RobertN
Super Member
ASV RC30. I have used them on a few jobs. I don't do landscape any more, but if I did my CUT would stay at home, while there was an RC30 with a 4:1 bucket on the trailer...
Best Track Skid Steer Under 7,500 lbs?
- Thread starter Dougster
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It is a cute little trailerable machine... certainly at the right price... and I am dying to rent one! I can't see where it would ever *replace* the tractor-loader-backhoe... but it sure could supplement it well!RobertN said:
Only downsides I see are very limited load capacity and folks say they aren't nearly as stable as the big brothers. Any comments to those comments???
A subtle point to some, but important to remember: I am not a landscaper and/or person with employees. I am a one man show doing "landscape assistance" work. Whatever I buy has got to stand on it's own two feet... or tracks... in terms of whole job performance.
Dougster
RobertN
Super Member
A compact TLB can do so many things. But, if you look at the small skidsteers and track loader, the number of implements is amazing. The biggest thing I see is the lack of a TnT box on them, but there are companies that make a hydraulic attchment so you can tilt the front implement.
The big thing I see, is the hydraulic implements are significantly more expensive than the PTO stuff like on my Kuboat CUT.
I had the RC30 in wet conditions where I know I would have got my Kubota stuck. I did some off camber work, but no real steep stuff.
I did have to make a "ramp" of dirt so I could load a full size 10 wheel dump truck(would have had to with my Kubota CUT too).
It lifted much better than my 19hp Kubota.
I used it on one job, because I simply could not manuever my Kubota where I needed to get to. I had to do grading, and move about 30 yards of material in. My older B8200 is the same size as the newer Kuota B2710, maybe a little bigger than a Kioti CK20. And, the conditions were wet; that RC30 just got with it; I would have been spinning my R4's.
The big thing I see, is the hydraulic implements are significantly more expensive than the PTO stuff like on my Kuboat CUT.
I had the RC30 in wet conditions where I know I would have got my Kubota stuck. I did some off camber work, but no real steep stuff.
I did have to make a "ramp" of dirt so I could load a full size 10 wheel dump truck(would have had to with my Kubota CUT too).
It lifted much better than my 19hp Kubota.
I used it on one job, because I simply could not manuever my Kubota where I needed to get to. I had to do grading, and move about 30 yards of material in. My older B8200 is the same size as the newer Kuota B2710, maybe a little bigger than a Kioti CK20. And, the conditions were wet; that RC30 just got with it; I would have been spinning my R4's.
Dougster said:It is a cute little trailerable machine... certainly at the right price... and I am dying to rent one! I can't see where it would ever *replace* the tractor-loader-backhoe... but it sure could supplement it well!
Only downsides I see are very limited load capacity and folks say they aren't nearly as stable as the big brothers. Any comments to those comments???
A subtle point to some, but important to remember: I am not a landscaper and/or person with employees. I am a one man show doing "landscape assistance" work. Whatever I buy has got to stand on it's own two feet... or tracks... in terms of whole job performance.
Dougster
I don't see myself purchasing a bunch of hydraulic implements for the track skid steer. I might think about doing it if it were to be my only machine, but it really is intended to be a supplemental machine to my TLB for those steep areas and jobs that otherwise demand it. And let's be honest: It's also there for back-up, where appropriate.RobertN said:
I've already got a fairly vicious skidsteer-grade root/rock grapple for moving things around... and along with the skidsteer's QA bucket (and QA tractor buckets if necessary), I'll be okay. On some functions, I'll have to get creative... and maybe get a QA to 3-point adapter for certain jobs like the lady who wanted an extremely steep banking raked of all the baseball sized rocks.
My main point in mentioning that I am a one-man show was that I can only haul one equipment trailer with one such vehicle to a jobsite at a time... outfitted in just one configuration for a one day job. No running back and forth to grab other implements or make configuration changes. That is a firm rule and clients are told about it up front. If they want two vehicles or two configurations, it's two days work (or two half days work). I also wanted to point out my lack of employees to complement and expand on the vehicle's abilities. I do not have that luxury.
Dougster
RobertN
Super Member
I totally understand the one man show; the company my wife and did was just Mom/Pop. As much as I really really like the RC30, I could not afford it AND keep my CUT. I have since gone back to high-tech, and still can't justify an RN30
In regards to tools, the Sacramento Bobcat dealer had a rental setup that was really nice. Now, this was for thier walkbehind track machine, but would work for other stuff. The front 4' of the trailer had a rack. On the rack was a tooth bucket, an auger and a couple bits, a trencer, and another implement, but I don't reacal what at the moment. The tractor fit behind the rack. When you rented that tractor, you got the whole setup.
That would be a sweet setup. For a CUT, have a rotary mower, PHD, Scraper, maybe a rock bucket, etc. Only thing is, you'd have to lift each implent on/off with a chain. However, I would need a bigger trailer; my 16' rig is too short.
In regards to tools, the Sacramento Bobcat dealer had a rental setup that was really nice. Now, this was for thier walkbehind track machine, but would work for other stuff. The front 4' of the trailer had a rack. On the rack was a tooth bucket, an auger and a couple bits, a trencer, and another implement, but I don't reacal what at the moment. The tractor fit behind the rack. When you rented that tractor, you got the whole setup.
That would be a sweet setup. For a CUT, have a rotary mower, PHD, Scraper, maybe a rock bucket, etc. Only thing is, you'd have to lift each implent on/off with a chain. However, I would need a bigger trailer; my 16' rig is too short.
Dougster said:
Back to High-Tech???RobertN said:I totally understand the one man show; the company my wife and did was just Mom/Pop. As much as I really really like the RC30, I could not afford it AND keep my CUT. I have since gone back to high-tech, and still can't justify an RN30
Say it isn't so!!! They've got the same kind of thing here. It sounds great UNLESS you've already got the vehicle and just want to rent an implement. That's when you find out it's an "all or nothing" deal... no "a la carte"!RobertN said:
Dougster
jmc
Elite Member
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- Ford 1920 4x4 (traded in on Kubota). Case 480F TLB w/4 in 1 bucket, 4x4. Gehl CTL60 tracked loader, Kubota L4330 GST
Dougster,
Its been awhile since I was shopping but it seems that ASV made a version of the RC30 for a competitor (not Cat) and someone at TBN found a really reasonable source of them, either new or slightly used. Maybe someone will come forward with more info or tell me I was dreaming the whole thing.
I wonder if you consider the loaders' miserable rear and side visibility to be a factor in your type of work?
John
Its been awhile since I was shopping but it seems that ASV made a version of the RC30 for a competitor (not Cat) and someone at TBN found a really reasonable source of them, either new or slightly used. Maybe someone will come forward with more info or tell me I was dreaming the whole thing.
I wonder if you consider the loaders' miserable rear and side visibility to be a factor in your type of work?
John
I think you are talking about the Polaris ASL 300... same basic unit with a CAT engine, I believe. As much as I like (and can actually almost afford) the RC-30, the more I look at the specs, the more I think an RC-50 or RC-60 or CAT 247 is way better suited to my needs... apparently a lot more stable, adequate lifting capability for the jobs I am looking at... and still under 7,500 lbs.jmc said:
Visibility is always an issue. I'm spoiled, of course, by my TLB's "observation tower" seating position... and even that beast leaves me occasionally way too close to structures and buildings that I certainly don't want to hit... especially with the BH while focusing on FEL work. Wish my neck turned around 180 degrees... but it doesn't even come close anymore!
Dougster
jpm
Platinum Member
dougster;have you thougt about a chinese bulldozer? its differant machine from a ss but it may fit your needs.if you look in the chinese tracktor forum there it a member call bob rocks that is doing something like your trying
I have actually considered them. Even bid on a couple... though not too seriously! It's an interesting alternative... and I was outbid on one job by a small dozer company... but for now I still believe a 7,500 lb class track skid steer offers a bit more value and flexibility.jpm said:
Dougster
They are clearly very interesting machines. I have not ruled them out entirely, but they are soooooooo expensive compared to a used track skid steer. It's a simple matter of supply and demand. The world is flooded with used skid steer equipment in every size and type. Power-tracs are still relatively rare beasts. And whatever I buy... there is no question: it will have to be used.shvl73 said:
Dougster
Check out this page: Used Power Tracs
I was wrong, the rental store is in Sudbury:Power Trac - Multi Attachment Tractor
Looks like they're selling it:Used Rental Equipment For Sale by Sudbury Taylor Rental - Sudbury, Massachusetts
I would guess they might be buying another or have more than one, since they are keeping most attachments.
I was wrong, the rental store is in Sudbury:Power Trac - Multi Attachment Tractor
Looks like they're selling it:Used Rental Equipment For Sale by Sudbury Taylor Rental - Sudbury, Massachusetts
I would guess they might be buying another or have more than one, since they are keeping most attachments.
Very interesting... especially that used one at Sudbury Rentals. I may stop by there later today and have a look!shvl73 said:
I must admit that I focused mainly on their TSM model when I was looking at them way back when. Sounds like that used one is a PT-425. The trick on these, of course, is all in the attachments. I think they'd actually give you the vehicle itself for free... just to get you to spend a King's ransom on the attachments!!! Dougster
It certainly worth looking at. my thought was, you have a larger machine for the bigger tasks, maybe a smaller versatile machine would help fill a niche. It certainly has maneuverability and its easy on turf. I'll bet its better on slopes too. Easy to haul as well.
Well, the real issue on this "alternative/backup vehicle" is working steep slopes... raking, grading, bush-hogging, tree & debris removal, etc. But it's not going to be enough just to have a vehicle that can climb the slopes. The vehicle has got to be able to do some serious work once it gets there!shvl73 said:
Along those lines, I'm still thinking that a relatively stable, rubber-tracked skid steer is going to be hard to beat. The other big advantage is that I already own implements that a tracked skid steer can use.BTW, I am actually bidding on both a CAT 247 and an RC-30 as we speak. That particular 2,000 hour CAT 247 is back on a certain large auction website after the original winner... at $16.9K... backed out. Makes me wonder why as the buyer looked totally legit... but now I've got a second shot at it.
The RC-30 is a former rental down in Florida and only has 500 hours on it. Depending on how high its final price goes, it could also be a decent addition to my stable.
Dougster
Here's few to look at.
I have purchased a LOT of equipment from this auction and never been burned.
IronPlanet | Equipment Search | Category="Skid-Steers"
I have purchased a LOT of equipment from this auction and never been burned.
IronPlanet | Equipment Search | Category="Skid-Steers"
buffalohunter
Member
I have a 277B Cat tracked skid steer, mine weighs more than 7500 pounds, you might want to look a Cat tracked skid steer. I have one of there 307 mini-excavators also and I am very pleased with both machines.
capt_met
Silver Member
i was in a similar situation and ended up buying a toro dingo tx 425. i got mine slightly used from the dealer for around 10,000. i was all set to buy an asv rc30 when i found out about their hydraulic system. it seems to not have the power of the walk behind units. also their attachment plate will need an adapter to run dingo sized attachments. again when running these attachments it will be at a lower pressure so performance may be effected. i also like the idea that if it gets away on a hill i can let it go instead of ride it down. sometimes it will go on the front of the trailer with the backhoe when i need both pieces. the light weight allows this better.
good luck with your shopping.
good luck with your shopping.
Hi Harold - I am definitely considering the CATs... at least the Model 247 (see my last post above). Looks like I am going to lose that one clean machine that reappeared on eBay.buffalohunter said:I have a 277B Cat tracked skid steer, mine weighs more than 7500 pounds, you might want to look a Cat tracked skid steer. I have one of there 307 mini-excavators also and I am very pleased with both machines.
Looks like there is a new bidder there willing to pay almost anything to get that particular machine. No way I can compete with my thin wallet against a really determined bidder.
Dougster
