Earthforce

Anonymous Poster · Apr 17, 2003

Are they still in business? I went to there website and it was herbal medicine company?! I was interested in the EF600 but cant find any information.

Someone told me it was the same price of a fullsize backhoe :S

JackIL · Apr 17, 2003

Earthforce has been purchased by Bobcat, a division of Ingersoll-Rand. On the Bobcat.com website look under Products for the "Loader-Backhoe" classification.

JackIL

RobS · Apr 17, 2003

Speaking of Earthforce, where's Mr. Chalkley been lately? Probably out having fun on that machine of his /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Anonymous Poster · Apr 17, 2003

I guess i can kiss that option goodbye because everyone knows bobcat products are some of the most expensive.. thanks

MChalkley · Apr 20, 2003

I'm still around, but things have been pretty tough the past six months or so.

On the plus side, the EF-500 is doing great. I've picked up another attachment or two and have been putting it through its paces every so often. But spring's here now and I've got several week-long projects on the horizon, so it's going to get a real work-out over the next few months.

I've got a safety recall in the works for the EF-500, which a local Bobcat dealer is going to do - just a new seat belt, backup alarm, manual, and backhoe foot guards.

So how have you been?

By the way, has anybody seen any info from I-R on the BL-570 and BL-575 backhoe loaders? (My machine is the equivalent of the BL-575.) I've looked on their web site, but haven't seen any info.

Bird · Apr 21, 2003

Sure glad to hear from you, Mark; been a bit concerned about you since we hadn't heard from you in so long.

davesisk · May 7, 2003

If you haven't already, take a look at the Power-trac 2400 series. They are a little similar to the Earth Force machines, and I think the pricing is very fair. See the Power-trac forum here on TBN and www.power-trac.com

Good luck!
Dave

Anonymous Poster · May 8, 2003

A few things worry me about this tractor
-Price. $34,700 for what i need. This pretty much kills all chances of buying one.
-The wheel motors are open/bare, not good on deep, muddy worksites.
-The ROPS looks like it gets in the may of steering and joystick.

Although theres a few things i do like
-Same wheel size on front and back
-removable backhoe
-pedal layout

I dont think this tractor is for me but ill give it more thought. Whats with the 60hp?

davesisk · May 8, 2003

Hmmm...you might want to check the site again. Last I looked, they had a 2425 that's a smaller (around 2000 lb or so) 25 hp gasoline model, and then a 2430, 2445, and 2460 that are all progressively larger diesels. (I'm assuming you're looking for something on the smaller side.) I think the 2425 comes in at around $10K or a little over, and the 2430 at around $15K or so...check the site for the exact pricing with attachments.

There's a couple of 2400 owners on the Power-trac forum here on TBN...feel free to post there and ask some questions...we obviously love to talk about these machines!

I've never seen one of the Earthforce machines in person, but I've certainly seen some good comments about them. MChalkley had a long thread on the Power-trac forum about his purchase decision factors before he finally decided on the Earthforce. I don't recall the approximately date, so you'll just have to search back for it...it'll be worthe search!

Good luck!
Dave

MChalkley · Jun 3, 2003

Jai,

I haven't been following the posts too well lately, so forgive me if this is a question you've answered elsewhere, but I was just wondering if you've decided on anything yet. Have you looked at the Bobcat/Ingersoll-Rand/Earthforce machines? Do you still have any questions about them?