[syzer]

We are looking at getting a new mini skid. The two top contenders are the vermeer and the ditchwich. I am not a fan of ramrod, but one thing has me really considering it, and thats the lift capacity. It has a lift capacity of 1150 pounds to full height, and can carry around 2300 pounds.

Most other mini skids are about 600-800 pounds lifting capacity and maybe 1k-1200 tip capacity. Can anyone fill me in on how this is so? Looking at them in person I don't know why they would have such a strong lift capacity beings they are all basically the same size. Is it just a combination of ramrod padding their numbers and others being very conservative?

Thanks!

[Fine Edge]

That's a lot of weight for a mini. Ours, which is not in production anymore, is rated half that capacity. Oh, how I long for more lift capacity!
I'm guessing a beefier hydraulic system and more weight on the back end.
Usually they list the numbers lower than what the machine will actually do but you also stand the chance, like us, of blowing a seal on one of the cylinders when you max it out all the time.

[Mark Oomkes]

Maybe they've changed the laws of physics, but I got a really hard time believing it will carry that much weight. Maybe it's a typo?

My T190 is tippy carrying a full pallet of sod or bricks at more than half height.

Maybe you ought to demo one and 'pick up' 2300#'s.

[syzer]

Originally posted by Mark Oomkes
Maybe they've changed the laws of physics, but I got a really hard time believing it will carry that much weight. Maybe it's a typo?

My T190 is tippy carrying a full pallet of sod or bricks at more than half height.

Maybe you ought to demo one and 'pick up' 2300#'s.

Yeah I'm with you. The same size machine with twice the lifting weight, and even 1150 to full height I think is quite a task for these machines.

[bcx400]

I own a Ramrod 1150- this is its third season. It will pick up 1150 lbs. to full height. It will not pick up 2300 lbs- probably closer to 1800 lbs. several inches off the ground- if you weigh 200 lbs.

But this is no reason to purchase this machine. Although they have made upgrades to the 1150, this machine has been plagued with problems. Mine had two broken axles. The diesel version I demoed 3 years ago broke the belts that drive the hydraulic pumps. After running the machine for several hours, the hydraulics lose power- even with an oil cooler, the hydraulic fluid gets so hot you will lose power. Ramrod is not known for customer service. With a little over 300 hours on the machine, the under carriage needs to have the rollers replaced ( the bearings are shot). Broken drive chain at +/- 200 hours.

The concept is great- they may have worked the bugs out by now- or maybe not.

[syzer]

Originally posted by Mark Oomkes
Maybe they've changed the laws of physics, but I got a really hard time believing it will carry that much weight. Maybe it's a typo?

My T190 is tippy carrying a full pallet of sod or bricks at more than half height.

Maybe you ought to demo one and 'pick up' 2300#'s.

Yeah I'm with you. The same size machine with twice the lifting weight, and even 1150 to full height I think is quite a task for these machines.

[Mark Oomkes]

bcx, it sure seems like most if not all of those problems involve heavy loads, you know like the loads that the machine is 'rated' at.

[HRLand]

I have a hard time beleiving that. My JD 240 with the weight kit and filled tires has a hard time with pallets over 2500 lbs. How much does the machine itself weigh?

[Paydaze7]

i rented a ramrod before we bought our dingo. the dingo blows the ramrod away maybe not with lifting capacity. but i mean if your worried about lifting heavy weights like that i dont think a mini is the right fit for you?

[ezd292@usa.com]

The Ram rod is a Canadian made machine and they rate it differently. When you compare these machines, you really need to look at the Tipping Cap, not the lift. You need to call Harringtons Service Center in Harney, MD. Ask Rod to bring out the Boxer a great machine but I still would spend the money on the Ditch Witch. Your operater can get used to the controls but the final answer should be about the $$$$$. The SK-650 will give you much more production wich will increase YOUR profits. Its a no brainer, take the plunge, you won't be dissapointed.. If your waiting on Vermeer to bring out a new machine, I hope you have alot of time. They came out with thier first one about 8 years ago and the new 600 last year. They might have another one in 5 years or so. Think of the profits you can have if you put the DW SK-650 in your fleet today.

Dave

[nylan]

What is this , a Ditch Witch sales push????

[Dale Wiley]

but the final answer should be about the $$$$$.

That is a sure way to end up with something that may or may not meet your needs.

I believe Vermeer brought the S600 out in 2003. We bought ours in January of 2004.

There substantial differences in engineering that result in price differences. I wil pay more to get a better engineered machine, an engine that is more efficent and overall performance is better. You can end up with engines running at higher RPM's to get the horsepower and hydraulic pressures, and lose engine life. You can have poor cooled hydraulics that will cost you a lot of money over time. Engineering is everything.

The Boxer has those hydraulic expanding tracks...I really would have some doubts about those. I have yet to see a Toro TX machine that can keep the tracks on for more than one day.

We have a S600 Vermeer that works great. I know another contractor who has the tracked version and is pleased with it. The dealer dropped off the tracked machine a while back, and if I was going to get another one, I would likely do that.

Our needs have changed and our next machine is going to be an ASV 60 with turf tracks on it. this is going to cover a lot of needs for us.

[Dale Wiley]

Originally posted by nylan
What is this , a Ditch Witch sales push????

Nah... whatever gave you that idea ??

Any of these machines will increase your profit...its just the long term ownership costs and performance you need to determine.

And when the DW sales person drives up in one of those huge Chev Kodiak trucks all chromed and domed, they obviously are charging too much for their machines.

For the record, we demoed the Ditch Witch
SK unit in 2003.

Walk behind unit, very hard on bodies, controls poorly laid out...I would never go with a walk behind unit.

[nylan]

You always call it the way it is Dale . lolol

[Mark Oomkes]

Originally posted by ezd292@usa.com
but the final answer should be about the $$$$$. Dave

OK, I'll bite, what exactly do you mean by this?