Compact telehandler

[bluesaxe]

I just ran across this thread and it's fascinating. I've been considering a telehandler because I need to stack hay, cut brush, dig, move materials, and run a snowblower attachment on rough terrain. My biggest question is how they handle on hillsides. Also, does Bobcat make a high flow model in any of theirs? I don't think I've seen one but my research has just begun. Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

[Xfaxman]

Yep, a compact telehandler will do all of that. They have a low center of gravity, so are very stable on hillsides. :thumbsup:

Bobcat makes a standard flow snowblower approved for their CTH models: Find Bobcat Attachments - Bobcat Company

 

[bluesaxe]

Thanks. The Bobcat guys tell me their telehandlers are at the lower end of spec for their larger blowers. I have to deal with Sierra Nevada snow, aka Sierra Cement, so I might have to find something with higher flow rates. Otherwise I'd grab a Bobcat for sure.

Yep, a compact telehandler will do all of that. They have a low center of gravity, so are very stable on hillsides. :thumbsup:

Bobcat makes a standard flow snowblower approved for their CTH models: Find Bobcat Attachments - Bobcat Company

View attachment 537233

 

[Xfaxman]

You're welcome. There are a lot of other brands to check out, but I recommend getting one with a SSQA, or at least an adapter to SSQA.

 

[ArmyDoc]

My v519 arrived today. I spent a few hours moving wind-fall trees with it. I really like this machine. A few first thoughts:

1) It's A LOT more stable than my tractor. It did not feel unstable at all transitioning across old terraces that we have here in the south (30 degree grades where the one level drops down to the next 2-3 ft lower)

2) I now understand why Xfaxman emphasized the jaw opening on the grapple. I rented the bobcat grapple, which is a good strong grapple, but I doubt it opens much more than 36 inches... Would have been easier at 48 or 50.

3) Controls are taking a little to get used to. Not hard, but I intuitively move things the opposite way I should, so there is a learning curve.

All in all, great machine and I'm very happy with my purchase.

 

[MossRoad]

I'm drooling..... :drool:

 

[Xfaxman]

Congratulations. :thumbsup:

If it is the grapple opening and closing that feels backwards, swap the grapple connectors. Then swap back before returning.

 

[mike69440]

Very nice machine . Really good size on the tires. Ground engagement type design and tough. Now it it had high flow, a PTO with 3 point and a backhoe size similar to a M59/M62., it could do everything but fly.

 

[ArmyDoc]

Very nice machine . Really good size on the tires. Ground engagement type design and tough. Now it it had high flow, a PTO with 3 point and a backhoe size similar to a M59/M62., it could do everything but fly.

The dealer is pretty sure they can add hydraulics to the rear. If so, I will be able to use it to pull a draw type disk harrow, which is about all I need. I do wish it had 27gpm (upper standard flow) instead of 21. But unless it had a separate high flow line, I wouldn't want high flow (in other words, I wouldn't want high flow only).

Now if I can figure out how to make it fly...

 

[ArmyDoc]

Congratulations. :thumbsup:

If it is the grapple opening and closing that feels backwards, swap the grapple connectors. Then swap back before returning.

Thanks for the tip! I'll probably do that with the grapple I end up buying... not worth the effort on the rental.

 

[McGraw99]

Congrats ArmyDoc!!!

I have finally found another owner! I'm still loving mine. I had to remove some old pipe fence the other day. It snatched it out of the ground at idle and never slowed down!

 

[PhysAssist]

View attachment 537547

Congrats ArmyDoc!!!

I have finally found another owner! I'm still loving mine. I had to remove some old pipe fence the other day. It snatched it out of the ground at idle and never slowed down!

Hi McGraw and ArmyDoc,

I'm real jealous of both of you, but I'm slowly working SWMBO around to the concept.

My slowly ever-worsening [premature] senile physical decrepitude is the only I have going in my favor at this point though.

PA

 

[ArmyDoc]

Hi McGraw and ArmyDoc,

I'm real jealous of both of you, but I'm slowly working SWMBO around to the concept.

My slowly ever-worsening [premature] senile physical decrepitude is the only I have going in my favor at this point though.

PA

One thing about the v519 that I didn't realize is that it is significantly larger than the v417. Over a foot wider, and over 2 feet longer. I was concerned at first that it might be too big. Happy to say that it actually maneuvers well between the trees, and I've had no problems.

I'm not at all sure I need the extra lift capacity, but all and all I am quite happy with the machine. Don't know which I would have chosen if they still offered both, but since my wife says no more used machines (I'm not much of a mechanic) the choice was made for me. If budget is an issue, I would not hesitate to look at a used v417 or v518.

 

[KenAdams]

I wouldn't want high flow only

You can set hydraulic speed independently for every movement of the boom and aux. hydraulics. (Atleast on EU models)
High flow is a LS pump, so apart from speed there are also other advantages. I would always take a HF if possible.

PS: Congrats on your new machine ArmyDoc!

 

[bluesaxe]

You can set hydraulic speed independently for every movement of the boom and aux. hydraulics. (Atleast on EU models)
High flow is a LS pump, so apart from speed there are also other advantages. I would always take a HF if possible.

PS: Congrats on your new machine ArmyDoc!

What sort of machine are you running that allows you to do that? That's what I'm looking for.

 

[ArmyDoc]

What sort of machine are you running that allows you to do that? That's what I'm looking for.

I believe he is talking about the European version. Unfortunately for us, there are alot of things available in Europe that are not available here.
If I had the ability to stet the flow, high flow would definitely be the way to go. I suspect it could be had here, if I was willing to have them rip out the hydraulic pump and replace it ... not worth the effort / expense I suspect. Though, come to think about it, I think when I get around to adding the rear hydraulics I will at least ask what that would cost.

 

[bluesaxe]

I believe he is talking about the European version. Unfortunately for us, there are alot of things available in Europe that are not available here.
If I had the ability to stet the flow, high flow would definitely be the way to go. I suspect it could be had here, if I was willing to have them rip out the hydraulic pump and replace it ... not worth the effort / expense I suspect. Though, come to think about it, I think when I get around to adding the rear hydraulics I will at least ask what that would cost.

Yeah, there was a Euro Bobcat ag machine for sale briefly and I think it had the perfect setup but it was gone by the time I had a chance to think. A TL-470.

 

[KenAdams]

How does an EU model get into California? Would cost quite a bit to get it imported I think, guess someone found it worth the cost.

 

[bluesaxe]

How does an EU model get into California? Would cost quite a bit to get it imported I think, guess someone found it worth the cost.

It made it to Wisconsin, and if I hadn't been about to leave the country for a month I probably would have had it checked out and shipped it. It sold in about four days and I haven't seen one advertised since.

 

[ArmyDoc]

How does an EU model get into California? Would cost quite a bit to get it imported I think, guess someone found it worth the cost.

Pure speculation, but I wonder if it wasn't Canadian...