Recent content by frank123

In their efforts to buy back market share and unload a huge amount of overproduction inventory, Bobcat has in effect killed the used skid market. Sure, new prices are attractive, but your trade in is worth substantially less as well. Those huge rebates are great for a cash buyer, but if you're...

I'd look for a JD 35D. Most popular size which will be good for both rental and resale. Small enough to haul without trailer and license issues. For rental, I'd try to find machies with thumbs for sure. They seem to be very reliable. Odds are pretty good of finding used ones that have some...

Sounds like you're getting things figured out, but just a thought I had: That 332 is a heavy machine compared to other brands, which helps give it great lift ability and pushing power. But combine that weight with the big aggressive 14” rubber, you're going to have a lot of bite, so when you...

More reliable misinformation. Not sure how this went from a technical Bobcat question to another “non-Cat” bashing opportunity. I'll bet my paycheck Ron has never set foot in a CT315, much less run one. Yet the authority he claims to be as usual. Check your sources. I don't think you'll be...

If you're sitting in the seat, it will be on the right side of the machine right above your right foot on the side(inside the cab). A JD dealer will be able to tell you what options the machine was originally sold with as well as any warranty claims that were ever filed and the corresponding...

Those factory tours are pretty amazing. I got a chance to go through the Deere skid steer/ CTL factory in Dubuque. There they start out as flat sheets of steel and you watch them come off the chassis dyno at the end of the line. Walked right down the aisles B.S.ing with the workers. One...

I'd disagree with the “Deere stickers are expensive” statement. I priced a 35D and a Hitachi last summer and the Deere came in about $1500 cheaper. Identical specs. I think it has more to do with the dealer than anything, just like every other brand.

Pretty much any dealer that sells skid steers should have access to a factory or assortment of aftermarket bolt on tooth bars for standard size buckets. Depending on how bad your cutting edge is worn, the bolt on tooth bar may or may not securely fasten. Typically they hook over the cutting...

Have to put in a vote for the Deere CT322 for what you've described. Easily will handle 2200#. Hills no problem. Cat limits hillside use to 3:1 slopes in the owners manual. Tak has a higher center of gravity and narrow stance- tippier. Deere is hands down easier to service and maintain...

I've just taken the serial # and called the factory on a few machines I was unsure of. If you go to their web site, usually there's some kind of phone # that will get you to the factory or a customer service center. Never had to call Case, but I've done it with ASV, BC, and Deere.

I'd actually agree with Ron on this one. The Bobcats are junk from what I've experienced. I think the Kubota's are highly overrated. You can't load a truck with them. The stick power is pathetic compared to the others and the swing speed is noticeably slower. I'd put Deere/Hitachi 1, Cat 2...

The NH l455 is a 28 hp machine rated at 1200# ROC. The Case 1835c is a 44 hp 1200# class machine. I believe the 1835's were all gas versus diesel in the NH. I may be wrong on that. On an older machine with a few hours, typically I would go with the Case in a comparison like this due to...

If you just want the door, you can get a “demolition door kit” through Deere. Otherwise, you can order the entire cab enclosure kit with the side windows. Sims Cab makes a side swing door option for the Deere cabs also. www.cabdepot.com

The problem isn't the windows, it's the undercarriage. Go try a CT322 Deere. More power, better balance plus a smooth ride without the cat maintenance cost.

I know one guy running Cats that takes the fill plugs out as soon as the machine shows up and replaces it with a grease zerk. In his experience, its just a matter of time (short) before the seals are out. Has had good luck with this program.