is a pt right for me?(long)

[BrianSouthernMD]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( here's another thing I have thought of trying- the local bobcat dealer is also the kubota dealer and they have a used 2910 in stock. My thought would be that if bobcat was going to do a mini it probably would be ideal and to work out a deal on the 2910 with eventual trade-in in mind. Am I nuts?)</font>
I've heard (and considered) more convoluted plans! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif But moving from one machine to another is more challenging when the three machines you're looking at (Kubota CUT, PT 14xx & Toolcat) have three different methods of connecting attachments! You won't be able to use 2910 3ph attachments after you trade it in for a Toolcat; they'd all have to be sold or traded in too.

And I'd caution you against relying on any expected feature set in a product not officially announced, such as the rumored smaller Bobcat Toolcat 4200. If you really want to delay a new purchase until after you fully confirm availability of such a beast and its exact specs, maybe you want to rent by the month or buy a used machine that likely uses most of the same attachments (and buy some attachments now rather than renting). That might mean renting a used Toolcat 5600 or SS.

An alternative is to buy a Power Trac (whatever model that could use the most Bobcat attachments of interest with some sort of specially fabricated PT attachment plate) for now that can be transported to both locations. Then buy a new smaller Toolcat 4200 when and if it becomes available, and end up with two machines sharing most attachments (one at each location).

I remember Charlie and others talking about plans for fabricating special attachment plates so some PTs could hook up to the standard Bobcat quick-attach in earlier threads.... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif depending on attachment GPM requirements, etc. I don't know...

 

[toolz_not_toyz]

That's excellent advice. Who knows when the smaller Toolcat will be available, with what features and at what price? You should guide your decision based on what IS available or you might have to wait for a long time. While breezing throught the toolcat forum earlier today I stumbled across speculation that the 4200 will run around $25K (remember, that's still without attachments) and wouldn't have doors.

If you can rent the bigger Toolcat then that might be a good way to go as you can then try before you buy.

What kind of road maintenance are you considering doing anyhow? Is it just a long drive or is it a high traffic two-lane packed gravel road? When dealing with the latter weight and torque are going to be two important issues. Just make sure your list of things you want to/need to do is realistic with regard to the equipment your considering. Chances are that neither of these machines may be a good at a particular task your considering.

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

I can use Bobcat implements on my 1845

This Thread & photo

 

[RegL]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I can use Bobcat implements on my 1845

This Thread & photo )</font>


Charlie, Did you ever try that thing out?

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

I do use it. I have a skid steer grapple bucket which works well. Between the adapter and the heavy bucket, however, my net capacity is a good bit less than the PT grapple bucket. The adapter is worthwhile if you have a swell deal on used Bobcat stuff, or want to rent something now and then.