[IT Excavate]

Got about 14 hrs on a Takeuchi TL 130, WOW! what a different world from a New Holland LS170! Very smooth, great pushing power, lots of traction and very easy to use for hours at a time. I'm very impressed (I think I need one). Still going to demo a bobcat T180/190 and hopefully a CAT 247/257. Worked great with the Harley rake also, seems to back out much smoother and easier. I'm a big guy (6'3" / 240#) and it is very comfortable and roomy for me. Only complaint was it is a little hard to see the power rake roller as well as I would like.

[4seasons]

I rented one for two weeks last month. I agree the machine is pretty nice. One problem I ran into was I barely had any traction when it started to rain and got slimey on top. and the visibility factor when backing up (you cant see your tracks). I got used to the joystick controls after a few hours. plenty of power though.

[IT Excavate]

Oh Man, I didn't want to hear that! I need more traction than I get with my wheeled skidsteer. So far it really gets a lot more traction and pushing power but I haven't had it in the wet yet. We get plenty of rain here in Washington so was hoping for a big improvement. I agree with visibility being low for backing out also but that didn't bother me as much as not being able to see the roller on the rake.

[4seasons]

if I had the wheeled loader on the same job I probally wouldnt have even been able to move. The mud acted just like ice. Running the harley rake I didnt notice the visibility factor--- but I'll pay more attention when I rent it again on monday.

[IT Excavate]

When you are backing out with the Harley do you keep it locked or float?? Still new enough with the rake that I learn everytime I use it, but find getting the finish just so is still tough with backing out. Just curious about how you finish. I'm doing more hand raking than I like to get the look I like when I'm done. I keep it locked and just watch the roller height and adjust on the way out.

[4seasons]

I usually have it locked. I never run it backwards except rare occasions. I found it easier and faster for me to run it forward and rake out a few tracks later. Used the powere angle to windrow your rocks for easy pickup.