S250 or 863G which to buy?

[cjcocn]

Hello all. New member here from Manitoba, Canada. I am looking for a used skid steer and right now these two seem to fit my needs. 1. 2001 863G with 3999 hours. $19,600 (dealer) 2. 2006 S250 with 5925 hours. $19,000 obo (private sale) Both are wheeled units but the S250 comes with a set of steel tracks. My main use would be for wheels and tracks would likely be used sparingly. I have been reading up on these two and the only thing I came up with is some potential issues with the hydraulics on the 863 in that some valve issues may cause them to lose power under heavier loads. This was just from one thread on a forum that I came across so based on that I cannot state that it is a known issue. Both units are 6 hours away from me so I have not had the opportunity to physically view either unit. They are about 6 hours away from each other so it would be a long day if I were to view both. Our province just instituted a travel restriction because of COVID 19 so that adds to things. I can still go, but would have to self-isolate for 14 days after that. My main use would be to do some earthworks around my place - mainly spreading aggregate - and of course snow clearing in the winter. If we go under a flood watch I may be able to get some work hauling sand and or sand bags, but mainly I just want to work it for my personal use. I think that about covers it. Glad I found this forum and looking forward to learning a bunch. Thanks Chris

 

[bobbie-g]

I've used an S250 for maybe 30 hours. It'll make you jump when the temperature-controlled hydraulic cooling fan kicks in! Nice machine, I think the wheelbase is a bit longer than the 863, but you'll have to check the specs. I own an 863G, bought at 900 hrs, now at 2000 hrs. Timing belt needs to be changed every 1000 hrs or 5??? years, but pretty easy to do yourself. I think the machines are fairly comparable. If you send me an email at RMGHORM at gmail - com I'll send you my very own used Bobcat checklist (haven't gotten around to posting it somewhere). But when I bought the 863, I paid a Bobcat dealer to go thru it 100% including compression check and hydraulic pressure checks, and paid the bill myself to find out about the machine. Worked great for me since I bought it sight unseen. ---Bobbie-G

 

[cjcocn]

I've used an S250 for maybe 30 hours. It'll make you jump when the temperature-controlled hydraulic cooling fan kicks in! Nice machine, I think the wheelbase is a bit longer than the 863, but you'll have to check the specs. I own an 863G, bought at 900 hrs, now at 2000 hrs. Timing belt needs to be changed every 1000 hrs or 5??? years, but pretty easy to do yourself. I think the machines are fairly comparable. If you send me an email at RMGHORM at gmail - com I'll send you my very own used Bobcat checklist (haven't gotten around to posting it somewhere). But when I bought the 863, I paid a Bobcat dealer to go thru it 100% including compression check and hydraulic pressure checks, and paid the bill myself to find out about the machine. Worked great for me since I bought it sight unseen. ---Bobbie-G

Thanks for the input and for the offer, Bobbie. I sent you an email for the checklist. Going to pick up a machine by mid-week so will keep reading and researching. cheers

 

[reaperman]

If engine hours were equal, I go with the 250. I put a ton of hours on a T250 over a ten year period without any engine issues and worked the heck out of it. I also like a Kubota engine with timing gears vs timing belt. The S series is newer, hopefully with improvements over older G series. In the USA, I'd say both machines are overpriced given the amount of hours.

 

[cjcocn]

If engine hours were equal, I go with the 250. I put a ton of hours on a T250 over a ten year period without any engine issues and worked the heck out of it. I also like a Kubota engine with timing gears vs timing belt. The S series is newer, hopefully with improvements over older G series. In the USA, I'd say both machines are overpriced given the amount of hours.

Although the S250 has more hours overall, the engine was rebuilt by Bobcat 2200 hours ago. My main concern with the S250 is the potential for fatigued metal, loose pins, etc. I am going to message some questions for both units (thanks again, Bobbie!).

 

[cjcocn]

Although the S250 has more hours overall, the engine was rebuilt by Bobcat 2200 hours ago. My main concern with the S250 is the potential for fatigued metal, loose pins, etc. I am going to message some questions for both units (thanks again, Bobbie!).

Good evening folks I am headed south tomorrow morning to have a look at the S250 and if it all checks out I will be hauling it home. It is a 6 hour trip one-way and I should be back home by midnight. Thanks for all of the responses and I will be posting pics once I have the machine (or reporting back as to why I didn't buy it). cheers

 

[farmshop]

Good evening folks I am headed south tomorrow morning to have a look at the S250 and if it all checks out I will be hauling it home. It is a 6 hour trip one-way and I should be back home by midnight. Thanks for all of the responses and I will be posting pics once I have the machine (or reporting back as to why I didn't buy it). cheers

The newer machines are nice for servicing the cooling system etc. machines can vary so much based on who owned them and how they were used and maintained. I have seen machines with 1500 hours that looked like hell and probably didn’t see a grease gun since the factory. Our dealer was out for service on a machine someplace for hydraulic problems it had the factory hydraulic filter on it yet with 2000 hours