Ok a friend of mine has a S-130 skid steer Bobcat and I want to get a JD 3000 series tractor for landscaping and snow removal. I have used it for snow removal with just the loader and the thing I did not like about it was it has no reach capabilitys as a tractor would. It seems as I always had to get right REALLY close to dump the snow. It also is kind of tippy. He told me a tractor will be no better, I told told him a tractor has more reach and more wheelbase also. Please help me convince myself I am making the right choice. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Bobcat S-130 VS Tractor
- Thread starter Deere3120
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bearhawk
Platinum Member
compromise and get a toolcat /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Those are two different machines designed for different tasks.
I think a Bobcat with a 5' snow blower would move some snow!
But a tractor will ride much better /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Jim
Those are two different machines designed for different tasks.
I think a Bobcat with a 5' snow blower would move some snow!
But a tractor will ride much better /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Jim
bearhawk
Platinum Member
Sounds like you know you need a tractor.
Get what you want.
Get what you want.
bam747
Silver Member
- Joined
- Nov 10, 2004
- Messages
- 209
- Tractor
- John Deere 4720 (2007)
In addition to the aforementioned Toolcat, how 'bout a Bobcat A300.
"A", as in All-Wheel Steer. Very nice on sod. Very nice on tire wear. But throw a switch, and it's a skid steer. It is rated for Bobcat's biggest backhoe attachment.
One little problem... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
It's probably Bobcat's most expensive model and also one of their biggest units. 3000 lb ROC. 81 hp. Operating weight of 8350 lbs.
'Course, there's also the tracked Bobcat (and others). Supposed to be nicer on grass. Still "skid steer" though...
"A", as in All-Wheel Steer. Very nice on sod. Very nice on tire wear. But throw a switch, and it's a skid steer. It is rated for Bobcat's biggest backhoe attachment.
One little problem... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
It's probably Bobcat's most expensive model and also one of their biggest units. 3000 lb ROC. 81 hp. Operating weight of 8350 lbs.
'Course, there's also the tracked Bobcat (and others). Supposed to be nicer on grass. Still "skid steer" though...
jeffinsgf
Veteran Member
I disagree with the last comment about getting closer with a tractor. I have both a 7753 Bobcat and a JD 4410. I like the view better from the Bobcat and the center of gravity feels more comfortable on a slope. I can see the front edge of the bucket, which makes tight work easier. However, now that my landscaping projects are nearly complete, I just can't stand to use the Bobcat. Even trying to make wide turns, it just rips the yard up terribly. Also, as mentioned earlier the ride is rough -- really rough. It will be on eBay soon.
RobertN
Super Member
Check out a tracked machine. ASV makes a nice 30hp track loader(skid steer like, but with tracks). Other manufacturers make them, but most are bigger machines. They tracks are as easy if not easier on turf than a wheeled CUT.
tracked loader by ASV
I do not think I have more reach on my small Kubota(B8200, about the size of a newer Kubota B2910 or JD 4110). I have used the ASV RC30, and a few Bobcat skidsteers(463, S150, S185). If you measure from the front of the tractor to the front of the loader, the difference is probably tiny.
I've loaded lots of pickups and flatbeds with both, and a couple dump trucks too. It was easier with the Bobcat or ASV machines. They had better reach and height capability.
You could compare driving one to a van vs a pickup. If you have to pull up close to a fence or curb, the front wheels and bumper of both the van and pickup will be at very close to the same spot. Win the van though, you're sitting over the front wheels, so visiblity is better. Ever notice how it feels a little different driving a van at first? On the tractor, your front tires are way out there, and it feels better because you're sitting back6 or 8' from the front.
The track machines I have operated are much more stable than either the CUT's or skidsteers I have used...
tracked loader by ASV
I do not think I have more reach on my small Kubota(B8200, about the size of a newer Kubota B2910 or JD 4110). I have used the ASV RC30, and a few Bobcat skidsteers(463, S150, S185). If you measure from the front of the tractor to the front of the loader, the difference is probably tiny.
I've loaded lots of pickups and flatbeds with both, and a couple dump trucks too. It was easier with the Bobcat or ASV machines. They had better reach and height capability.
You could compare driving one to a van vs a pickup. If you have to pull up close to a fence or curb, the front wheels and bumper of both the van and pickup will be at very close to the same spot. Win the van though, you're sitting over the front wheels, so visiblity is better. Ever notice how it feels a little different driving a van at first? On the tractor, your front tires are way out there, and it feels better because you're sitting back6 or 8' from the front.
The track machines I have operated are much more stable than either the CUT's or skidsteers I have used...
Well I guess I can't see getting a skid steer one it tears the crap out of the lawn and two I like the idea of the longer wheel base. I had a couple of real close calls last winter in the bob cat in which my neighbor who has a orange tractor his seems alot more stable when lifting the heavy stuff and on inclines. Deere it is /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
yooperdave
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2001
- Messages
- 1,174
- Location
- Marinette, WI
- Tractor
- Tool Cat 5600, LS XJ2025H, Branson 4215HC
Toolcat is still the way to go.
Turf tires with 4 wheel steel will not ruin anyone's lawn.
I have the industrial tread tires, and the lawn is still more than fine.
Yooper Dave
Turf tires with 4 wheel steel will not ruin anyone's lawn.
I have the industrial tread tires, and the lawn is still more than fine.
Yooper Dave
RobertN
Super Member
Check out that ASV RC30. It is the "CUT" of the rubber track laoders. 31hp, 3000lbs, low ground pressure, and even a special turf addition for putting greens.
You mentioned ride. I have only used Bobcat brand skidsteers. They will bounce you to death. I am nor sure about other skid steers, but would guess they might be similar. The ASV machine uses the tracks. The entire track system is suspended from the rest of the tractor by a torsion bar suspension. They're like riding in a Caddy! CAT uses the ASV track system on thier tracked loaders. Very smooth operation.
I have used the ASV RC30 and CAT 247 track loaders in dry and wet conditions. The track loaders worked where a skid steer would have simply made a mess and got stuck. The track loader did minimal damage. I had to take material out across a lawn in springtime. Minimal marking because of the track systems low ground force per unit area. A week later, couldn't even tell I'd been there. That 6000lb Cat did less marking on the lawn than my 2300lb Kubota would have.
As far as stability, the track machines are awesome.
Both the ASV and Cat machines had electric over hydraulic joysticks. Very nice. I like that much better than the Bobcat setup(Bobcat does offer the electro/hyd joysticks...).
It's worth a look at least. To say the least, the test drive is fun /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
You mentioned ride. I have only used Bobcat brand skidsteers. They will bounce you to death. I am nor sure about other skid steers, but would guess they might be similar. The ASV machine uses the tracks. The entire track system is suspended from the rest of the tractor by a torsion bar suspension. They're like riding in a Caddy! CAT uses the ASV track system on thier tracked loaders. Very smooth operation.
I have used the ASV RC30 and CAT 247 track loaders in dry and wet conditions. The track loaders worked where a skid steer would have simply made a mess and got stuck. The track loader did minimal damage. I had to take material out across a lawn in springtime. Minimal marking because of the track systems low ground force per unit area. A week later, couldn't even tell I'd been there. That 6000lb Cat did less marking on the lawn than my 2300lb Kubota would have.
As far as stability, the track machines are awesome.
Both the ASV and Cat machines had electric over hydraulic joysticks. Very nice. I like that much better than the Bobcat setup(Bobcat does offer the electro/hyd joysticks...).
It's worth a look at least. To say the least, the test drive is fun /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
