Just got a cheap bobcat

[PCSLAWN]

I do mostly mowing and snow removal, but other then snow, and mulch work what would be some good ways to make this thing pay for itself. I would like to bid other work that i can just drop it off with a operater and let them make money well i go mow. any ideas? I thought of gravel drive ways. but there has to be more. thank you :usflag:

[Swampy]

Depending on what you got maybe a brush cutter or flail mower to do some rough cutting.

[T_S_S]

grading, trenching, backfilling, fence posts, concrete breaking, cleanups, demolition the list is almost endless.

[YellowDogSVC]

Depending on what you got maybe a brush cutter or flail mower to do some rough cutting.

I think there is a little more to that type of work than just dropping the machine off with an operator to make some money. A whole lot can go wrong using a brush mower or flail mower. A lot of start ups fail because the machines get trashed or burned up or are constantly broken down. It's almost a necessity to have support for that type of work and it would be very wise to have a really competent operator. A "cheap" bobcat might not be up to the task if nothing else because of the beating the hydro and cooling system will take.

[ksss]

I think there is a little more to that type of work than just dropping the machine off with an operator to make some money. A whole lot can go wrong using a brush mower or flail mower. A lot of start ups fail because the machines get trashed or burned up or are constantly broken down. It's almost a necessity to have support for that type of work and it would be very wise to have a really competent operator. A "cheap" bobcat might not be up to the task if nothing else because of the beating the hydro and cooling system will take.


When your starting up a new business or venturing into new areas, you often only get one opportunity to make a positive impression. Having substandard equipment, I think is one of the major pitfalls you see guys make. There is a fine line between keeping down upstart costs by buying used, and having a machine that you can depend on and is productive enough to make that positive impression. That is not to say that cheap wont work, especially given the current economic conditions. You can buy a good, cheap unit but also be aware that with businesses failing like they are, the first thing to go by the way side is maintenance. Buyer beware certainly applies.

Also I think it helps to decide what areas you want to expand in to. That will help you decide what options you need in a machine such as, how much ROC and hp you need, Vertical lift or radial, High Flow yes or no, cab needed or not. Make these decisions up front and then find a machine that fits your needs. Just buying whatever is cheapest and making that fit into your business plan is a receipe for problems.

[Gravel Rat]

What is wrong with running a machine with bald tires, hydraulic leaks every where, the engine smokes enough to kill every mosquito in a 50 mile radius and you have to add engine oil every 2 hours. To start the machine you have a screw driver to short out the starter :laugh:

I think if your in the skid steer business you want a machine that doesn't leak its fluids. Not a good idea to be leaving drops of black oil all over a nice white concrete driveway.

It doesn't look good when your machine dies in somebodies back yard and you have to try fix it. Or your digging and the loader arm falls off.

[Junior M]

What is wrong with running a machine with bald tires, hydraulic leaks every where, the engine smokes enough to kill every mosquito in a 50 mile radius and you have to add engine oil every 2 hours. To start the machine you have a screw driver to short out the starter :laugh:

I think if your in the skid steer business you want a machine that doesn't leak its fluids. Not a good idea to be leaving drops of black oil all over a nice white concrete driveway.

It doesn't look good when your machine dies in somebodies back yard and you have to try fix it. Or your digging and the loader arm falls off.
or your moving gravel and the bucket falls off cause the quicktach locking pins are so worn.. :laugh:


(true story)

[riverwalklandscaping]

what kind of bobcat is it even?

[PCSLAWN]

ok lets just say i got a good deal.... I got it for $3700 buck its a nice clean 732 tires are good. Yes it does leak but only on steep hills not real bad though. seat its shot bucket is nice big snow bucket. all I am saying is i just want it to make me some money.

[ksss]

ok lets just say i got a good deal.... I got it for $3700 buck its a nice clean 732 tires are good. Yes it does leak but only on steep hills not real bad though. seat its shot bucket is nice big snow bucket. all I am saying is i just want it to make me some money.


My dad has one of those (in addition to a 430 Case). You might want to get a parts manual right now. Not one of BC better creations. They were not made for long. Not trying to offend, but thats no great steal. If it was a 743 I would say it was a good deal. Poor lift capacity, little power and a lot of down time.

[PCSLAWN]

Cool Thank you good info, thats stuff i need to know

[Swampy]

I think there is a little more to that type of work than just dropping the machine off with an operator to make some money. A whole lot can go wrong using a brush mower or flail mower. A lot of start ups fail because the machines get trashed or burned up or are constantly broken down. It's almost a necessity to have support for that type of work and it would be very wise to have a really competent operator. A "cheap" bobcat might not be up to the task if nothing else because of the beating the hydro and cooling system will take.

Not really, well now knowing what he has is to my area a no go! But seriously I got contracted doing brush mowing a semi/under developed subdivison closing into around 300 acres total 3 times a year. Well I dropped the NH 865 off with a 6ftish bobcat brush mower for the ditches, with a local farmer (close friend) with his 4255 or 4225 John Deere (if I can remember correctly off the top of my head) with a 20ft chopper in tandem cut that plot in about 3 days, in the after hours days. Personaly the skid isn't really doing to much right now so why not make some extra cash!!! Its not a nice lump sum but it does pay for itself plus some beer money.

I knock out the filter after every day/ 3 hours and ususally she is full of dust an clippings. I'm suprised I don't have a engine fire.

[PROCUT1]

Offer it out to homeowners on an hourly rate with an operator.

Many people need misc. stuff done around the yard.

If you can do it at an affordable price, the customers will think of stuff for it.