Which Track loader to choose?

[mrbobcat]

The way a track machine is operated makes all the difference in the world. I've heard of guys replacing tracks on a variety of different branded MTL's within 500hrs

My personal exp. is if the guy in the seat is writing the check every month , the machine just plain out lasts longer than a machine with multiple operators who dont have vested interest in the machine. Ive seen em replaced at 200 hours , all the way to 2000 hours.

Scott

 

[Kendall69]

So do we have a winner yet?
Cat, JD, Komatsu, ASV ??


You guys have some great info, actually I would rather have guys trash, the other guys equipment, because after you sort through all the chaff, there lies some truth and info I would never otherwise hear about - certainly not from a salesman trying to sell you a unit. With all the PC most slaes guys won't trash the others product either so all you ever hear is all the " great" things about a unit . I want to hear the bad things, then I will know what to avoid.

The track input has been great.

I'm also on the fence, going from a tractor to perhaps a skid steer. Skid steers or track steers seem so much more versatile than a tractor.

Cat sales guy told me Friday that Cat had a bad track system, and ASV had a great system so they purchased the company, is that true??

I will be looking at JD this week, problem is no one has any. I do know the Cat guy drove 75 miles to see me,and is offering to pickup the unit and take it back 75 miles for service and bring me a loaner to boot. Hard to resist great service.

 

[Dozernut]

ASV Inc. Press Releases ASVI has no announcement of a Cat take over. Cat did buy some stock (less than 20%) in ASVI about seven years ago but ASVI has been buying the stock back. As far as I know Cat has always used the ASV undercarriage. I would double check on what your salesman tells you.

 

[tlbuser]

So do we have a winner yet?
Skid steers or track steers seem so much more versatile than a tractor.

Hmmm, yes and no,. really depends on too many variables IMO. I really like both, but a big negative to SS types is crawling over the lift arms to get in the seat. JCB has a robot arm which takes that obstacle away, but I'm not a JCB fan so.........Another negative in my experience is trying to use a backhoe on a SS, yuck.
A tracked machine for dirt work - it doesn't get any better
A tractor is "roadable" to a certain extent, I wouldn't even think of trying that with my tracks !
A decent size tractor /TLB with all of the quick attach doodads and extra hydraulic support is pretty awesome too.

MCHALKLEY has about 3000 posts on TBN. He spent alot of time figuring out some of these things and writing pretty detailed discussions on it too. Worth every penny and lost sleep time

 

[candersen10]

Earier in the postings there was an argument about the longevity of the Caterpillar/ASV undercarriage. I currently have a CAT 257 from 2003 with just under 600 hours on it and the track system is completely shot. I never turn the machine aggressively on pavement and it is used almost entirely in mud/dirt conditions with few rocks. Either way you look at it, the track life of the undercarriage on the CAT machines is just not as good for several reasons. 1) the rollers are coated in a rubber/polyeurethane material which wears especially when exposed to any sort of gravel or rock 2) the tracks are only made by ASV and maybe one 3rd party manufacturer so there is little incentive to lower prices. It costs about 3000 dollars for a change out of tracks on a John Deere CT332, compared to 2000 dollars per track on a CAT 257 which has a smaller undercarriage. 3) the actual tracks themselves are not as durable as most others. Earlier in this posting there was an argument over whether John Deere designed its own undercarriage or not, which it hasn't. Yet this is a great thing, not a bad thing, because it means that the parts are easier to get and because Deere uses Bridgestone tracks, they are easier to find a replace. Also, I'd rather have a company that has been making tracks and tires for many years make my tracks than have ASV, a company that has really only been around since the late 80s make my tracks

Ultimately, I think the undercarriage on the CAT's is their most significant fault. I'm getting rid of my CAT 257 and buying a Deere CT332 almost entirely because of this fact, although the 40 percent increase in power, and nearly double tipping load also provides some incentive. I personally would say that at the moment, the Deere CT332 is the best CTL in the business.

 

[Tags]

Earier in the postings there was an argument about the longevity of the Caterpillar/ASV undercarriage. I currently have a CAT 257 from 2003 with just under 600 hours on it and the track system is completely shot. I never turn the machine aggressively on pavement and it is used almost entirely in mud/dirt conditions with few rocks. Either way you look at it, the track life of the undercarriage on the CAT machines is just not as good for several reasons. 1) the rollers are coated in a rubber/polyeurethane material which wears especially when exposed to any sort of gravel or rock 2) the tracks are only made by ASV and maybe one 3rd party manufacturer so there is little incentive to lower prices....

Ultimately, I think the undercarriage on the CAT's is their most significant fault. I'm getting rid of my CAT 257 and buying a Deere CT332 almost entirely because of this fact, although the 40 percent increase in power, and nearly double tipping load also provides some incentive. I personally would say that at the moment, the Deere CT332 is the best CTL in the business.

I do understand what you are saying, 600hrs is not much at all, but do you clean the tracks frequently, which is a PIA, and are they kept at the correct tension, which is also a MAJOR PIA. This undercarriage is not for everyone that is for sure, but this style undercarriage will go further in muddy areas and leave less dammage than any other track machine out there, but in the wrong circumstances it will destroy itself.

Nothing against the Deere, but they need to get with the program, I think they are the only guys left with the old style skid steer controlls. The machine is also incredibly loud. It does have incredible power at the bucket though and I have to agree, the undercarriage will endure much harsher conditions, and the visibility is fantastic. I am by no means a "die hard Cat guy" either, at the time I purchased it, it was the best machine for my needs. If someone had a machine with similar controlls and the same ease of service as the Cat I would buy it, but as of right now , no one does.

 

[tlbuser]

If someone had a machine with similar controlls and the same ease of service as the Cat I would buy it, but as of right now , no one does.

Wasted words. One post to bad mouth Cat and ASV, never to be heard from again. So glad my world has more color in it

 

[Tigerotor77W]

Or the Caterpillar C-series MTLs:

Trade Press: Press Releases & Kits>Press Releases>Europe/Africa/Middle East/CIS

 

[Tags]

From what limited pictures that are there, the MTL's look good, better visibility, the new ASV undercarriage, more breakout force, and a nicer cab design...everything they needed. Glad to see that Africa, Europe, and the Middle East will be the test subjects..good luck fellas...

 

[Kendall69]

ASV has a 1000 hr warranty on it's tracks - that aint chicken feed...

ASV Rubber Track Loaders come with a one-year/unlimited-hour warranty* that covers defects in material or workmanship. Rubber tracks have a separate warranty that provides prorated coverage against defects for two-years or 1,000 operating hours*, whichever occurs first.

 

[barrylndn]

I've only had two machines, neither new...one New Holland, one Cat. Both had tires. When looking at tracked machines, a friend who was a mechanic for years at NH, then DEERE, then NH again said, for our area, don't get tracks. We have extremely rocky soil. According to him, having replaced several of each brand (the NH store carried ASV as well), he had never seen a machine come in w/over 1,000 hrs on a set....and most often were replaced between 600 and 800hrs. I realize that in certain conditions, and with proper care, they may last much longer, but in my neck of the woods, that's not the norm. I trust the man who isn't selling me something.

 

[TMTS]

I get about a 1000 hrs out my ASV tracks (on the 4810- about 3400 hrs total)

Tracks are expensive to maintain, but its a trade off worth making for the machine as a whole is just about perfect for what I do- good ground clearance, excellent hydraulic output, reliable CAT/Perkins motor, and the low ground pressure.

I have had some electrical/neutral safety switch issues with my 4810- also several front wheel mis-alignment issues b/c the plate that holds on the front axle is not strong enough to take the weight of the Dymax shear and mulcher I put on the loader. I think the RC100s have a better front axle configuration...

But for me the thing that sells me on the ASV is the customer service. I bought my machine from the CAT dealer (back when CAT sold ASVs) and they could give a hoot about my machine (sort of like a step-child I guess) So I call ASV directly and Tim, Buck or one of the guys I get in Service are excellent...

-tmts

 

[rutwad]

I am looking for input on track loaders. I currently have an RC-60 ASV, and will be upgrading. We are comparing the ASV SR-70, the John Deere CT332, and the Cat 287B. If anyone has any input, I would appreciate it.

Dave in Buffalo NY

I probably overlooked it, but for what applications will you be using the machine?

 

[Digdeep]

The SR70, JD CT332 and CAT 287 are three different animals. The SR70 has an ROC of around 2,750lbs while both the CT332 and 287 ore both well over 3,000lbs (closer to 4,000lbs). I would probably compare the RC100 to both of those models and probably even throw in the new CAT 297C. Like rutwad stated, what is the primary application you will be doing?

 

[Tri-Cut]

I have a 297C I use primarily for mulching. I bought the Cat for several reasons the dealer in my area has an excellent reputation. The two ASV dealers don't. I was not impressed with the 332 for my application no suspension, no pressurized cab , the door had a 1/2" gap in one place not good for mulching. I didn't like the overhead door. The 332 did have good power. I like the 297C, the RC-100 is also a good machine.

 

[Terra Firma Scott]

WELCOME TRI CUT!

How do you like the new 297C? You are the first person on here I know of actually using one...DROOL.....Especially for mulching...Do fill us in ..I would like to step up to that machine soon...Pros and Cons what can you tell us.?..Power,Dust,Tracks,Suspension/undercarriage,Maintanance,etc......

 

[TMTS]

I saw that the 297C has a pressurized cab...I wish ASV would have a pressurized cab as an option on the RC-100...would make it easier to compare the RC-100 to the Fecon/Rayco FTX-100s. I spoke with someone at ASV and they could neither confirm or deny that they were working on a pressurized cab- but they did mention that some dealers in Australia are retro fitting ASV's with pressurizing kits. I have no idea how difficult or costly it might be, but it would sure be a nice option for many of the folks who mulch with the bigger ASVs

-TMTS

 

[buffalohunter]

Nobody has mentioned it but I have Bobcat T-300, it has been an excellent machine. I am a maintenance freak so it never goes without being cleaned or serviced. I got about 1200 hours on the first set of tracks digging foundations for houses. I thought that was good but it is the first Bobcat I have ever owned so I am kind of a rookie with this machine. Just my opinion.

 

[jmfox]

Nobody has mentioned it but I have Bobcat T-300, it has been an excellent machine. I am a maintenance freak so it never goes without being cleaned or serviced. I got about 1200 hours on the first set of tracks digging foundations for houses. I thought that was good but it is the first Bobcat I have ever owned so I am kind of a rookie with this machine. Just my opinion.

What attachment did you use to dig the foundations?

jmf

 

[Johndeere3720]

Ive run the CT332 but it was an open cab. with open cab, the higher the trottle goes, the quieter it gets. Very nice CTL. I had fun at the dealer with it and spun around in their perfectly smooth gravel. I really likeed doing that, if only bobcat had a gravel lot instead of pavement.