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We are looking at compact track loaders. We have demoed the (T190) and the Gehl (ctl60), the bobcat is leading right now. The controls are smoother(joystick ISO) and very similar to our S250 which we are keeping. The main purpose will be working around concrete and running a harley rake. I love the rubber tracks for crossing concrete and not carrying mud out in the street. Any pros and cons. We are going to take a closer look at Takeucki and ASV. We have considered CAT but I don't know much about them,

[PSUscaper]

I've always thought the T190 was a dog compared to the slightly larger T250....If I were to make that investment, I would spend the extra money on the slightly larger machine. If accesibility is that tight, you may not have a choice, but you give up so much by buying the smaller t190.

I think the gehl and tachuci are the same machine. The JD's are nice, but are massive machines....think you will need a single axle truck just to pull it from job to job.

[prapoza]

We just purchased a Takeuchi TL 140. The thing is big and the cab is roomy. One of the best features is the flip up overhead door, like an excavator. I haven't had much of a chance to use it yet but I did the numbers on track running costs and they are as follows: ASV or CAT, same track system, $5 plus an hour to run, Takeuchi $3 and hour or less to run. Big difference.
What I've heard from owners of both: if it's gonna be owner operated go with a CAT or ASV, better ride. If employees are running it, Takeuchi, less maintenance, simpler, built tough but the ride is harder. I'm not running mine so...
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Paul

[Bill Schwab]

Paul:

Where did you get your cost numbers from? I'm curious.

[start2finish]

we aren't considering the T250, because we already own a S250, it is important for lift height.

We want the T190 size or similar

[prapoza]

Bill,
I got the numbers from the ASV salesman trying to sell me an SR-80 and the Takeuchi salesman. I know them both and have bought equipment from both of them before as well. The ASV guy said I would have to replace bogey wheels every now and then. I asked him how long will the tracks last and how much to replace them including labor as well as any other replaceable components. Asked the Takeuchi guy the same thing. I know it depends how you use it, conditions etc... but I was trying to compare apples to apples.
What's your experience with the CAT tracks and cost per hour?
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Paul

[Bill Schwab]

I was hoping someone put together a common parts wear chart like is available for heavy iron.

Typically, I've been gauging wear as I go, but one machine with 1800 hours, still looks like we have another few hundred or so before replacement, another machine with 900 hours that has a prototype set of retreaded tracks. That machine looks pretty good thus far. If we use 2000 hours as the factor, and the replacement of tracks and rollers is 5,000, we have a run cost of $2.5 on the 257.

So, the question is, with the C series comming out in 2007, do I replace the tracks when they need it, or do I just trade when ready?

I think you'll like your Takeuchi, very powerful machines. I'm not sure but I think they use a different style of vulcanizing the steel to the rubber which has been Bobcats down fall. I've yet to see a set of Bobcat tracks with over 1000 hours on them, they all grenade around where the gear connects to the drive.

[start2finish]

I was hoping for more input on this.

BUMP BUMP!!

[Bill Schwab]

Let me ask you S2F what your goals will be with the purchase of an MTL? You say work around concrete, what exactly will you be doing? Running a harley rake can be done just as easily from a rubber tired machine without the added expense, so can working around concrete. We have a 268 Cat comming for when we work the pavement and demo jobs. We run the track drives in the slopes.

[start2finish]

bill you brought up a point that I have considered. We love our tire machine, but run the over the tire steel tracks 95% of the time. Significantly adding the the operational expense. Part of the reason for the tracks is wet areas. Most of the jobs we work on haven't been rough graded so there is plenty of mud. Also my partner has a lung condition that if he bounces a whole lot he coughs up blood. The steel over the tire tracks make for less side walls flex and jecking for him. The CTL has lots of vibration but is suttle and doesn't effect him.
Also access is sometimes a problem. We will be working in a customers backyard fixing drainage issues in mud and have to truck materials in and out down a concrete drive. Nobody wants steel marks on their drive. not to mention the wheelbarrow load of dirt they carry out until clean.

As for the coughing up blood I'm not sure what it is called but he goes to the doctor monthly for them to monitor. The bouncing is hard on him. That;s really good enough to justify the extra 15K

[Bill Schwab]

Sounds like he has Silicosis from the way you are describing.

I have a proposal for you them that could save a few dollars. Since you love the tire machine you already have, go to your ASV or CAT dealer and order a set of Loegering tracks and under carraige. If you have not seen them it is a fully suspended undercarraige just like a CAT/ASV machine, that you bolt onto where the axles came out of your machine. The cost will set you back $16,000.00, but consider buying another machine. 50K give or take. What is less cost? And what will get the job done? In his situation, I would look at the suspended machines like ASV/CAT. They ride so smooth you can go to McDonalds and order a large cup of hot coffee at the drive in, straddle it between your legs and drive over the B6-12 curb and not spill a drop. So don't plan on paying for ytour new toy by suing Mickey D's!

A Cat demo tape shows the 277 in action driving over railroad ties under full power. Hardly any movement inside the cab.

Anyhow, check out the dedicated track system by Loegering, I think it's a good fit and you are going to save a few bucks too.

[start2finish]

Bill,
I have looked into this system and Bobcat told us they would void our warranty if we installed them. Supposedly loegring will assume responsibility where bobcat leaves off. But eliminating the additional CTL or skid steer is not an option. We are planning on using both at the same time. Keep the S250 for grading and moving sod, block and such. And use the T190 or =. for access issues and running the rake. But things may be on hold. I am going to start a new thread we had a big disaster today.