Toolcat to S185 skid steer to RZR 900 Comparison

[ruffdog]

Gee, 535# difference and it can carry one more person. The number is getting closer!

 

[aczlan]

I would say enough to make one think. I take my clues from what I see used in real world applications. I doubt I missed gawking at very many machines on construction sites in my lifetime.

They are intended for different markets. A Toolcat is intended more for a plant, a ranch, or a school where you need to move 2 people, tools, etc and want to be able to use a loader or other attachment when you get there.

A skidsteer is intended for moving dirt, running attachments, etc with just an operator on board.

Aaron Z

 

[ruffdog]

They are intended for different markets. A Toolcat is intended more for a plant, a ranch, or a school where you need to move 2 people, tools, etc and want to be able to use a loader or other attachment when you get there.

A skidsteer is intended for moving dirt, running attachments, etc with just an operator on board.

Aaron Z

Yep, just different tools for the job. It works great for me because it is the INDUSTRIAL UTV with HD capabilities!

 

[Industrial Toys]

Absolutely the way I see it. Which is just why I maintain, if you line up a JD dozer, Cat Motor Grader, CASE wheel loader (you know construction equipment) and a Toolcat and asked that famous question, which of these doesn't belong? I think you know what I'm trying to say.

 

[ruffdog]

Absolutely the way I see it. Which is just why I maintain, if you line up a JD dozer, Cat Motor Grader, CASE wheel loader (you know construction equipment) and a Toolcat and asked that famous question, which of these doesn't belong? I think you know what I'm trying to say.

Yeah, my neighbor has a good sized excavator business and I think your R510 would be sitting most of the time just like the Toolcat. People in business use equipment that makes them money and a R510 or Toolcat isn't going to pay the bills. That does not mean that a machine is not industrial quality.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Bigger equipment gets more specific in use. I always wanted a large wheel loader, but it would sit most of the time. As it is I can lift a 40 foot container (one end) and drag it around. Good enough for me. I always hire in big iron to do the heavy work, As I don't own any construction equipment!

 

[npartist]

Actually the 2004 S185 operating weight is 5808lbs according to Bobcat historical specs. The toolcat is rated to carry an extra 2200lbs and the S185 only 1850lbs so actually if you look at rated max weight the toolcat out does the S185. Not sure that or this "construction equipment" argument is worth any time though....on to better things.

 

[ruffdog]

Actually the 2004 S185 operating weight is 5808lbs according to Bobcat historical specs. The toolcat is rated to carry an extra 2200lbs and the S185 only 1850lbs so actually if you look at rated max weight the toolcat out does the S185. Not sure that or this "construction equipment" argument is worth any time though....on to better things.

I think the hydraulic output/capacity is higher on the toolcat too.

 

[npartist]

I've gotten some use out of the Toolcat this past week. First for a target/skeet shooting gathering with friends, used it to move the steel target stands and 55 gal burn barrel around (including when on fire...) as well as carrying some wood to burn and the skeet launcher/guns/clay targets/etc. It had just rained heavily the night before and thus the ground was very soggy and the clay just makes a mess. I'll say the toolcat handled the sloppy ground better than the S185 but both make significant ruts. Despite some sliding around I never felt like the toolcat was at risk of getting stuck but I have gotten my S185 stuck twice now that needed a tow out.

Next I got a chance to plow for the first time in the toolcat, it was a small snow only 2 inches or so. I have about 1400ft of 10-12 ft concrete drive and 60x30 approach at the house plus a couple hundred feet of gravel to the back barn that I clear. Mom was working so I brought the 3yr old and the 8 mo old out to help (one of my main reasons for getting a Toolcat). The extra speed of the toolcat is nice and the 4 wheel steering is nice to not mark up the concrete. Overall the Toolcat was about 30% faster time wise than my SS but its slower close to the garage where I back drag and those go forward/reverse several times. The FNR lever on the toolcat takes more time than just pulling back on the SS lever arms but its a trade off I knew was there. Side note, the 3yr old taught me that the dump bed hydraulics works even with the safety lockout arm up!

 

[bobcatyooper]

That does not mean that a machine is not industrial quality.

I agree totally just because it’s not on most construction sites doesn’t mean it’s not construction grade. No company is going to pay a guy to ride as a passenger all day and there are a lot cheaper side by sides to purchase for transporting jobsite supervisors or for running tools. To me these are more used by municipalities,landscaping businesses and people looking for property maintenance with the capability of carrying a person.

 

[npartist]

Did a little video of snow plowing this past weekend. Got about 6in of wet snow, first real snowfall i cleared with the Toolcat. Brought the family along so they could start learning how to plow...haha.

 

[mmancuso13]

Nice!

 

[craneman13]

Hello there fellow Marylander. we are not that far apart.

 

[craneman13]

if you run into traction issues. I have found that a plastic 55 gallon drum in the back filled with water makes a great weight. it sits perfectly over the rear axle. I have mine stabilized with a couple pieces of 6x6 and a ratchet strap. amazing what 450 pounds adds for traction. and you just empty it after it thaws out.

 

[npartist]

if you run into traction issues. I have found that a plastic 55 gallon drum in the back filled with water makes a great weight. it sits perfectly over the rear axle. I have mine stabilized with a couple pieces of 6x6 and a ratchet strap. amazing what 450 pounds adds for traction. and you just empty it after it thaws out.

Good idea! I had R4 tires on my S185 as well and its interesting how the SS and TC differ in traction (I do have the traction control on TC). Some things the SS is better and other the TC. I had tire chains for the SS but pretty much never used them (pain to put on, bumpy/noisy and do mark up the concrete). I find if i do start to get stuck in the TC putting it in two wheel steer helps, keeps the back from sliding out while trying to turn and move. I was thinking of throwing a few bags of sand in the back but could also go the 55 gal drum route. My driveway is almost all flat so I'm going to try to get away without any weight this winter to see how things go.

 

[Clark6x20]

I use sand bags purchased on Amazon filled them up here and put in 600 lbs (12 bags). Works great! I have owned a Toolcat for 11 years now. I just picked up used 2018 with 110 hours on it with all the bells and whistles. This tool is a life saver! I have a 90 finish mower and love it. With all wheel steer i can cut the lawn without destroying it. Last week I had the first opportunity to try the new Skid Pro 72 inch snow blower and that was nothing short if of awesome! I heated my house with wood for 10 years and this thing would pick up any log I through at it. I also built a custom made log splitter that will pick up a 36 x 36 log and from the heated cab with the push of a button split it into 4 pieces. There is nothing on the market that has the versatility of a Toolcat.

 

[npartist]

Picked up some boulders for the girls from the backside of our property (appear to be rocks stashed in the woods from cultivating the land decades ago). Got one for the wife and the 3yr old wanted her own rock to sit on outside by the playset so we ventured back out into the woods to find another one for her. I wasnt sure on the big rock...did some quick math on the size/density of granite and figured its close to the 3000lb mark but Timmy "the toolcat" Horton picked it up and carried it the 1/2 mile back to home. For the smaller rock I got the grapple out since it was half buried and want to be able to pick it up.

Big one:


Smaller one:


Happy ladies

 

[laurencen]

I use sand bags purchased on Amazon filled them up here and put in 600 lbs (12 bags). Works great! I have owned a Toolcat for 11 years now. I just picked up used 2018 with 110 hours on it with all the bells and whistles. This tool is a life saver! I have a 90 finish mower and love it. With all wheel steer i can cut the lawn without destroying it. Last week I had the first opportunity to try the new Skid Pro 72 inch snow blower and that was nothing short if of awesome! I heated my house with wood for 10 years and this thing would pick up any log I through at it. I also built a custom made log splitter that will pick up a 36 x 36 log and from the heated cab with the push of a button split it into 4 pieces. There is nothing on the market that has the versatility of a Toolcat.

by chance you have a picture of the splitter

 

[Hay Dude]

Picked up some boulders for the girls from the backside of our property (appear to be rocks stashed in the woods from cultivating the land decades ago). Got one for the wife and the 3yr old wanted her own rock to sit on outside by the playset so we ventured back out into the woods to find another one for her. I wasnt sure on the big rock...did some quick math on the size/density of granite and figured its close to the 3000lb mark but Timmy "the toolcat" Horton picked it up and carried it the 1/2 mile back to home. For the smaller rock I got the grapple out since it was half buried and want to be able to pick it up.

Big one:
View attachment 651544View attachment 651545View attachment 651543

Smaller one:
View attachment 651546View attachment 651547

Happy ladies
View attachment 651548

I got all the boulders you want to dig out. Just let me know! :laughing:
Your wife & daughter are adorable.

 

[npartist]

Did some mowing of the trails today. Much better than the S185. smoother and doesn't tear up the ground other non-toolcat specific advantages: faster (2 speed), high flow, AC, radio, etc. Downside is Toolcat is taller, need to do more limb trimming... Did do some crab steering in places to get the mower offset from the machine to get some side brush. Worked well for that.