[LandArts]

We are demoing this machine right now and I've gotta say it's very impressive. My new guy has experience on it and he made it fly grading for a walk and patio we're installing. I'm seriously considering buying one and would like to get some feedback on it and what attachments work well with it.

[cslynger]

Landarts,

Those little machines are quite amazing, even if you have lots of experience w/ larger platform skidsteers. However, I would definitely demo the other brands. I own a bobcat mt55...but...wish I had purchased the ditch witch (forget the model #). The ditch witch is hands down the heaviest, most capable of the mini's out there right now, which I'm sure will change soon as this market is evolving quickly.
As far as attachments go...I will rate my attachments on a 1-10 and list the "must gets" as well:
1. bucket...10 obviously
2. rototiller....4..I use my large skid steer for this most of the time.
3. 36" trencher....8....very agile, just lacks some power due to size of unit.
4. tree forks...very handy...8...I would give it a 10 but tree caliper is definitely limited due to machine size again.
5. Auger....10....better than sliced bread...I have 9,12,24, and 36" augers...quick to change and this small unit allows me to get into tight areas to quickly dig holes for plantings.
6...the must have
Toro's "Rotodarian"...I just saw this at a local expo. It is essentially a rototiller/soil preparator on steroids. A friend of mine has one and simply loves it. Definitely worth demoing.
Pipe plow...but i'm leery of visibility off of the machine to the plow blade.

Hope this helps a tad. Let us know what you end up getting.
Good luck,
Chad

[cslynger]

I also forgot to add that my local vermeer guy told me that he flat out can't keep up with Ditch Witch's mini. That says a lot to me.

[LandArts]

The DW seems to be the other machine to check out. Our next job will be a raised patio with lousy access-great project to demo it on. Can the tree forks be used to pop recently planted B&B stock out of the ground?

[cslynger]

Originally Posted by LandArts

Can the tree forks be used to pop recently planted B&B stock out of the ground?

Unfortunately, NO. They are too thick to stab the ground w/. I bought a set of regular forks (I'd call em' pallet forks but you can't pick much of a pallet w/ them) to do just what you are talking about. Works like a charm for plucking b&b nursery stock and larger potted nursery stock that is covered as well.

[rayray]

Hi Chad I was reading your posting you mentioned a Toro rotodarian I wondered if you know what the model # is nobody seems to know any thing about it not even Toro. Thanks Ray.