Bobcat forestry cutter ?'s

[DVR]

Hello,
I posted this in an old thread in the bobcat forum and was pointed this way. Thanks-


Considering the purchase of a new bobcat 770 with 60" forestry cutter. I went to the dealer today and got a quote. I was able to get in the seat of a new 870 being ready for delivery. I did not operate the cutting head. They have some attractive leasing and purchase options.
For those of you who have owned and run this type of equipment I am seeking some input.
to save debate the 770 is the largest model that meets my requirements. This dealership owns most of the surrounding territories. With this type of use I am sure I will need support.

Here is a list of options. Any input would be helpful. It costs more than my first house!

770 compact loader- tier 3
36mo protection plus plan
joystick controls
A91pkg:
cab with heat and a/c
high flow hydro
sound reduction
hydro bucket positioning
power bob-tach
deluxe instrumentation
keyless start
block heater
attachment control kit
cab accessories pkg
2 speed travel
3 pt seat belt

roller suspension
60" forestry cutter
engine compartment seal kit
forestry applications kit


Seeking any input from users considering options, financing vs. leasing, protection plus plan...

TIA

 

[poplinlandservice]

i run a t870 with a bobcat 60 in head. rite now it showing 394.6 hrs on it. i like it the only thing i would look at it the foresty heads, the bobcat head you can only get the tools from bobcat there about $122 dollars per tooth. others you can get cheaper. a bobcat is a great investment.

 

[poplinlandservice]

and also im leasing mine. so far i like it but i may go ahead a buy it out rite. buy the protection plus plan mine came with 12 month bumper to bumper i went ahead a bought the 5 year powertrain with it.

 

[DVR]

Thanks for the reply.
I want a cutter head and machine built and supported by one company. I realize fecon makes the head. I just don't know the machines well enough to mix brands w/o concern. I know the parts guy. Hopefully he will go easy on me.
protection plus is in my quote.
Thanks again for the input.

 

[fishfactor]

We've been running our Bobcat Head for 5 years. Other than teeth, we have replaced the motor seal 1 time and the belt 1 time. That's it for the repairs.

 

[DVR]

We've been running our Bobcat Head for 5 years. Other than teeth, we have replaced the motor seal 1 time and the belt 1 time. That's it for the repairs.

Thank you. That is great to know. Any other tips or advice?

 

[yellowdogsvc]

i use the Bobcat s750 with a cat mulcher. Looking to get a Bobcat forestry cutter myself but wasn't sure if I'd see more production than what I currently have. My current mulcher isn't 2 speed and it cuts finer (more drag I assume because of that). Can anyone comment on the 2 speed making a big difference or the Fecon design leaving a good by-product (fine shreds)?

I would say the Bobcat M series is a good machine. I have had a fire, though, and Bobcat couldn't tell me with certainty how it started and it is now on my mind every time I get in the machine. I've been mulching for about 12 years and have never had a fire in any of my machines (bobcat or CAT). I keep them extremely clean in the compartments and under the cab. The debris kit helps but I find it flimsy and though the design is very cool, the materials are not up to severe duty in my opinion.

I would opt to get your door fitted with the wiper. It will cost about an addition $100 to get someone to drill that lexan but it's worth it. Lexan will attract dust and make it hard to see.
Overall, you will like the M series machines though I think Bobcat's hydraulic power is not on par with the competition and all I own now are Bobcat machines.

I didn't think Bobcat would lease in severe duty applications.. but the finance deals are pretty good. Opt for the extended warranty. Most extended warranties favor the manufacturer or dealer but a machine that is mulching will save you $$ after you hit about 1200 hours.

 

[DVR]

Thanks,
Good suggestions. I was told wiping would scratch the lexan. to flush it to remove debris before cleaning?

They will lease them with the head as a package. Hope to close the deal next week. I will update as I make progress.

 

[yellowdogsvc]

I was told the same thing about the lexan. The only scratches I get are from tree branches. Brush shreds are relatively soft.. It's the wiper arm you need to watch. As part of your daily activities, just keep an eye on the rubber. If it's worn, replace it. I've seen a lot of other guys mulching that can't see out of their window when the material they are mulching is damp, it's extremely dusty, or it's misting. Unless you rig up something to blow the debris off, it makes it hard to see. if you have to keep opening up your door to clean the windshield, then you are just letting that much more crap inside the cab to recirculate.

My thoughts are the lexan is going to scratch one way or another. You can scratch it using a paper towel to wipe it clean. It's that easy to scratch BUT being able to see is a big plus to me.

 

[tonyoz]

There are products on the market that can take the scratches out of lexen. Its like a very fine cutting compound. For more severe scratches use a 12-1400 grit wet and dry sandpaper first.:thumbsup: