Tom Brown
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2008
- Messages
- 60
I've been looking at some small machines. I'd like something in a 36" width, so I can get it onto the beach at my lake house. I've had a close look at NH LS120, LS125, and Bobcat 463 models. They all seem pretty similar. I have no doubt they will all do what I need and they all seem pretty similar. If I were to get something new, I suspect I'd go for the NH LS125. It can be had for around $16K CDN with aux hydraulic attachments and bucket, delivered to my door. That's the diesel version, although I don't necessarily prefer diesel to gas. It looks like the following models apply to my situation: Bobcat 463 (all sub-models) Bobcat 453 Bobcat 443 Bobcat 440 New Holland LS120 New Holland LS125 New Holland L250 New Holland L255 Thomas 85 Should I consider any other models? Are any of these particularly better than the others? The small NH skid steers I've looked at have all had pretty worn pins at 800+ hours of use. Is that because of abuse? Does NH use inferior steel in their pins? Do the Bobcat pins stand up better? How much of an advantage is diesel? I've noticed the LS120 gas is rated at 18hp while the LS125 diesel (pretty much the same machine) is rated at 16.5hp. I assume the diesel makes it's power at lower RPM, perhaps making more usable power in a piece of equipment. I've got lots of gas machines around so I always have a few cans of gas on hand. I don't have anything that takes diesel so that would be a bit inconvenient but a fuel can doesn't cost a lot so it's no big deal. I would appreciate any advice. Thank you.