said that when someone buys a competitor's product, you shake their hand and thank them for considering you? :rolleyes:

I said good luck to him:waving:

[Challenger 604]

BC S185 was dropped off today. Very nice machine. Graded a gravel road - works like a charm. Thanks to all of you for your comments.

I'll end by saying that the BC does open up so that you can work on it - the cab lifts and tilts back. The thing that I like about this is that unlike most of the other machines you do not have to have the booms up to raise the cab. A nice feature if your loader won't start, and you need to get under the cab.

After a few hundred hours I'll have a better idea of its good and bad points, but so far it seems pretty decent.