Buying new CTL - Kubota vs NH vs Bobcat

[inane2]

Good afternoon guys,

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a new CTL. Personal use only, here on the farm with chores and property maintenance. Currently own a 2002 Bobcat 753G, foamed tires with 3k hrs, ROPS with hand / foot controls. 3rd owner, great little machine. Made me realize I needed a skid steer 10 years ago. However, I realize the need for a heavier machine with more lift capacity. Currently got the motor out of the 753, fixed some leaks and getting years of crud steamed out of it. Plan on selling it later this year. Wanting something around 8k lbs, about 2k lbs or more of lift.

I own a NH tractor, the 753 and a Kubota excavator so I'm all over the place with brand loyalty. I have both a NH and Kubota dealer in my town (separate). Bobcat is 45 mins away. Looking over the specs and pricing, I'm considering a Kubota SVL65, NH C227 or a Bobcat 590 or 595. Will be going with a cab, hyd coupler, might as well do high flow and wide tracks while I'm at it. With my usage, it should be the last one I buy.

NH - Haven't operated one yet. Hardly ever see them around here, except for an occasional older model. Fiat engine, couple cubic inches smaller than my tractor. Old school hand and foot levers or electronic pilot joysticks. Water cooled EGR. 0% for 60, 2 year warranty.

Bobcat - Old school hand and foot levers or electronic pilot joysticks. Water cooled EGR. Doosan engine, never worked on one, don't know much about them. Engines are still mounted sideways and pumps are belt driven. Seems to have the most electronics on it. 0% for 60, 2 year warranty.

Kubota - Hydraulic pilot joystick. Water cooled EGR with DPF and regen. Ran an SVL75, cab was nice and roomy. Thought the radio and cupholder were in odd places, located behind you (real world problems!). The door opens overhead. That was nice but even at 6'2", I have to lean back to slide the door open. Direct drive but the radiator does tilt out slightly. 0% for 48, 2 year warranty.

I have very little on NH other than the Fiat engine in my tractor has been great. I like the sideways mounted engine on the Bobcat for accessibility. I don't plan on working on them often hopefully, but if this is the only one I'm buying, I'll be working on something at some point. I like the Kubota engine but don't own anything Tier 4 final yet, so I'm not sure on how big of a deal the DPF / regen is on that one. Haven't made my mind up on the sliding door yet.

I'll also be purchasing a rotary cutter so if I go with Bobcat or Kubota, I'll probably add that to the package. But, there's many aftermarket cutters out there for less money also.

I'm sure there's folks on here that own these makes of CTL. Any thoughts, suggestions, advice....?? Much appreciated!

 

[4570Man]

The Kubota controls are the best or at least as good in class. The Kubota doors are the best. I’d never have a foot pedal controlled skid or electric over hydraulic controls.

 

[inane2]

Thanks for the input 4570. My mini ex has hydraulic pilot and the controls are very nice. When I jump out of it and into my current Bobcat, it feels like I went back in time.

 

[Industrial Toys]

The Kubota CTL sure have taken over by storm from what I can see, in this regeon. Guys must sure think "something" is superior about them over the others.

 

[4570Man]

The Kubota CTL sure have taken over by storm from what I can see, in this regeon. Guys must sure think "something" is superior about them over the others.

I’ve never ran anything I liked better than a Kubota. I’ve ran several that I liked less. And I’ve noticed the same pattern. A high percentage of new mini excavators and skid loaders are orange.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Personally, and I could be WAY off base here. But I don't think Bobcat despite them being quite innovative, have rock solid Electronics. Who would want anything else on such a machine? Am I the only one that thinks quality has suffered every time Bobcat gets sold?

And a TEREX CTL of a friend "seems" to be a total electrical nightmare!

 

[4570Man]

Personally, and I could be WAY off base here. But I don't think Bobcat despite them being quite innovative, have rock solid Electronics. Who would want anything else on such a machine? Am I the only one that thinks quality has suffered every time Bobcat gets sold?

And a TEREX CTL of a friend "seems" to be a total electrical nightmare!

I’d never buy electric controls in a skid steer. They’re not as smooth and responsive and they’re a lot more hassle to work on years later. I’d never buy a foot pedal skid either.

 

[1010]

Kubota 100% over the choices you listed, CAT and JD make some solid machines too.. That would be a hard choice, I'd probably go CAT, JD, Kubota.. JMO..

 

[4570Man]

Kubota 100% over the choices you listed, CAT and JD make some solid machines too.. That would be a hard choice, I'd probably go CAT, JD, Kubota.. JMO..

Maybe some are better but the only JD skid I’ve ran had the best rear visibility I’ve ever seen and the worst forward visibility I’ve ever seen.

 

[Ken45101]

Kubota didn't have skid steers in the US when I bought mine, a JD 325, the only non-Kubota piece I have. I've been happy with the JD (12 years, 650 hours) although it did have a couple of hand control problems in the past year.

A contractor I use showed up with a Kubota CTL and he really loves it. He has used Bobcat in the past.

If you are going to use a brush cutter, you might get the CTL with "demolition" glass