Compact Track Loader, whos the best?

[Dunno]

One other thing to consider are OTT, over-the-tire-tracks. They are $5k new, but I got a lucky deal and paid $1k for basically new tracks from a horse farm. They are wider than regular CTL tracks, and mine weigh 900lbs, which adds to lift capacity on the machine. So maybe a good older skidsteer with the (used) tracks added will be a better buy. Best of luck.

 

[old and tired]

 

[NYlumberman]

Anyone have experience with the JCB side entry CTL.
JCB must be confident in the single lift arm system as they carry a lifetime warranty on bending/breaking the arm.

After owning a New Holland skid steer, with foot controls, front swing door, and a hip replacement, I traded for a used JCB 215T with under a 1000 hours. The side entrance was the big selling point, since I use my forks often, and it was very difficult and in my case painful to get out to place the risers. I am very happy with the machine, but note it takes awhile to master the “fly by wire” controls. Especially if you were used to directly actuated or piloted consoled valves.

 

[wooftank]

Pick a dealer that`s fairly close

 

[paulsharvey]

Our OP has already selected a Cat-249, which I assume is servicing him well. You can argue is cat is worth the price or not, but its hard to argue cat's parts support/supply chain

 

[Paystar]

I like running Kubota and Cat.
And I like the design of the JCB.
As far as entry, Kubota and JCB all the way.

 

[garry1p]

I prefer the Bobcat. I have never owned one but rented several and the Bobcat was the one I preferred.

 

[kenhar]

Ask 10 owners and get 10 different answers. Cat is considered the Cadilac by most.

 

[olenjohn]

Shop the dealership for a new machine. If the dealer staff takes care of the customer, patronize them. If they treat you like , move on no matter what brand they sell.

 

[paulsharvey]

I disagree somewhat about the Dealer, but more so the parts network. You can have an amazing Volvo dealer, but if the parts are in Sweden, they won't be here tomorrow afternoon. Not skid steers, but larger Volvo stuff, guys I know had issues, everything was 5 days out; vs Cat which, the part is pretty much always within 24 hours. For a homeowner, hobby guy, thats fine; but if down time costs a contract, or liquidated damages, that dang roller or whatever needs to be available fast.