17’ NH L228 Need Help!

[PrivadoMason]

(So I literally posted this on the Bobcat Forum ????????????) So Later today me and my old man passed by our local tractor dealer and they mainly deal with NH SSL/CTL’s, and we work in the masonry industry and we just started looking into a new SSL. We exclusively use NH, well just one model the LX865. My Pop bought it new back in 96’ (before me mind you), We have had no serious problems with this machine it’s truly one of the greatest machines we have ever owned, runs perfect no slop 5600~ hours, yet it reaches max heights with a pallet of brick, she’s just getting old (21 to be exact), anyway we decided it was time to get a brand new machine again, so we were at the dealer and found the “modern equivalent” of our venerable LX, a 2017 L228 “bare bones”, open cab hand and foot controls (just like the 865) somewhere around the 8400 lb mark, 2800 op cap 74 hp fiat 3 cylinder for about $38,000, So I’ve been doing some research and found out the latter models have been real basket cases and I'm afraid these new 200 series machines may be a bad investment, need help wether or not to purchase this machine or if there are better options around the same weight class etc. Or if im just paranoid ???? Thanks in advance

 

[Tazza]

Being new, it will be under warranty, but as you had your “old” one for 21 years, you'd rather get another 21 years of trouble free use out of it.
Hopefully Moke will give his advise, he may have dealt with more of the newer machines than most have, and will know if there have been any real issues with them.

 

[PrivadoMason]

Being new, it will be under warranty, but as you had your “old” one for 21 years, you'd rather get another 21 years of trouble free use out of it.
Hopefully Moke will give his advise, he may have dealt with more of the newer machines than most have, and will know if there have been any real issues with them.

Thanks, maybe that isn’t really a bad idea! We are open to all ideas and options. Our plan was to basically buy the L228 use it to “pay it self” off, I don’t really think it would be a good idea to get rid of the LX865 either. Another few years and it may need a new engine and pump maybe even some cylinders, but after so many years of use and outstanding performance you may be right,Thanks again Tazza!

 

[Mike10]

Thanks, maybe that isn’t really a bad idea! We are open to all ideas and options. Our plan was to basically buy the L228 use it to “pay it self” off, I don’t really think it would be a good idea to get rid of the LX865 either. Another few years and it may need a new engine and pump maybe even some cylinders, but after so many years of use and outstanding performance you may be right,Thanks again Tazza!

The l228 will make a good loader for you, but do not expect it to feel or operate like your 865. The early 200 series loaders did have some issues but most of them have been ironed out. Supposedly NH has determined that they do not need the DPF, Diesel particulate filter, on the L228 and are implementing the change sometime in 2017. If that is the case, I would wait and get one without the DPF even if you have to pay more. With the diesel particulate filter the pollution system must do a regeneration of the DPF which is done by increasing the temperature in the exhaust to burn up the accumulated pollutents which could plug the DPF.

 

[PrivadoMason]

The l228 will make a good loader for you, but do not expect it to feel or operate like your 865. The early 200 series loaders did have some issues but most of them have been ironed out. Supposedly NH has determined that they do not need the DPF, Diesel particulate filter, on the L228 and are implementing the change sometime in 2017. If that is the case, I would wait and get one without the DPF even if you have to pay more. With the diesel particulate filter the pollution system must do a regeneration of the DPF which is done by increasing the temperature in the exhaust to burn up the accumulated pollutents which could plug the DPF.

Cool beans! Thanks for your input Mike, what is it that you mean by saying that I shouldn’t expect the L228 to behave like my 865? In responsiveness (hydraulics wise = lifting boom, tilting bucket, steering that sort of thing ?) Thanks !!

 

[PrivadoMason]

The l228 will make a good loader for you, but do not expect it to feel or operate like your 865. The early 200 series loaders did have some issues but most of them have been ironed out. Supposedly NH has determined that they do not need the DPF, Diesel particulate filter, on the L228 and are implementing the change sometime in 2017. If that is the case, I would wait and get one without the DPF even if you have to pay more. With the diesel particulate filter the pollution system must do a regeneration of the DPF which is done by increasing the temperature in the exhaust to burn up the accumulated pollutents which could plug the DPF.

Also about DP Filter, after some research I’ve come to the conclusion that the L228 has what they call a DOC or Diesel Oxidation Catalyst, which in all honesty I really don’t know much about it, is this good or bad? According to multiple websites it’s a improvement over the DPF.... Thanks in Advance Mike !!!