wanting to upgrade , looking for opinions

1ofU · Feb 16, 2014

i traded off my 825 for a backhoe , so now i want to purchase a little newer machine
what is the best bang for the dollar in around 1998 to a 2005 machine
my dollar amount is 10 to 15 K .
i need it to atleast pick up 1700 lbs so i will say from 1700 to 3000 lbs
doesnt have to be a Bobcat brand machine either .
i looking at right now 773 OR 873 machine .

Thanks for any comments
Jess

frogfarmer · Feb 17, 2014

A 773G/S185 would meet your requirements on the low side for lift and price. They are reliable and one of the most popular sold. I don't like the 873 or the older 773 just a personal thing. I do like the 863 for an older machine. 1700-3000 is a big range and covers machines in different size classes. I would decide how much machine I could easily transport and maneuver for the type of work you plan on doing. If a 1700-1800lb machine will do everything you want that Is the way to go it will save fuel and be easier on the ground. If you need a 3000lb machine then you will always fall short with the smaller machines. I prefer my skids in the 1700-1800lb range and if I need to lift or work something heavy I use the Backhoe. If your backhoe is large enough to lift your heavier work this might be something to consider. A lot of good machines out there for your price range and it will be hard to narrow it down without some seat time. Just let us know what you find and people will chime in with their opinions and experiences.

Bobcatdan · Feb 17, 2014

frogfarmer said:
A 773G/S185 would meet your requirements on the low side for lift and price. They are reliable and one of the most popular sold. I don't like the 873 or the older 773 just a personal thing. I do like the 863 for an older machine. 1700-3000 is a big range and covers machines in different size classes. I would decide how much machine I could easily transport and maneuver for the type of work you plan on doing. If a 1700-1800lb machine will do everything you want that Is the way to go it will save fuel and be easier on the ground. If you need a 3000lb machine then you will always fall short with the smaller machines. I prefer my skids in the 1700-1800lb range and if I need to lift or work something heavy I use the Backhoe. If your backhoe is large enough to lift your heavier work this might be something to consider. A lot of good machines out there for your price range and it will be hard to narrow it down without some seat time. Just let us know what you find and people will chime in with their opinions and experiences.

As far as bobcats go, a 773 or any newer model S175 or larger will lift 1700. As far 773 go, they are nice machines, but they changed a lot during their life. Older C and F series are well, older designs. A G series 773 is very much like a newer a s175 or s185. A S205 is the same basic machine as a s175 or s185, but higher hp and added internal counter weight to push it's lift to 2050 lbs. These are considered mid frames and if you shop around, you can find one in good shape for your price. Adding the cab option will make it harder as those will hold around $17000 on the cheap end. 2 speed didn't become common until a couple of years ago on these so I wouldn't hold my breath finding one for your price. Any one of these will work circles around an 825.

Mikefromcny · Feb 17, 2014

Bobcatdan said:
As far as bobcats go, a 773 or any newer model S175 or larger will lift 1700. As far 773 go, they are nice machines, but they changed a lot during their life. Older C and F series are well, older designs. A G series 773 is very much like a newer a s175 or s185. A S205 is the same basic machine as a s175 or s185, but higher hp and added internal counter weight to push it's lift to 2050 lbs. These are considered mid frames and if you shop around, you can find one in good shape for your price. Adding the cab option will make it harder as those will hold around $17000 on the cheap end. 2 speed didn't become common until a couple of years ago on these so I wouldn't hold my breath finding one for your price. Any one of these will work circles around an 825.

I'd look at an 873G or S250. I like my F series 873, it will do anything you ask it to. You should be able to find a low hour 873G in your price range, heck I had a rough S250 lined up last year for 10K, but the guy must of caught on to what they are worth. The 873G is rated at 2400lbs and she will definitely lift more than that. I came off a 743 and stumbled onto my 873 for a deal so I bought it figuring it would be worth what I paid for it for a long time. The long wheelbase and vertical lift are awesome, I'll never not have a large frame skid with those feature again.

Mikefromcny · Feb 17, 2014

Mikefromcny said:
I'd look at an 873G or S250. I like my F series 873, it will do anything you ask it to. You should be able to find a low hour 873G in your price range, heck I had a rough S250 lined up last year for 10K, but the guy must of caught on to what they are worth. The 873G is rated at 2400lbs and she will definitely lift more than that. I came off a 743 and stumbled onto my 873 for a deal so I bought it figuring it would be worth what I paid for it for a long time. The long wheelbase and vertical lift are awesome, I'll never not have a large frame skid with those feature again.

Forgot to mention, theres a guy on a farm forum who has 2, 873G's. 1 with 9000 hours, the other with 15000 hours, still working everyday.