Buying Advice Roller suspension for T series

[PLMLLC]

I am about to purchase a new T770 and wondering whether or not I should get the roller suspension or not? What is everyones experience? The machine will be used 50% of the time for mulching and the other 50% doing odd stuff running around a 150 acre project. From the quotes I am getting with the Bobcat mulcher and HD bucket I am at $100k. The quote difference between a 770 w/o the roller suspension and an 870 with roller suspension was only $6k. I imagine the suspension can't cost that much. Anyone's thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[SSdoxie]

Roller suspension is nice when running over uneven/rough terrain, it helps smooth the ride some. You can get Roller Suspension in the T770 as well. Another option to think about is 2speed drive motors. The rigid frame offers better stability in ground engagement applications, when going into cut an even grade with the bucket you don't have to compensate for the flex of the track drive. You can cut grade with a Roller Suspension machine, there is just more of a learning curve to be able predict machine suspension movement.
There is also an Air Ride seat option available with either track frame.

 

[PLMLLC]

Thank you. I am getting the A91 package with everthing you can. Suspension seat included and the 2 speed as well. Leaving nothing out. Still up in the air about the roller suspension. Its roughly a $1000 from what I am finding and truly I just don't know if it is worth it. Will the machine with the suspension seat beat you up that bad? Is the difference in ride that noticable? I am sure I can adjust to operating with the suspension.

 

[SSdoxie]

it is difficult to recommend 1 over the other. Obviously the faster travel over rough ground the more bounce you get, having suspension in both track drive and the seat will make it smoother ride. There are 2 suspension seats available. Standard 1 with the A91 package is mechanical suspension, this is a very good seat but air ride is better. Nice design change Bobcat made in the M-series was mounting the SJC hand controls to the seat so your hands/arms travel with your body when seat is moving up & down. Taking it for granted you are getting this in SJC control, if not definitely go with suspension track.
Each design has advantages but in different areas, applications. That is why Bobcat has ridged frame as standard and suspension is option, while Cat offers the track machine with suspension standard and rigid as option.
What I see from the service side of business is those that spend all or most of the time in the dirt doing heavy digging and close grade tolerance work tend to stick with the rigid frame. Those doing multiple different type jobs and not a lot of fine grade work tend to prefer the suspension frame.
It would be best if dealer could let you drive both styles a little to get a better idea, but comparing an 870 to a 770 is not apple to apple. 870 is wider, longer, and heavier (that is why it has 7 more HP) so it will ride and handle different.

 

[PLMLLC]

Again thank you for the info. I will definitely look at the air seat. You are correct in going with the SJC. I don't know why anyone wouldn't go with them. The dealer is going to let me demo a 870 with the mulcher. I will also get a little seat time in the 770 at the dealership. I was initially looking at the 870 but the weight, width and only 7hp it seems the power to weight ratio is virtually the same. The lift capacity is virtually the same. So the smaller width of the 770 is more appealing to me. I did look at the CAT 299D XHP but I can't justify it costing an extra $20k above the 770. I am sure its amazing but hard pressed to think its worth the extra $20k. Primarily I will be doing mulching, then some tilling to plant food plots, some lifting and some grading. I can imagine that the rigid is not much different from Exmark zero turn which I don't mind at all.