First Skid loader. Cat 257b or Bobcat 864

[tmac25]

Need help deciding on my first machine, really liking the Cat 257b, but wondering what others input is. I will be using it just to build and maintain a motocross track. Cat 257b for 13.5k, needs new belts so add 3k more, average condition minor stuff not working 1,200 hours. OR. Bobcat 864 average condition, belts 30% 3k hours, 9k.

 

[Kermode]

I can't comment on the Cat but the 864's are just a breakdown waiting to happen. One of my competitors has one and I love it. He spends a fortune on undercarriage repairs and I get his work.

 

[shomfeld]

The cat 257b is a joke it has a perkins motor that is marked cat. the 257b has problems with the head gasket it will blow and you can't tell but it will build carbon on the push rod and it will fall off and plug the oil pump the the turbo will go first and then the lowerend what a joke of a motor it only had 400 hrs. On the undercarage main drive the bolts it he rollers start moving and it will egg out. The only advantage the cat has over the bobcat is the ride