Temporary Trade: Dead Toolcat for A300 Skid

[Spudgunner]

My TC died last week while I was clearing-out a client's driveway. Towing a TC is apparently fraught with peril, so I suggested to my client that they fill the bed with planting soil and turn it into a planter when spring rolls around. Fortunately they met my suggestion with good humor.

The problem was identified by error, IIRC, 50-07...which means the FPR lever has lost comm with the controller. Ultimately, the problem was that the switch wasn't getting 12V because of a blown fuse...that continued to pop...long story...

Anyway, Bobcat came and took the TC back to Boise and dropped off an A300 skid. I've been using that for a couple of days. I'm new to skids but this seemed like a sweet machine what with pilot controls and AWS. Unfortunately the "loaner" had neither hi-flow nor a cab enclosure. Without a cab enclosure, this machine would have been terrible to use with a blower in dry snow. Fortunately, we're getting a nice break from the winter weather right now and I'm just taking care of people's "roof slideoffs".

The power and weight of the A300 are VERY impressive. Even with std flow hydraulics the A300 powered my hi-flow SB200 pretty well. I REALLY liked the stronger boom config of a skid as opposed to my TC.

Having said these nice things, I'm still looking forward to getting my TC back. But this event has made it clear that I need backup. I'm thinking about maybe a S205 or S250 to supplement the TC. (S220 is radial lift, IIRC.) New Holland has an interesting lease program on right now...so a L180 or L185 might be cool...however my BC dealer has earned alot of points with me for their handling of my dead TC.

 

[timm9]

Spudgunner,

Sorry to hear about your TC. Having your equipment "go down" when you have seasonal contracts is very stressful! Last year when Both TC's went down with drive motor issues I was so stressed that I swore I would not start another season without a designated piece of "back up" equipment.

The A300 is an excellent piece of equipment with lots of power and abilities. Four years ago I drove to the dealer with the intention of writing a check for a new A300. After actually getting in the A300 and realizing that the visibility was so poor (especially to the rear) that I didn't feel the risk/liability for operating it in some environments (commercial parking lots, schools, etc) was worth it. If they made an A300 that had the same visibility as the TC's I'd be in line to buy one, or two. That is also assuming I could get the same road speed as the TCs.

When you have a spare moment, please post more about the circumstances of your TC. It would be very helpful to be forewarned and forearmed.

 

[radman1]

I have a 2006 S300, 2 speed, C/A/H. Had a Bobcat 873 before that. The 250 and 300 are basically the same machine. Same engine in the 300 with the hp turned up a little. The 300 has more rear end weight added for the 3000 lb lift but otherwise nearly identical. I have additional rear stabilizers on mine that add about another 400 lbs. The stabilizers can take another 800 lbs of steel plates - which I have yet to use. My front end gets so light when unloaded, that I added a set of axle weights to the front which were left over from my 873. My 300 can definitely lift more than 3000 lbs to full height. I put rear chains on in the winter. The 300 would be a very big machine for snow, unless you are in parking lots or open spaces and need the weight for pushing snow. Most guys would go with the midsize SS for snow in my area. I use a HD 9' snowplow which weighs about 1000 lbs on my 300. If I had to choose between the 300 or TC, I would take the TC for snow or lighter duty tasks.

BTW, how did the A300 perform in tight turning without skidding the tires. How sharp can it turn?

 

[Spudgunner]

...
BTW, how did the A300 perform in tight turning without skidding the tires. How sharp can it turn?

"Very sharp" in SS mode. "Pretty sharp" in AWS. Gotta remember, though, I'm not a skid-experienced operator in hardly any sense of the word. My "loaner" A300 has the 2-speed option and books...but not as well as the TC. The power management on this beast is WAY COOL. It has "pilot controls" which are nice but a little clumsy with heavy gloves on what with so many buttons on the top of the joysticks.

My work involves subdivision road clearing for the most part. I clear a total of about 5 miles of mountain roads with about 15-20 residential customers. The lack of rear visibility is a serious detriment, IMHO, for residential work but is largely a non-issue for long stretches of mountain subdivision road.

The TC is the tool of choice in many applications. The excellent visibility is just unmatched as far as I can tell. I'm having serious concerns about its reliability, though.

 

[radman1]

Spudgunner

You do seem to have your share of TC problems, but then you have many more hours than most of us. Haven't most of you problems been related to electrical/computer systems? What year/series is yours?

 

[Navigator7]

@ Spudgunner,
Not to make light of your trials...but your nic simply overcomes me!
There are few things in life that are as fun as watching common items go uncommon speeds and distances and are destroyed beyond all recognition.
I'd like to think earning my keep with a TC would be right up there with spudgunning. (I'm imagineering a slogan as we speak)

"Uncommonly fast and efficient plowing"

(I dunno...mebbie a bad joke?)

In reverence of your nic and all the fun I've had spudding, I posted this video on YouTube to bring a smile to your face in the face of breakdowns.....and remind you it is just a machine and if it ain't working right you gotta keep looking.
Here is the direct link:
YouTube - Gallup's WaterDawg

 

[Spudgunner]

Spudgunner

You do seem to have your share of TC problems, but then you have many more hours than most of us. Haven't most of you problems been related to electrical/computer systems? What year/series is yours?

My TC is a 2007 "D". I think it has about 850 hours on it. Actually, up to the most recent catastrophe, the problems have been hyd leaks more than anything else. The TC performed almost flawlessly last year...the main boom cylinder decided to leak badly and that was fixed with a new o-ring on the upper cylinder port. The muffler/tailpipe decided to get some hairline cracks in it as well. But I didn't have a single problem that took me offline.

This time around, though, the worst problems really were electrical in nature and they did take me offline. I don't think the controller has been the issue, but certainly the wiring (shorts) has been. The Kubota engine has been flawless as has been the support I've received from my dealer.

In any event, the days where I rely on a single piece of equipment are about over.

 

[Spudgunner]

@ Spudgunner,
...
In reverence of your nic and all the fun I've had spudding, I posted this video on YouTube to bring a smile to your face in the face of breakdowns.....and remind you it is just a machine and if it ain't working right you gotta keep looking.
Here is the direct link:
YouTube - Gallup's WaterDawg

Outstanding!!!

I've also seen pics of "Bowling Ball Mortars" made out of gas cylinders (the kind welders haul around with them).

 

[Navigator7]

Hi-Jacked Thread in progress...Please Stand By.... ;-)

I have a friend who has an air cannon that can shot bowling balls.
They disappear.
On one outing, they shot a bowling ball which disappeared but hit something extremely tough.

The ball bounced back!

It landed not to far away ending the use of bowling balls as a projectile.. ;-)

 

[SP6x6]

Radman, What are the speeds for your 300, hi and low . My machine goes only under 7mph. A friend has 6 SS, AND he is using s250's w/7' sb240 & the SBX 240 ALL hi flow they really launch the snow. He uses V-plows also. Ski area contract