[siduramaxde]

OK... I'm new here but I've been in business for awhile. I do mostly maintenance but lately I've been expanding into more and more landscaping jobs. The question I have is....what would be the best "tool" for my circumstances? I already own a Bobcat 863 and it is great, however, it is too big to drive on a lawn unless the conditions are just right (which is usually never). I need something that will not disturb cool season grasses or make ruts. I was thinking of a couple different things. 1 being that I would trade in the 863 on a used ctl. 2 being that I keep the 863 for the heavy stuff and buy a compact tractor with loader. I was thinking that the little tractor could haul mulch / landscape rock from the truck to the intended place with little ground disturbance. The little tractor would also come in handy with the 3 point hitch for doing new yard installations. I also have a pretty good idea that a track loader is pretty much unstoppable and will "float" across the lawn with little disturbance. I can't buy both the track loader and the tractor so I need to know what would be the best think to do. Keep in mind that I'm in the corn belt... most surfaces are flat with black dirt (no rocks). I'm also open for other suggestions. Thanks in advance for your replys.

Rodney

[NCSULandscaper]

look into the mini skids such as the Toro Dingo, Kanga, Boxer etc.

[Bill Schwab]

I'll tell you a bitch'in toy I saw in use the other day. The Bobcat Tool Cat. You got a one yard dump on the back with a bucket on the front that will accept every Bobcat attachment. Turf tires, and the ability to do alot of unorthadox stuff.

So, I guess what you have to ask yourself is what jobs you are looking to do the most. Tractors in my opinion are best used for grading operations. So, aside from not wanting to damage turf, what will you be doing when you drive over that turf mostly?

[siduramaxde]

Well guys, I guess I solved my problem. I went to the local Bobcat dealer today to rent a soil conditioner and I ran into the guy that I bought my 863 from. Ha happen to also be a friend and I asked him what he had for used track loaders and he pointed me to a t200 with 1600 hours, cab heat and air, suspension seat, power bob tach, stereo. He gave me the numbers and they sounded good so I guess I own a t200 instead of the 863.

I forgot to mention the things I do with the bobcat. In the winter I use it to plow snow (we don't get too much around here, 6-10 events) and I use it for landscaping in the growing season. Overall I think this is the best decision for me. A small tractor will not pick up pallets of wall stone and won't plow snow (you'll never find me plowing snow on something without a cab).

Thanks for the replys. I enjoy this site and I'm glad I found it so I'll chime in every now and then.

Rodney

[Bill Schwab]

You are not going to be pleased with the way a track drive performs pushing snow. Others here posted regarding that when I was testing the Cat.

[jwholden]

Do you have a Class A licence to transport the T200? Make sure to check your weights/options before you sign the papers. I love that T200!

[siduramaxde]

come on now guys....don't rain on my parade.

[HRLand]

The reason that track drives do good in mud is exactly why they won't do good in snow. If you were using a blower rather than pushing you would probably be ok.