Bobcat stability?

Anonymous Poster · Jun 6, 2001

I am considering a Bobcat or small tractor. I want a lot of power in a small package with easy-change implements. Hence my interest in the Bobcat 763 with super flotation tires. My question is this: I know that skid steers are apt to bog down and be tippy in fields and on hills, but I'm wondering if the super floatation "Ultra Grip" tires would significantly help these problems and make the machine usable in wet field conditions. Anyone have any experience?

rocky2 · Jun 6, 2001

Dan, it all really depends on what you're planning on doing with the equipment. I had a 543 Bobcat that would did it's little heart out all day long. But the cycle times on the backhoe were pretty slow. My B2100 Kubota will dig it's lil heart out too, and I do things with it that would cause most Kubota owners to cringe. Both have their pros and cons, both can be unstable in the right situations. One nice thing about a Bobcat is the response time on the loader boom or the go forward go backward sticks is so quick you can get yourself in and out of trouble pretty quickly. Just remember your weight distribution on a Bobcat with an empty bucket is around 70/30...all is the backend, so you do alot of backward moving up grades. My solution would be pretty impractical ...buy one of each. So you'll just have to sit down with a cold one and think what you'll be doing with the machine after your initial project. That's why I ended up buying the Kubota and if need be, renting a skid loader for a weekend.

john4nh · Jun 6, 2001

Dan, it all depends on what you want to do. I have used lots of the skid steer loaders. They are are all unstable and rough on you in rough conditions. If your gonna be in the mud lots the only way to go is with tracks. Saves the ground and your tires from wear and tear. Remember on slopes go straight down with bucket low to help with pucker factor..

cowboydoc · Jun 7, 2001

I have both and without a doubt I would keep my tractor over my skidsteer. The skidsteer is nice but it's way too tippy and traction is terrible even with the good tires. I'm lucky to have both but no doubt tractor is much more practical if you can only have one.

Anonymous Poster · Jun 8, 2001

I haven't yet bought one, but the Power Trac articulated machines seem to offer something between a tractor and skid steer, but more stable than either, and with a lot of quick change attachments.
You might look at
http://www.power-trac.com/

MarkV · Jun 8, 2001

Better check the price of those attachments. Skid steer attachments can get pretty pricey, from what I have seen

Anonymous Poster · Jun 11, 2001

Thanks everyone for responding. One thing I've found is that ease of implement attachment and not having to look back over your shoulder are worth a lot of $ as you get older!

Taskmaster · Jul 18, 2001

I prefer the speed and agility of the bobcats, but hey I am used to a ford 8N with armstrong steering (I love that machine too hehehe) and as far as stability goes, well lets just say I dont take corners to fast with that ford and a bucket of sand hahaha. Bobcat feels like a high performance DRAGSTER !!!