buying new skid steer, JD 317 or IR S185

[ctc1111]

Im looking to purchase a new skid steer loader, well my first skid steer loader. It will be used for mainly for snow removal of our commercial parking lot.
I was looking at either the John Deere 317 with cab, heat, 24 cu foot bucket and forks. The dealer offered me $13,768 for my JD2210 that I have over $20,000 into with accesories (cab, attachments, heat, radio, cd ect....)

I was also looking at the Bobcat S 185. I have not talked to the dealer yet becuase by time I got there they were closed so i'm not sure what the price is or anything. But the S 185 seems to be the most comparable to the JD 317 but looks like it has more toys.

I would want to beable to have a pretty good lift capacity on it so i could use the forks for getting the occasional shipments at the business.
I'm just wondering what one is more perfered out there.

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

Nationally, Bobcat is market share leader. I personally prefer the Deere due to its lift & carry abilities and visibility.

I am also suspect of Bobcat's control panel that uses a 4-digit code for starting the machine. It might be great this year, or the next few. Will it cause problems 10 years from now?

 

[tlbuser]

<font color="blue"> (I am also suspect of Bobcat's control panel that uses a 4-digit code for starting the machine. It might be great this year, or the next few. Will it cause problems 10 years from now? ) </font> I have the same concerns about Deere using the same model #'s for different equipment. 317 L&G vs. 317 SS for example.
Have you considered a third alternative in your search telehandler Might be a more versatile piece for your situation. Can get equipped with QA and remote hydraulics and ......

 

[BrianSouthernMD]

I agree with tlbuser -- there are so many great alternatives to either CUTs or standard skid steers out there for ctc1111's primary applications. Three that jump out have four-wheel-steering (two have better visibility):

The Bobcat VersaHandler Telescopic Tool Carrier or similar combines strength of skid steer loader with reach of forklift. The V518 has a 5,000 pound load capacity with lift to 18 ft. so you can pile snow higher and get to keep as much room as possible in parking and warehouse lots. A low-mount boom and side engine give excellent visibility. It has easy entry to a comfortable cab with very user-friendly controls.

If you don't need the extra lift height, in other ways the Bobcat Toolcat AWS work machine is a smaller version of the VersaHandler. The Toolcat I own combines the best features of utility loader, CUT/attachment carrier, UV and pickup truck. It shines as a snow removal machine (incl. high-flow for snowblowers), can lift 2,000+ pound pallets off 5-ft. high flatbeds, and even can be used on turf with finish mower and brush cutter.

Closer to a traditional skid steer is the A300 all-wheel-steer unit, which gives the lift load you seek as well as the manueverability and traction needed in ice and snow-filled parking lots.

You may still go with a plain old SSL, but do consider these more versatile alternatives. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

If you do look at telehandlers, check out the JCB 520 or the Manitou 523. Both units are very compact. In fact, they are very similar in size to a large skid steer. I think that you would find a price premium for telehandlers, however.

Yes, I am constantly confused by Deere's recycling of tractor model numbers like the 2520, 4320, & 4520. I'll take Deere's recycled numbers to New Holland and CaseIH's alpha-numeric confusion, however. I'll never keep them straight.

 

[40Kchicks]

Since this is your first skid steer purchase I highly recommend checking out the CAT skid steers. I have had mine for 5 years now and love it. The CAT pilot controls are the best I have seen and really smooth out the operation once you get used to them.

Eric

 

[Tigerotor77W]

It really depends on the size of the pallets you're lifting. Overall, the Deere will exhibit greater stability while lifting and (likely) stronger axle torque.

However, I am not fond of Deere's (or NH's) skid steer design because I feel their vertical lift limits visibility. You can't see the tires when the boom is down, and when you raise the boom, you can't see out the sides.

I, too, would recommend a Toolcat or A300 for this job... both price tags may be steep, but I think the AWS feature is well-worth the extra expenditure.

Brian -- can the 5600 really lift 2,000 pounds on pallets! That's pretty incredible...

 

[BrianSouthernMD]

( I, too, would recommend a Toolcat or A300 for this job... both price tags may be steep, but I think the AWS feature is well-worth the extra expenditure.
Brian -- can the 5600 really lift 2,000 pounds on pallets! That's pretty incredible... )

BobcatS250, yup, the Toolcat can do some lifting! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gifA and B series Toolcats can lift 2,000+ pounds to 48" while the new C series Toolcats with a different lift arm and curl mechanism can lift 2,000+ pound pallets over 60" high. The ROC is still 1500 pounds at full lift height of 84" and the rated tipping load is 3,000 pounds without any ballast in the dump bed or rear.

That 2,000+ pounds on pallets off 5-ft. flatbeds was what they designed the new C series to do with ease to make the Toolcat even more versatile. And they made the joystick movement for lifting pallets and keeping them level even easier for inexperienced operators on the C series (plus bucket assisted leveling, etc.).

I've lifted some heavy pallets with my B series Toolcat, and also huge old telephone/utility poles with large circumferences and some length to them with my root rake brush grapple. In this How much load have you tried? thread in the TBN Toolcat forum , there's info about someone moving more than 2,000#s of shingles on pallets with the forks, and that was with a 2003 A series Toolcat!

And that four-wheel steering, the various Work and drive modes available, comfortable cab with operator and passenger seats, quick entry & exit, easy controls and bed to hold large sand spreader give Toolcats the edge in dealing with snow, ice and Winter! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[dynamike]

I have a Bobcat S-250 here is a pic from a couple weeks ago. I think you should go with Cat or Bobcat, The Deere's are using 10 year old technology still. Whatever you get make sure it has the two speed option, it's the only way to go for moving snow.

 

[dynamike]

Forgot picture