Bobcat vs. conventional tractor.

[Gearclash]

I don't have a loader yet, but am keeping an eye out for an older machine that's not completely worn out. Right now there's a Bobcat 2410 mini-loader for $18, a Cat 904b mini-loader for $40, and a '76 920 Cat for $19. The 2410 Bobcat is too small. I can do as much (or more) with my vintage 720. The 904 Cat is probably hy-stat ?! It's out of my price range any way. The 920 would be OK, (the smaller 910 would be even better), but very few of either here in Alaska, and the few that do pop up every once in a while are all pipeline era machines with a ton of hours and worn out center joints and loader arm joints. I'm patient, there's no hurry. Something may come along. Definitely will NOT buy a loader that is hy-stat though.

Definitely try before you buy if at all possible. Loaders are like women. What is great for one guy is fingernails on chalkboard for the next.

I have a baling customer that tried a CAT mini loader (908?) and sent it down the road fairly soon as being underpowered. He traded it for a Hyundai 730 or 740, a small full size loader.

As far as I know all the compact loaders are hydrostatic drive.

My target size would be in the 20-22,000 lb machine weight. I've driven the L90E and F Volvos and they get a bit ponderous as they are pretty heavy for their size.

 

[Robanybody]

You might consider a Genie or JLG 19ft. 5K reach fork. There are all sorts of buckets and other attachments. They're the same machine offered by two different brands. Terex had an identical machine and they are all pretty useful. The JLG unit is called a G19-5. FWIW.

 

[Gearclash]

No straight frame machines for me, unless it is a skid steer. Even 4 wheel steer can't hold a candle to an articulated machine for maneuverability.

 

[hoardac]

I have seen one come down on its own and a bucket fall off from a broken pin. Was all the lessons I needed to see not to do that.

 

[laurencen]

You might consider a Genie or JLG 19ft. 5K reach fork. There are all sorts of buckets and other attachments. They're the same machine offered by two different brands. Terex had an identical machine and they are all pretty useful. The JLG unit is called a G19-5. FWIW.

the only thing I can say regarding the lifts are they recommend them for ground engagement, of the couple I played with JCB was rock solid digging the other brand was totally fragile, had little digging power and loose joints everywhere

 

[Dougushka]

Definitely try before you buy if at all possible. Loaders are like women. What is great for one guy is fingernails on chalkboard for the next.

I have a baling customer that tried a CAT mini loader (908?) and sent it down the road fairly soon as being underpowered. He traded it for a Hyundai 730 or 740, a small full size loader.

As far as I know all the compact loaders are hydrostatic drive.

My target size would be in the 20-22,000 lb machine weight. I've driven the L90E and F Volvos and they get a bit ponderous as they are pretty heavy for their size.

So for a converter driven compact loader, would have to go with the old Cat 910 (14,210 lbs), Cat 920 (18,600 lbs), or the 444 John Deere (18,870) ? I can't think of anything else. I like the Deere, and there are a few still around, but nobody ever lets them go. They hang onto them, so extremely rare (in AK) to find one on the market. If I hadn't just coughed up $23K for a new roof I'd be tempted to buy the 920 that's on Market Place now

 

[Gearclash]

So for a converter driven compact loader, would have to go with the old Cat 910 (14,210 lbs), Cat 920 (18,600 lbs), or the 444 John Deere (18,870) ? I can't think of anything else. I like the Deere, and there are a few still around, but nobody ever lets them go. They hang onto them, so extremely rare (in AK) to find one on the market. If I hadn't just coughed up $23K for a new roof I'd be tempted to buy the 920 that's on Market Place now

Yea, I'm not sure how far back you would have to go, but probably older than 20-25 years. Pretty sure the JD 444H is hydro already. My CAT knowledge is really thin. Just know they don't wind my clock.

Sure you don't need an old pea green Terex with a 4-71??? LOL!

 

[Dougushka]

Yea, I'm not sure how far back you would have to go, but probably older than 20-25 years. Pretty sure the JD 444H is hydro already. My CAT knowledge is really thin. Just know they don't wind my clock.

Sure you don't need an old pea green Terex with a 4-71??? LOL!

OMG!! I remember loading my log truck with one of those back in the early 70s. No brakes! Had to use the fwd/rev to control it. I think it was a straight frame machine, and didn't steer worth a crap. What a monster!
Actually I have 2 Detroits already. Got a 1976 C60 Chev dump truck with a sweet running 6V-53, and an '55 Allis Chalmers HD-5G track loader with a decent running 2-71. Going to keep the dump truck for a while yet, but probably get rid of the track loader next summer.