Goodbye Kubota, hello EarthForce

MChalkley · Nov 30, 2001

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

Harv - That's good enough for me...

MarkC

Gatorboy · Nov 30, 2001

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

Mark,

I know your thoughts on skid steers, but I think I am on the verge of ordering a Bobcat 873 SSL. It has a 48.8" wheelbase, 73HP Turbo-charged engine, and can accept over 75 attachments. Bobcat is offering a FREE enclosed cab w/heat and a C/I bucket if a SSL is ordered by 12/31/01.

I am looking to get one with Hi-flow hydraulics and am now in the quote gathering stage. So far the best price I've got is $25975. For my use, I do not think that I would get that much use from the backhoe that the Earthforce has as standard equipment.

I'll let ya know how I make out.

Dave "Gatorboy" Hoffmann

MChalkley · Nov 30, 2001

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

Dave - I've used a Bobcat 873 before - it's a very nice machine, no question about it. What are you planning on doing with it? Did you ever make it down to Folcomer's?

MarkC

Gatorboy · Nov 30, 2001

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

Mark,

Well off the top of my head -- I need to build a bridge, 1500' driveway, grade for my 1st barn (plus more later), dig many posts, dig basement for when I build my home, septic tank and field, trench for electric & water, etc. etc.

No, I never did make it to Folcomers. I'm close to a deal with Bobcat of Baltimore -- but I am waiting for the quote from Newark, Delaware. No sales tax in DE. Then I can start turning the screws.

Dave "Gatorboy" Hoffmann

MChalkley · Nov 30, 2001

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

Well, keeping in mind that I've very biased against skid steers (but I have used them many times), I'd still submit that you can't go far wrong by at least looking at the EarthForce units. It sounds to me like you've got a lot of use for a backhoe. Plus, remember that I bought a backhoe-mounted auger. With the backhoe, you can have a second attachment on the machine, and it doesn't have to be a bucket. And when you're not using it, it still makes a great counterweight for that incredible front end loader capacity... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

MarkC

ronjhall · Dec 1, 2001

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

Mark
To much GREEN. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Bird · Dec 1, 2001

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

That sounds great, Mark. Of course in my part of the country I wouldn't want the cab without air-conditioning, but with the glass removed, it might not be too bad.

gordon · Dec 1, 2001

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

Gator give Burke equipment in Camden a call it's right next to Dover DE. I think you will get a better qoute from there. Same man owns both of them. Well he also owns one in southern DE as well. Great man to deal with. Best thing is no sales tax in DE so that's 5% right off the top. The number there is 302-697-3200

Have you looked into the track models of the Bobcat?

Gordon

gordon · Dec 1, 2001

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

As you well know my last Kubota had a cab and I loved it. Keeps alot of dust off of you on those very dry days. It was heated with no a/c as well. Would have been nice to have the a/c but with the valves turned off to the heater and the fan on high in the summer helps alot. Most difficult thing is keeping the windows clean in dusty conditions. Best thing is when your working in winter and can climb into a warm cab. Now thats livin./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Well on the new tractor I'm still going to be cold--no cab. So I'll be thinking of ya this winter in your nice warm heated cab. But I do have my plans almost done for my canopy, finally./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

So far unless I"ve missed it does it have a radio, you will need it with the cab. Take my word for it. Downside of some cabs they are very noisy by nature. Others you can't hear the tractor run. Hopefully yours will be the second of the two.

Good luck, I'll keep my orange
Gordon

Gatorboy · Dec 1, 2001

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

I had sent an email to Burke-Equipment, but it bounced back. I'll be sure to call them.

I would love at track model -- T200, but they are about $9K more! I am at my limits already at just under $30K.

Dave "Gatorboy" Hoffmann

gordon · Dec 1, 2001

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

Opps forgot a key thing when you call Burkes, ask for Mark when you call. Sometimes hard to get a hold of but it's worth it. Yes they don't use the internet for their advantage yet. They still stay real busy the old fashioned way by keeping people happy with fair deals and repeat business.

Good luck
Gordon

MChalkley · Dec 1, 2001

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

Gordon - I've never had a cab on a tractor, so right now I'm not sure whether I'll prefer it or it'll just be in the way. I did see a couple of cab models when I went to SC, and I have to say I was more impressed with the fit and finish of them than most cabs I've seen. Still - I'm not sure yet whether I'll love the cab more than I hate it. Probably depends on the weather, eh?

MarkC

MossRoad · Dec 2, 2001

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

I've got a cab on my Int. 2500b. It has a heater on the ceiling, no air. The heater hoses get hot to the touch, but a shield would fix that. In the summer, it was unbearable. I had to take the doors and the rear window off and it was still hot due to the side windows.

 MossRoad

MChalkley · Dec 2, 2001

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

MossRoad - That's exactly what I'm concerned about, myself. The EarthForce folks assure me that enough of the glass is removable that it won't be a problem, but we'll see.

I can think of a couple pluses, too, though - I'm constantly getting mulch in my eyes when I haul lots of it in the bucket, and the front-mounted bushhog is bound to throw some chips, both of which will I hope be remedied by the windshield.

MarkC

Anonymous Poster · Dec 2, 2001

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

...front-mounted bushhog is bound to throw some chips, both of which will I hope be remedied by the windshield...

and if the debris is too big... crack goes the windshield.../w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

MChalkley · Dec 2, 2001

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

John - EarthForce calls it "safety glass", but I wonder how impact resistant it is, too. I'm bound to find out... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

MarkC

gordon · Dec 3, 2001

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

Safety glass= when it does break it shatters into a million little pieces. A piece of expanded metal might be a thought on this one. Thats what I had over my cab windows on the old tractor. Around the outside edges of the expanded metal I had 1/8"x 2" flat stock to bolt onto the cab.

On the heater hoses of my last one I had a three way valve on one line and a check valve on the other under the hood. That way no hot water was going through the heater in the cab during the summer months. You don't need any extra heat in the cab during summer.

Gordon

MChalkley · Dec 4, 2001

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

Gordon - I don't know yet how the heater in the EF-5 works, but I can see where keeping the hot water out of the cab in the first place would be a good idea. Given the position of the hydraulic oil cooler, though, I'm suspicious that the cab heater uses hydraulic oil, not engine water, but I'm not sure. I'll find out pretty soon.

MarkC

ljh2 · Dec 5, 2001

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

Mark,

It's gonna need a little touch-up on that signature pic for the cab enclosure.
You're one lucky dog! /w3tcompact/icons/cool.gif

Larry

Edited by ljh2 on 12/05/01 01:59 PM (server time).

MossRoad · Dec 5, 2001

Re: EarthForce EF-5 update!

I have the shutoff for the heater for summer, also. And, every piece of glass is cracked except the back window. I go through lots of brush and overhanging branches in my woods. I like the idea of expanded steel on the sides. I could make hanging clear vinyl windows for the insides in winter. I would leave the windshield glass or maybe find some Lexan. It scratches, but is bulletproof.

 MossRoad