I swear I’ve been watching skid steer videos for weeks now and this is hands-down the most informative the most reassuring video I’ve watched. Thank you so much for making this content. I’m definitely going to subscribe.
We have an older bobcat 773 with steel tracks, LOVE THAT THING! It has worked and ran soooo well. Yes, the steel tracks do rip up the ground, but the traction that they give you is better than anything else!
I've worked with most skids and I have found that it really depends on the condition for certain types of tracks or tires. It just like you said if it hits all the right marks then it is best for the job. I found tire works best for plowing snow of which you know. Tracks don't work in the snow. Simple as that. If you're going for the fine grade then tracks are the way to go. You can still fine grade with tires but it's easier with tracks and more efficient. Like you said it all depends on the job. So go for the machine that can hit the most marks. I like your videos, my friend. KEEP IT Up!!!!!!!!!
Just had to chime in on this one. I'm by no means as experienced as many operators may be. I've got around 2000 hours in wheeled Bobcats and probably 5000 hours in tracked machines. Primarily all 3200+ hours in our Takeuchi TL 140 plus another couple thou in various other CTL's we've used over the years. I will say that I can see where a wheeled machine would be the right choice, blacktop, hardpan, high speed finish grade work with a harley rake for seed bed or sod prep, but other than that, I'll take tracks every time. If I have to work on asphalt with my CTL, I spread some of the spoil across the area to give my tracks some slip and I try to minimize the distance from the pile to the dump and angle the truck to reduce the turning required. In the soft stuff, the tracks can't be beat. I've had the wheeled loaders with steel and rubber overtracks and while they work pretty good while the tires are new, they really turn into a liability when the tracks start slipping on worn tires, or God Forbid, you don't foam fill your tires and get a flat inside the tracks....nightmare scenario. I'd love to run one of the Cat 299's, to go with my Cat 304C CR mini Ex, but I really find the Cab's of the Cat CTL's to be a little small and cramped. I'm really interested in the new Kubota SVL 95 series. I sat in one a couple weeks ago and it was much more spacious and had excellent sight lines. The fact that many machines in the market utilize Kubota engines for their own machines speaks volumes for the Kubota brand itself. While it's like pulling teeth to get my bosses to realize the value of many of the work tools available for these machines, there is no denying the value these tools bring to a jobsite. While I spend a great deal of time running a backhoe in the commission of my job, I'd much rather be using my mini Ex and CTL to get the job done. Anyone in the market for one of these machines owes it to themselves to go to one of the construction expos or demo days events to try out the machine they are considering spending a small fortune on. They all look pretty similar, and they all do the same kind of work, but the differences between machines, in my opinion, are significant enough to warrant a test drive. Enjoy your videos Stan, even if you are a little goofy. It's just the right touch. Keep em coming.
Yep, I tell my guys to quit cleaning up the street so much, till the job is done, so much easier on the tracks when leaving chips and dirt. They never run the bobcat, or buy tracks, so hard to get the concept across.
Thank you for this awesome third option between tired and tracked models. I'm toying with buying a machine to do mainly excavation under a house and I got a lot of awesome information from your video! It reminds me of nearly 35 years ago when I bought my wife's wedding ring. I was about to spend a lot of money on something I knew nothing about... BUT when I had a lady educate me about the various grades and prices diamonds, I didn't mind spending the money because I had confidence in what I needed and wanted and what the options were. I owe you one my friend!
Rubber tracks over tires are a great option . Your comments are right on the money. I dealt with MWE, and Solideal is now Camso. MWE was excellent to deal with. The tracks now have about a 1000 hours on them and are showing signs of wear. However, they spent that time clearing trees and brush from some prime bottom land. Without them I would have only been able to work that project for a couple months (July & August) here in northern MN. With the Camso tracks on a Case 220, I started in late April and finished in September. Wet weather was not and issue. I'd say my flotation was improved 1000%.
If you do any snow removal I'd recommend wheels instead of tracks. Also if your climate has lots of freezing and thawing I'd recommend wheels for that as well because if you park the machine with the tracks full of Mud at the end of the day, you will come back in the morning and your track will lock right up. Also if you're on sites with lots of curbs or rigmatts you're going to peel out of the tracks...
One thing i'd REALLY like to see given a lot of attention, is the suspension of the seat. After about ten years and about four 800 series Bobcats, I now have chronic spinal pain from bouncing on a pinched nerve. Of course, I worked as hard as could, but didn't always realise how easy it is to become tense, while being focussed on a difficult job. This should be a primary issue in evaluating new machines. it wouldn't be hard to design a better suspension system for operator safety, And by the way, when will we be able to get an Espresso maker that fits on the exhaust?
On-point regarding dealer service versus brand! -Best brand doesn’t compensate for having a bad supporting dealership-all machines need servicing and this can be the best or most painful part of owning g the equipment.
Considering buying a skid steer...Ive seen lots of split opinions here.. Im in northern idaho,,,frozen ground in the winter and ROCKS in the summer... Wheels or tracks?
My family owns an 07ish bobcat S250 (I believe full size frame) with tires. We bought it used (2000 hours) from sunbelt rentals for 8k in 09. We are on gravel and asphalt and sometimes dirt but never really mud. Ours does a great job. Only thing is we tipped it once putting a really heavy load to high and dumping. Only thing was a dent in the machine we were dumping into so we got off lucky. Never take it to a dealer we do all our oil changes in house and have a service guy come out once every few years. Tires are really expensive though remember that. We just spent about 1k on a new set after blowing one on something in the gravel.
I've said "I'm so glad that I have tracks" many more times than "I'm so glad that I have tires." Tires are great for snow and on hard surfaces, like asphalt milling, but other than that, the tracked machines - in my area of SE Pennsylvania - are superior. I go with Cat, because Foley Cat is my local dealer and they are second to none in my area. I have a Cat 259 and it's my workhorse. It has a 9226lb operating weight and does everything I want. If you're doing excavation, tracks are the way to go. Cat, Takeuchi, and Kubota are the machines seen on most job sites around my way.
rkbrauercsllc cats are also simpler to work on. As a guy who's had to work on Case, John Deere, bobcat,tacheuci,and Caterpillar I know I found working on caterpillar units easier because of the layout. John Deere gets an honerable mention because of the way the engine panels slide off but out of all the units I work on I found them to be the most often broken. The worst by a bit for me as a mechanic is the Case with the vertical lift system. You cannot lift the cab without the arms in the air...
Working in the logging industry stacking logs loading trucks. Tracks are next to worthless on snow that gets packed and or turns to ice. Tired machine throw a set of chains on you can move around no problem without all the spinning and slipping. Tracks and maintenance are exuberantly expensive compared to tires. In saying that in sand and mud a track machine wins all day. I agree the best option for many, would be tires with a set of rubber tracks. But for people working in yards and dirt and mud and no pavement a dedicated track machine might be the best option. Great video. By the way I've owned a bobcat t300 and the same machine with tires.
My dad just got 2 new Cat 289D loaders with tracks. They also offer a similar track system to the ASV positrack (found that out a few minutes ago), but he got the standard track system. His business does commercial concrete (for the most part. Also some construction and site grading) so it involves lots of rock, concrete chunks, and more. The positrack system from the VERY LITTLE I have researched, doesn't do as well in that environment, but does as well or better in a more residential or landscapng business or something that doesn't deal with stone as much. So it just depends on what you're doing with them. He also has a smaller wheeled machine he uses for things like a street sweeper and as a shop machine, or even for if he needs in smaller areas.
I just bought my first skidsteer/CTL this week. An 18, 239D with 2500 hours on it. It has the block pattern track pads . Kinda nervous how they will do in the winter . I based my decision on The Peace of God . And my needs . I looked at lots of machines . But they all left me feeling agitated, cranky, worrisome. Except this one. Which i was afraid was out of my price range. It wasn't, Thank God ! I'll be using it for my small firewood business. And on my small homestead. I wanted to stay FAR away from a D E F engine . After watching one of your vids where u talked about how over the tire tracks will tear up a machine . I decided on the tracked 239D . Excited but nervous .
I bought a Newholland L150. It was the lowest profile of all the makes in its class. Needed to get into a barn with a low ceiling. Has served me well for years.
Thanks for the great information. I really like the rubber tracks over the tires option. Im considering a skid steer for work in poultry barns so only the small frame or midsize units will work because of height limitations.
We have metal over tires on our 430 case and I like them for the most part. When working in brush and woody areas I find it picks up sticks a lot and whips them all over the place. Our 299 cat with forestry head and rubber tracks seems to be less likely to "grab" stuff with the tracks.
Tracks Kubota 95-2s best skid steer I have ever owned. Its so strong the other day had a customer tell me I needed an excavator to remove a retaining wall behind a pool, went deep in the ground with heavy footers. I told him when he left I was going to get the excavator. Never had to, that Kubota has so much power.
I’ve been running a set of McClaren steel tracks with rubber pads for 15 years on a NH 565 and LS170. Using the machine for light grading and general work on residential construction. I’ll never go back to plain tires. If you’re on a lot of pavement the rubber pads take a beating, but that’s true of any rubber track.
I've got 2 machines with tires and 4 with tracks. If the job is muddy, has slopes and/or is over rocky ground the tracks are better. Pushing dirt (break out) is where the tracks shine. Less spinning and better efficiency if you are moving dirt or doing construction landscaping (re-shaping, digging, moving material). The tires are faster for most lighter jobs and are more generally more maneuverable - they shine in final grading and general light landscaping work.
I have wheeled skid loaders. We put skinny snow tires on for the winter doing sidewalks. I have a set of camso tracks for 3 summer seasons with about 1000hrs on them and they are still good. Like you said you do have to be careful on dry asphalt or concrete or side hill you can de track them. I have sold them now and this coming season I have purchased a set of Right Tracks made in Alberta Can. they look really good and I am excited to put them on this coming spring. Tom the owner at Right Tracks says they will not de track and will not tear up the tires like the camso do. Check with me in May and see how I like them.
Stanley, if you haven’t tried out the new takeuchi’s yet, you should. You’ll be trading in those bobcats in no time. The power is unmatched. I’ve spent 100’s of hours in different skidsteers and to be honest nothing compares. We have a tl150 with 5000+ hrs on its and it still out performs the new stuff other companies put out. We got rid of the cats and bobcats and replaced them all with tl12’s
I just bought new gehl 165, I did tires instead of trax, mt reason for this was weight vs mobility & size, also i did tires due to tire vs trax replacement as cost is a huge factor. Lastly I hear horror stories about trax being slow during transport if needs to drive down road & also for snow removal that you need to clear each area before you drive on to snow or getting stuck is near guaranteed. I went with gehl becsuse i like the lever joystick system they have also lastly as you mention dealer concern is my concern too and I have a good repor with the gehl dealer as i deal with them on other machines. In general everything you mentioned i did prior to without watching your video and your video does have lots of merit. The main thing is to do homework on what works for you becsuse you are the one buying the skid loader and you want the right machine that is gonna work for you and be the most efficient use of your machine.
I like the video especially the dealership advice. Unless u are an asphalt company/concrete company u shouldn’t think twice, tracks. The only track I’ve known to perform well on all surfaces are the rubber tracks with pads on them instead of small ridges. Operating is also a huge factor in the wear of these tracks. In my experience running over large limestone and sharp rock pieces are track killers. Between every small guide wheel a jagged rock can damage the tracks by putting a lot of stress on the stretched, unprotected part of the track. Thank you for putting out a great video!
The rubber tracks are made by a company called CAMSO which is now owned by Michelin. These tracks work very well in mud as you can see in the video.Three things to keep in mind you don't here from salespeople about these tracks. 1) They are expensive. Plan on spending $4000 plus. 2) They wear out. Theses tracks are going to last most people around 1500 hours. The "animals" will get 1000 hour and the "only drive it on Sunday" guys will get 2000 hours. 3) The Skid steer with OTT tracks can not grade on a slope like a track loader (CTL). You will see an improvement in performance but the CTL can hold the slope and the skid steer will not.
Great video Stan! Great points the bad thing with the rubber over the tire tracks they get packed full of mud and ROCKS! Rocks have no where to go once inside. It will stop the machine and just spin the tires inside the tracks. Personally don't like rubber over tire tracks. Steel with rubber plads are the way to go.
I had a 743 Bobcat and bought steel tracks for digging pools in sand . It worked ok but puts a huge load on the drive train and engine. I now have an S130 and don’t use tracks anymore. After 30 yrs in business I can afford to be picky in my jobs . Rubber over tire tracks are a good compromise as you say . Steel tracks are just too heavy even though they work really well when used with new tyres .
I've got a cat 236 2008 with steel tracks. It has plenty of power. My only complaint , is the speed. Cat dealer is about a mile away from me, Great service. Love the machine and the service department.
Im only 12 years old but ive been doing construction and masonry type stuff with my dad since i was 2. So for if you do more landscaping and dirt work i would recommend a track machine. But a wheel machine will do just fine with that too but if you plow with a skid steer on streets and do any other things like construction a wheeled machine is nice and if you ever had been plowing on streets with a track machine you know bumps is your worst enemy
They are worth it if you are doing landscaping and you have to go through gates. We had a Ditch Witch SK750 and it does quite well. Just don't do what my boss did and try lifting Blizzard 8' plows with wings on it...ended up flipping the dang thing and almost flew over.
Those of us who have vintage equipment could care less about the dealer. I agree that a mid size machine is the best for general use. On out rocky ground here tires are the best and you can put over tire tracks if you need more traction
The dealer wants nothing to do with 20 or 30 year old equipment so they price their work high enough to encourage you to buy a newer one I always suggest that landscapers and construction companies, tree services etc who make money from their equipment buy newer Us farmers and nursery owners need cheap equipment so we have to train ourselves to be mechanics. I do repairs for a lot of them as well
I was shocked to see the data tag on my 1845 case that said the build date was in 1971. I didn't know they had skidsteers back then. I thought they was an early 90's machine. I'm seeing alot more of these things replacing the bigger equipment like the 455c loaders.
I have run both track and wheel skid steers and I much prefer the track machine over the wheel for almost every kind of job. The only place where a wheel machine might come in good is doing demolition on absolutely flat land like demoing a building from the inside. Wheel machines works just as good as a track machine mostly speaking. But in almost every case the track machine is much better. More stable, better traction, less likely to tip forward or backward. Can you go up and down steep slopes safer.
Have you ever do a video on say top 5 piece of equipment to buy from first to last for an up start excavation company and the reasoning behind the opinions?
Have several machines 2 mid frames and 2 large. We only have machines with tires which works well for us in landscaping. Have rented track machines on occasion to grade steep yards. We do have a 873 bobcat that is set up to run steel tracks and the traction is great but we only use early spring and late fall as it is very hard on the machine. It has broken several axels as a result. That makes for an interesting day loading a three wheeled machine on a trailer to go the the mechanic.
tracks vs wheels.... if your doing a lot on concrete get tires, even though they have to replace more often, its less work on the wheel motors. My ASV tracks on my CAT 277B hate turning on concrete, itll do it, but it wears them down pretty quick. On the other hand, tracks in the dirt are INCREDIBLE! traction (with the right track pattern) not the stock tracks kubota offers... can move mountains. As for wet areas? My 12,000lb machine can drive over things I cant walk on. But that's partly due to the track design from asv. Tracks for dirt work-pushing force and flotation wheels for concrete. edit: Your right about your dealer, in hawaii I hear they only use cat on the big island since thats all there is to service equipment.
The bit about the dealer is gold. On the quick, I custom ordered a enclosed trailer. It’s been great, but any dealings with the retailer was mind blowingly(made up a word it was so bad) incompetent. They could self sabotage a wet dream. I couldn’t deal with the manufacturer directly either.
I have brought a number of tracks from Midwest equipment they're nice people and their prices are fair they are a factory Bridgestone track dealer which on a lot of machines is OEM I would highly recommend them you can get an OEM track for a lot less.
I have 2 new holland skidsteer Ls 160 and ls180 Both are tire machines. I bought a set of loegering track systems for both machines. I can switch them out if needed. But I use tires on 160 and tracks on 180. Tracks added 3200 lbs to each machine. The 180 is like a tank. I've had it stuck 1 time . Its hard to do.
The landscaping company I worked for had a Cat 277D for a few reasons, standard back up camera and controls were just 2 sticks, plus it worked better than the comprobale John Deere. Only other skid I've driven was an old New Holland L555.
Best over tire tracks made by camoplast now called camso. I own a equipment rental company and have used a few different brands of over tire tracks, if your going to buy some spend the little extra money because it is worth it just for durability
I have a 185 with OTT's, they work great but I tore them in half on the same job. I was grading a lane with rock and as u push the pile rock falls in the tracks and goes around tire causing the tracks to tear. Unfortunately they came apart where u can't fix them. $4500 out the door, less than 500 hours. But I might buy another pair, they make that much of a difference
All depends on what you mostly do. only problem i find with tracks is reinstall and if you pop a track its a pain in the ass otherwise they float better push harder and just make an awsome machine
Dang man. I remember following you when you only have a couple thousand subs. Now you are over 150k. Congrats. Seems like you are successful no matter what you do. Hard work pays off.
10 years using ASV pt60 track loader is all I've needed. a set of tracks will last 3-4 years. has chassis clearance of 12" current model is called RT60. Nothing on it I can't fix myself
@@smcooperationaustralia4244nice! I just did a video on my 2019 asv VT70HO didn't like traded in for 2020 Asv RT65 love it. Now I have three two RT60 and the new RT65 MAX
Bobcat with tracks and a 4 in 1 bucket. Idk why anyone would not want the 4 in 1 bucket. I work asphalt usually so it’s hand for picking up piles. You can also slightly open the bucket and grade with it like a dozer blade. John Deere skidsteers are a rough ride. The newer Bobcats have the most cab room too I think. Even more than CAT.
Can you make a video about the use cases for tracks vs tires (or point me to a video if you have one), and perhaps also go over the details of these mid size machines? Like capacity, arm length, etc. I'm a beginner contractor, I architect and build homes, and am realizing that I need to own one of these machines to use during excavation, backfilling, evening out lands, moving gravel into crawl space foundations, etc. I'm in a place where terrain is usually hilly, or sloped often. You can speak to it like you're speaking to a 5 year old, because I know NOTHING about these and only now learning.
In agriculture, you will want tires in a lot of cases as pen pack manure can be very messy and freeze on tracks. Also do a lot of work on concrete/driveway snow removal etc, and tire machines are also superior in that aspect.
"Kind of like Goldilocks" - very interesting. Wanting to start a property maintenance side business and stuck on which bobcat to buy because the only thing the Jack of all trades mid sized machine cant do that I would need it to do is forestry mulching. But maybe putting that on the back burner for now and offering a range of other services while saving a substantial amount if money off the hop not buying the T870 and cutting head is the smart way to go to get started. Enjoying your videos man your passion shines through.
One might want to define what you really need to do with your skid steer. Two speed and high flow hydraulics can be very useful. A skid steer that lifts straight vertically is much easier to dig post holes. Track machines have a higher cost of operation than do tire machines. I use over tire tracks now but if I change machines tracks might be best choice for how I use my machine. I am not sure if track machines work very well on snow removal.
Farmer Joe Track machines are very poor are snow removal. The tracks also wear much faster than tires on hard terrian. Flotation, and the ability to function on a hill side is what make track machines effective, otherwise, wheels are equal or superior.
Nice Video Stan! I came up with the same conclusion a few months ago after thinking about it for awhile. It’s a hard decision trying to get it right the 1st time when you have not had any experience with a skid steer
Small compact tractor works for me it doesn't do near the damage a skid steer will do. A small mini excavator and compact tractor is the best combination for me. Most backyards we go into might have four and a half feet between the house , minimal damage is key to being successful. Ty for the entertainment WECANDIGIT
@@Dirtmonkey I'm having a hard time deciding if i should buy a compact tractor or a skid steer as my first machine. The only issue I see is that small tractors simply don't have the power to move heavy wet clay soil with the front end loader. But they are very simply to use and very light on the land as Might Moe said.
Stan I think you should remake this video now that you have the cat259d and the bobcat t180 and compare them to the wheeled machines that you have. I am hoping to purchase my first skid-steer this year and I am probably going to go with a bobcat t595
Tires for the first machine add over the tire tracks but we find our rubber tire does 90% of the jobs and the tracked machine being bigger does the bulk pushing. We find the cost of ownership high on the tracked units and would only have one. The rest will be tires
Hey guys if you're in an area where you need to use your skid for plowing in the winter you don't need to worry about buying tire machines because we bought a set of winter tracks and they get better traction than our tire machines do in the snow so just a heads up for that.
Fyi bobcat is the worst skid steer to put tracks on due to them having a very long axle shaft comes from the center of the machine is where there chain case is located.
PTBRULES IsFriendly Yeah. They are good however they are nothing in the UK. Companies like CAT, Volvo and Kobelco are basically non existent in the UK. It’s all JCB (who are the best), Kubota and a Few Hitachi excavators.
so going to buy a skid steer you kinda know what your going to use it for and what attachments you need but what are maybe some attachments that most people may not consider but are very useful. or maybe common misconceptions about attachments they think they need but money is better spent somewhere else or just things to know when picking out attachments.
I swear I’ve been watching skid steer videos for weeks now and this is hands-down the most informative the most reassuring video I’ve watched. Thank you so much for making this content. I’m definitely going to subscribe.
We have an older bobcat 773 with steel tracks, LOVE THAT THING! It has worked and ran soooo well. Yes, the steel tracks do rip up the ground, but the traction that they give you is better than anything else!
I've worked with most skids and I have found that it really depends on the condition for certain types of tracks or tires. It just like you said if it hits all the right marks then it is best for the job. I found tire works best for plowing snow of which you know. Tracks don't work in the snow. Simple as that. If you're going for the fine grade then tracks are the way to go. You can still fine grade with tires but it's easier with tracks and more efficient. Like you said it all depends on the job. So go for the machine that can hit the most marks. I like your videos, my friend. KEEP IT Up!!!!!!!!!
Just had to chime in on this one. I'm by no means as experienced as many operators may be. I've got around 2000 hours in wheeled Bobcats and probably 5000 hours in tracked machines. Primarily all 3200+ hours in our Takeuchi TL 140 plus another couple thou in various other CTL's we've used over the years. I will say that I can see where a wheeled machine would be the right choice, blacktop, hardpan, high speed finish grade work with a harley rake for seed bed or sod prep, but other than that, I'll take tracks every time. If I have to work on asphalt with my CTL, I spread some of the spoil across the area to give my tracks some slip and I try to minimize the distance from the pile to the dump and angle the truck to reduce the turning required. In the soft stuff, the tracks can't be beat. I've had the wheeled loaders with steel and rubber overtracks and while they work pretty good while the tires are new, they really turn into a liability when the tracks start slipping on worn tires, or God Forbid, you don't foam fill your tires and get a flat inside the tracks....nightmare scenario. I'd love to run one of the Cat 299's, to go with my Cat 304C CR mini Ex, but I really find the Cab's of the Cat CTL's to be a little small and cramped. I'm really interested in the new Kubota SVL 95 series. I sat in one a couple weeks ago and it was much more spacious and had excellent sight lines. The fact that many machines in the market utilize Kubota engines for their own machines speaks volumes for the Kubota brand itself. While it's like pulling teeth to get my bosses to realize the value of many of the work tools available for these machines, there is no denying the value these tools bring to a jobsite. While I spend a great deal of time running a backhoe in the commission of my job, I'd much rather be using my mini Ex and CTL to get the job done. Anyone in the market for one of these machines owes it to themselves to go to one of the construction expos or demo days events to try out the machine they are considering spending a small fortune on. They all look pretty similar, and they all do the same kind of work, but the differences between machines, in my opinion, are significant enough to warrant a test drive.
Enjoy your videos Stan, even if you are a little goofy. It's just the right touch. Keep em coming.
Yep, I tell my guys to quit cleaning up the street so much, till the job is done, so much easier on the tracks when leaving chips and dirt. They never run the bobcat, or buy tracks, so hard to get the concept across.
Thank you for this awesome third option between tired and tracked models. I'm toying with buying a machine to do mainly excavation under a house and I got a lot of awesome information from your video!
It reminds me of nearly 35 years ago when I bought my wife's wedding ring.
I was about to spend a lot of money on something I knew nothing about... BUT when I had a lady educate me about the various grades and prices diamonds, I didn't mind spending the money because I had confidence in what I needed and wanted and what the options were. I owe you one my friend!
Rubber tracks over tires are a great option . Your comments are right on the money. I dealt with MWE, and Solideal is now Camso. MWE was excellent to deal with. The tracks now have about a 1000 hours on them and are showing signs of wear. However, they spent that time clearing trees and brush from some prime bottom land. Without them I would have only been able to work that project for a couple months (July & August) here in northern MN. With the Camso tracks on a Case 220, I started in late April and finished in September. Wet weather was not and issue. I'd say my flotation was improved 1000%.
Thanks for viewing Albert!
I purchased a new set of T590 tracks and sprockets from midwest equipment (MWE). They still look good at over 800 hrs. Very reasonably priced!
I watched your video and read almost every comment, I’m going to get one with tires!! I wanna thank you for making this video !!!
If you do any snow removal I'd recommend wheels instead of tracks. Also if your climate has lots of freezing and thawing I'd recommend wheels for that as well because if you park the machine with the tracks full of Mud at the end of the day, you will come back in the morning and your track will lock right up. Also if you're on sites with lots of curbs or rigmatts you're going to peel out of the tracks...
Agreed. You can't go wrong with wheels.
If you have multi bar tracks you can't beat them in the snow. They're even better then snow tires
@@hunterklemz0597exactly
I will have to look at multibar tracks, but I agree wheels with chains in snow and ice is probably the way to go.
Just bought a new JCB 175 this week. Not needing to climb over the bucket or forks is the thing that did it for me.
Do you still like your jcb two years out?
@@gregterrill9130 Love it!
One thing i'd REALLY like to see given a lot of attention, is the suspension of the seat. After about ten years and about four 800 series Bobcats, I now have chronic spinal pain from bouncing on a pinched nerve. Of course, I worked as hard as could, but didn't always realise how easy it is to become tense, while being focussed on a difficult job. This should be a primary issue in evaluating new machines. it wouldn't be hard to design a better suspension system for operator safety,
And by the way, when will we be able to get an Espresso maker that fits on the exhaust?
Do some stretching. Knees over toes guy
On-point regarding dealer service versus brand! -Best brand doesn’t compensate for having a bad supporting dealership-all machines need servicing and this can be the best or most painful part of owning g the equipment.
Great advice. I've operated skid steers for over 20 years. Tracks! Tracks! Tracks!
Thanks Jack !
Considering buying a skid steer...Ive seen lots of split opinions here.. Im in northern idaho,,,frozen ground in the winter and ROCKS in the summer... Wheels or tracks?
@@tray8411 I'm looking for the same thing in Centeral Idaho around Donnelly, what did you end up getting?
My family owns an 07ish bobcat S250 (I believe full size frame) with tires. We bought it used (2000 hours) from sunbelt rentals for 8k in 09. We are on gravel and asphalt and sometimes dirt but never really mud. Ours does a great job. Only thing is we tipped it once putting a really heavy load to high and dumping. Only thing was a dent in the machine we were dumping into so we got off lucky. Never take it to a dealer we do all our oil changes in house and have a service guy come out once every few years. Tires are really expensive though remember that. We just spent about 1k on a new set after blowing one on something in the gravel.
I've said "I'm so glad that I have tracks" many more times than "I'm so glad that I have tires." Tires are great for snow and on hard surfaces, like asphalt milling, but other than that, the tracked machines - in my area of SE Pennsylvania - are superior. I go with Cat, because Foley Cat is my local dealer and they are second to none in my area. I have a Cat 259 and it's my workhorse. It has a 9226lb operating weight and does everything I want. If you're doing excavation, tracks are the way to go. Cat, Takeuchi,
and Kubota are the machines seen on most job sites around my way.
rkbrauercsllc cats are also simpler to work on. As a guy who's had to work on Case, John Deere, bobcat,tacheuci,and Caterpillar I know I found working on caterpillar units easier because of the layout. John Deere gets an honerable mention because of the way the engine panels slide off but out of all the units I work on I found them to be the most often broken. The worst by a bit for me as a mechanic is the Case with the vertical lift system. You cannot lift the cab without the arms in the air...
Working in the logging industry stacking logs loading trucks. Tracks are next to worthless on snow that gets packed and or turns to ice. Tired machine throw a set of chains on you can move around no problem without all the spinning and slipping. Tracks and maintenance are exuberantly expensive compared to tires. In saying that in sand and mud a track machine wins all day. I agree the best option for many, would be tires with a set of rubber tracks. But for people working in yards and dirt and mud and no pavement a dedicated track machine might be the best option. Great video. By the way I've owned a bobcat t300 and the same machine with tires.
My dad just got 2 new Cat 289D loaders with tracks. They also offer a similar track system to the ASV positrack (found that out a few minutes ago), but he got the standard track system. His business does commercial concrete (for the most part. Also some construction and site grading) so it involves lots of rock, concrete chunks, and more. The positrack system from the VERY LITTLE I have researched, doesn't do as well in that environment, but does as well or better in a more residential or landscapng business or something that doesn't deal with stone as much. So it just depends on what you're doing with them. He also has a smaller wheeled machine he uses for things like a street sweeper and as a shop machine, or even for if he needs in smaller areas.
I just bought my first skidsteer/CTL this week. An 18, 239D with 2500 hours on it. It has the block pattern track pads . Kinda nervous how they will do in the winter .
I based my decision on The Peace of God . And my needs . I looked at lots of machines . But they all left me feeling agitated, cranky, worrisome. Except this one. Which i was afraid was out of my price range. It wasn't, Thank God !
I'll be using it for my small firewood business. And on my small homestead.
I wanted to stay FAR away from a D E F engine . After watching one of your vids where u talked about how over the tire tracks will tear up a machine . I decided on the tracked 239D . Excited but nervous .
Great Videos Stanley! Really appreciate how you put these together. Also, glad to hear you say! God Bess ....so God Bless you too!
I bought a Newholland L150. It was the lowest profile of all the makes in its class. Needed to get into a barn with a low ceiling.
Has served me well for years.
Thanks for the great information. I really like the rubber tracks over the tires option. Im considering a skid steer for work in poultry barns so only the small frame or midsize units will work because of height limitations.
I didn’t hear it mentioned but a major advantage of track machines is lifting capacity, a lot more.
Not to mention less turf damage, especially with a decent operator. OTTs won't help with that at all.
We have metal over tires on our 430 case and I like them for the most part. When working in brush and woody areas I find it picks up sticks a lot and whips them all over the place. Our 299 cat with forestry head and rubber tracks seems to be less likely to "grab" stuff with the tracks.
Tracks Kubota 95-2s best skid steer I have ever owned. Its so strong the other day had a customer tell me I needed an excavator to remove a retaining wall behind a pool, went deep in the ground with heavy footers. I told him when he left I was going to get the excavator. Never had to, that Kubota has so much power.
I’ve been running a set of McClaren steel tracks with rubber pads for 15 years on a NH 565 and LS170. Using the machine for light grading and general work on residential construction. I’ll never go back to plain tires. If you’re on a lot of pavement the rubber pads take a beating, but that’s true of any rubber track.
I've got 2 machines with tires and 4 with tracks. If the job is muddy, has slopes and/or is over rocky ground the tracks are better. Pushing dirt (break out) is where the tracks shine. Less spinning and better efficiency if you are moving dirt or doing construction landscaping (re-shaping, digging, moving material). The tires are faster for most lighter jobs and are more generally more maneuverable - they shine in final grading and general light landscaping work.
185 are very good machine. Rent big/smaller/track machines. Keep your cost low and beat on rentals when needed
Rob Pond exactly.
I have wheeled skid loaders. We put skinny snow tires on for the winter doing sidewalks. I have a set of camso tracks for 3 summer seasons with about 1000hrs on them and they are still good. Like you said you do have to be careful on dry asphalt or concrete or side hill you can de track them.
I have sold them now and this coming season I have purchased a set of Right Tracks made in Alberta Can. they look really good and I am excited to put them on this coming spring. Tom the owner at Right Tracks says they will not de track and will not tear up the tires like the camso do. Check with me in May and see how I like them.
Stanley, if you haven’t tried out the new takeuchi’s yet, you should. You’ll be trading in those bobcats in no time. The power is unmatched. I’ve spent 100’s of hours in different skidsteers and to be honest nothing compares. We have a tl150 with 5000+ hrs on its and it still out performs the new stuff other companies put out. We got rid of the cats and bobcats and replaced them all with tl12’s
I just bought new gehl 165, I did tires instead of trax, mt reason for this was weight vs mobility & size, also i did tires due to tire vs trax replacement as cost is a huge factor. Lastly I hear horror stories about trax being slow during transport if needs to drive down road & also for snow removal that you need to clear each area before you drive on to snow or getting stuck is near guaranteed. I went with gehl becsuse i like the lever joystick system they have also lastly as you mention dealer concern is my concern too and I have a good repor with the gehl dealer as i deal with them on other machines. In general everything you mentioned i did prior to without watching your video and your video does have lots of merit. The main thing is to do homework on what works for you becsuse you are the one buying the skid loader and you want the right machine that is gonna work for you and be the most efficient use of your machine.
I like the video especially the dealership advice. Unless u are an asphalt company/concrete company u shouldn’t think twice, tracks. The only track I’ve known to perform well on all surfaces are the rubber tracks with pads on them instead of small ridges. Operating is also a huge factor in the wear of these tracks. In my experience running over large limestone and sharp rock pieces are track killers. Between every small guide wheel a jagged rock can damage the tracks by putting a lot of stress on the stretched, unprotected part of the track. Thank you for putting out a great video!
Appreciate that Tim, thank you !
The rubber tracks are made by a company called CAMSO which is now owned by Michelin. These tracks work very well in mud as you can see in the video.Three things to keep in mind you don't here from salespeople about these tracks. 1) They are expensive. Plan on spending $4000 plus. 2) They wear out. Theses tracks are going to last most people around 1500 hours. The "animals" will get 1000 hour and the "only drive it on Sunday" guys will get 2000 hours. 3) The Skid steer with OTT tracks can not grade on a slope like a track loader (CTL). You will see an improvement in performance but the CTL can hold the slope and the skid steer will not.
Great video Stan! Great points the bad thing with the rubber over the tire tracks they get packed full of mud and ROCKS! Rocks have no where to go once inside. It will stop the machine and just spin the tires inside the tracks. Personally don't like rubber over tire tracks. Steel with rubber plads are the way to go.
Thats true- the rocks do get stuck.
I've bought wheels and tires from MWE. Quick and pretty competitive from what I could tell. 10-16.5 Solid Tires.
I have a cat 262d that I use around the woods and in dirt with steel tracks over the tires and it’s like a mini dozer it will go just about anywhere
Thanks for the video, I need a skid steer for personal use and had a hard time with tired machine, but the older ones are cheaper!
I had a 743 Bobcat and bought steel tracks for digging pools in sand . It worked ok but puts a huge load on the drive train and engine. I now have an S130 and don’t use tracks anymore. After 30 yrs in business I can afford to be picky in my jobs . Rubber over tire tracks are a good compromise as you say . Steel tracks are just too heavy even though they work really well when used with new tyres .
I've got a cat 236 2008 with steel tracks. It has plenty of power. My only complaint , is the speed. Cat dealer is about a mile away from me, Great service. Love the machine and the service department.
3:46 I hear that a T-800 is unstoppable. Made of a superior alloy that makes it tough to beat.
I have only had bobcats and very happy with them. But I would love to try other branda
Bobcats have been my favorites as well.
Im only 12 years old but ive been doing construction and masonry type stuff with my dad since i was 2. So for if you do more landscaping and dirt work i would recommend a track machine. But a wheel machine will do just fine with that too but if you plow with a skid steer on streets and do any other things like construction a wheeled machine is nice and if you ever had been plowing on streets with a track machine you know bumps is your worst enemy
If ever don't know what to make a video about, can you make one about the mini skidsteers and if they are worth it?
Will do!
I am in the market for mini Skid steer and would love your expertise. Please do one!
They are worth it if you are doing landscaping and you have to go through gates. We had a Ditch Witch SK750 and it does quite well. Just don't do what my boss did and try lifting Blizzard 8' plows with wings on it...ended up flipping the dang thing and almost flew over.
Unless you were going to do a lot of work on pavement/asphalt wouldn’t a track unit be best for most things anyway?
Had my 864 tracked bobcat stuck before, not hard to do, luckily got it out fairly easy.
Those of us who have vintage equipment could care less about the dealer. I agree that a mid size machine is the best for general use. On out rocky ground here tires are the best and you can put over tire tracks if you need more traction
I would think vintage equipment would need an even better dealer. Someone skilled and familiar with it.
The dealer wants nothing to do with 20 or 30 year old equipment so they price their work high enough to encourage you to buy a newer one I always suggest that landscapers and construction companies, tree services etc who make money from their equipment buy newer Us farmers and nursery owners need cheap equipment so we have to train ourselves to be mechanics. I do repairs for a lot of them as well
I was shocked to see the data tag on my 1845 case that said the build date was in 1971. I didn't know they had skidsteers back then. I thought they was an early 90's machine. I'm seeing alot more of these things replacing the bigger equipment like the 455c loaders.
I have run both track and wheel skid steers and I much prefer the track machine over the wheel for almost every kind of job. The only place where a wheel machine might come in good is doing demolition on absolutely flat land like demoing a building from the inside. Wheel machines works just as good as a track machine mostly speaking.
But in almost every case the track machine is much better. More stable, better traction, less likely to tip forward or backward. Can you go up and down steep slopes safer.
Have you ever do a video on say top 5 piece of equipment to buy from first to last for an up start excavation company and the reasoning behind the opinions?
Have several machines 2 mid frames and 2 large. We only have machines with tires which works well for us in landscaping. Have rented track machines on occasion to grade steep yards. We do have a 873 bobcat that is set up to run steel tracks and the traction is great but we only use early spring and late fall as it is very hard on the machine. It has broken several axels as a result. That makes for an interesting day loading a three wheeled machine on a trailer to go the the mechanic.
after buying our 1st skid steer it made us wonder how the hell we survived without 1 all this time haha
If your doing things with your skid steer like brush or tree removal always go with tracks. 100X more traction
Make more videaos on Mini-loaders, equipment for hardscaping/landscaping
Thanks this is one of those answers I have been looking to find.
I'd probably go with the Tracks looks like it spreads dirt like a champ plus it won't get stuck...Nice Vid...
stan can you do a equipment tour/show of all your equipment like machines and all the attachments
I had a bobcat and I had no strength to lift a tree stump the kubota is great as well as a caterpillar
tracks vs wheels.... if your doing a lot on concrete get tires, even though they have to replace more often, its less work on the wheel motors. My ASV tracks on my CAT 277B hate turning on concrete, itll do it, but it wears them down pretty quick.
On the other hand, tracks in the dirt are INCREDIBLE! traction (with the right track pattern) not the stock tracks kubota offers... can move mountains. As for wet areas? My 12,000lb machine can drive over things I cant walk on. But that's partly due to the track design from asv.
Tracks for dirt work-pushing force and flotation
wheels for concrete.
edit:
Your right about your dealer, in hawaii I hear they only use cat on the big island since thats all there is to service equipment.
The bit about the dealer is gold. On the quick, I custom ordered a enclosed trailer. It’s been great, but any dealings with the retailer was mind blowingly(made up a word it was so bad) incompetent. They could self sabotage a wet dream. I couldn’t deal with the manufacturer directly either.
I have brought a number of tracks from Midwest equipment they're nice people and their prices are fair they are a factory Bridgestone track dealer which on a lot of machines is OEM I would highly recommend them you can get an OEM track for a lot less.
I have 2 new holland skidsteer
Ls 160 and ls180
Both are tire machines.
I bought a set of loegering track systems for both machines.
I can switch them out if needed. But I use tires on 160 and tracks on 180. Tracks added 3200 lbs to each machine.
The 180 is like a tank.
I've had it stuck 1 time .
Its hard to do.
great info I'm about to buy a skidsteer for work
Awesome ! Thanks for watching !
The landscaping company I worked for had a Cat 277D for a few reasons, standard back up camera and controls were just 2 sticks, plus it worked better than the comprobale John Deere. Only other skid I've driven was an old New Holland L555.
The new tracked machines are by far the only way to go!! Wouldn’t touch a tired skid loader for free💯
I got a bobcat s185 with steel tracks love it
Best over tire tracks made by camoplast now called camso. I own a equipment rental company and have used a few different brands of over tire tracks, if your going to buy some spend the little extra money because it is worth it just for durability
Good to know- Thanks!
I have a 185 with OTT's, they work great but I tore them in half on the same job. I was grading a lane with rock and as u push the pile rock falls in the tracks and goes around tire causing the tracks to tear. Unfortunately they came apart where u can't fix them. $4500 out the door, less than 500 hours. But I might buy another pair, they make that much of a difference
I enjoy the videos Stan. I don't understand why you have videos that also help your competition.
All depends on what you mostly do. only problem i find with tracks is reinstall and if you pop a track its a pain in the ass otherwise they float better push harder and just make an awsome machine
What is your absolute, drop dead, not going to buy no matter what hour reading on a used machine? Love the channel
Thanks
Dang man. I remember following you when you only have a couple thousand subs. Now you are over 150k. Congrats. Seems like you are successful no matter what you do. Hard work pays off.
10 years using ASV pt60 track loader is all I've needed. a set of tracks will last 3-4 years. has chassis clearance of 12" current model is called RT60. Nothing on it I can't fix myself
Nice I have A ASV/ TEREX PT100G very efficient and awesome it has bobcat reverse beeping sound and brilliant radio and air conditioning
@@smcooperationaustralia4244nice! I just did a video on my 2019 asv VT70HO didn't like traded in for 2020 Asv RT65 love it. Now I have three two RT60 and the new RT65 MAX
@@Northbaylandscaping nice! Have fun they are pretty smooth clean eatin machines
Bobcat is the market leader
Bobcat with tracks and a 4 in 1 bucket. Idk why anyone would not want the 4 in 1 bucket. I work asphalt usually so it’s hand for picking up piles. You can also slightly open the bucket and grade with it like a dozer blade.
John Deere skidsteers are a rough ride. The newer Bobcats have the most cab room too I think. Even more than CAT.
Can you make a video about the use cases for tracks vs tires (or point me to a video if you have one), and perhaps also go over the details of these mid size machines? Like capacity, arm length, etc. I'm a beginner contractor, I architect and build homes, and am realizing that I need to own one of these machines to use during excavation, backfilling, evening out lands, moving gravel into crawl space foundations, etc. I'm in a place where terrain is usually hilly, or sloped often. You can speak to it like you're speaking to a 5 year old, because I know NOTHING about these and only now learning.
In agriculture, you will want tires in a lot of cases as pen pack manure can be very messy and freeze on tracks.
Also do a lot of work on concrete/driveway snow removal etc, and tire machines are also superior in that aspect.
Love anything to do with landscaping I'm just starting out so need all the help I can get. Thanks Stanley once again.
Glad it helps Caleb.
Great Advice @2:30 ....Absolute Truth.
Thank you !
I'll say that I like Bobcat & Kubota they both work well.
With tracks.
I am so glad to have found this channel great info and damn nice to look at. Im addicted. Stanley you are a inspiration.
"Kind of like Goldilocks" - very interesting. Wanting to start a property maintenance side business and stuck on which bobcat to buy because the only thing the Jack of all trades mid sized machine cant do that I would need it to do is forestry mulching. But maybe putting that on the back burner for now and offering a range of other services while saving a substantial amount if money off the hop not buying the T870 and cutting head is the smart way to go to get started.
Enjoying your videos man your passion shines through.
One might want to define what you really need to do with your skid steer. Two speed and high flow hydraulics can be very useful. A skid steer that lifts straight vertically is much easier to dig post holes. Track machines have a higher cost of operation than do tire machines. I use over tire tracks now but if I change machines tracks might be best choice for how I use my machine. I am not sure if track machines work very well on snow removal.
Farmer Joe Track machines are very poor are snow removal. The tracks also wear much faster than tires on hard terrian.
Flotation, and the ability to function on a hill side is what make track machines effective, otherwise, wheels are equal or superior.
Some tracks are designed for snow- some tracks are designed for dirt.
The OTT I have are McLaren Pro Rubber tracks. Highly recommend them.
Nice Video Stan! I came up with the same conclusion a few months ago after thinking about it for awhile. It’s a hard decision trying to get it right the 1st time when you have not had any experience with a skid steer
Well I hope this helped out in some way.
Small compact tractor works for me it doesn't do near the damage a skid steer will do. A small mini excavator and compact tractor is the best combination for me. Most backyards we go into might have four and a half feet between the house , minimal damage is key to being successful. Ty for the entertainment WECANDIGIT
I use mini's as well. But I usually just plan on replacing my work zone turf.
@@Dirtmonkey I'm having a hard time deciding if i should buy a compact tractor or a skid steer as my first machine. The only issue I see is that small tractors simply don't have the power to move heavy wet clay soil with the front end loader. But they are very simply to use and very light on the land as Might Moe said.
Would trade my wife in before my Takeuchi TL10. Great machine and always tracks. Agree with midsize comment. Nice post.
I’ve been hearing good things about them. Wanting one for personal use.
Looking for a good used skid steer, good info thanks. 😊
If your a landscaper get a track loader, I have a toro dingo tx420, ditch witch sk 752, bobcat t595 bobcat e45 there all track.
Stan I think you should remake this video now that you have the cat259d and the bobcat t180 and compare them to the wheeled machines that you have. I am hoping to purchase my first skid-steer this year and I am probably going to go with a bobcat t595
I have tracks on a 257D cat. i love them. Onley down fall is they dont like ice vary well.
I would get a wheeled machine because they have tracks for it if needed, but be careful because you can possibly bend a tire axel
Tires for the first machine add over the tire tracks but we find our rubber tire does 90% of the jobs and the tracked machine being bigger does the bulk pushing. We find the cost of ownership high on the tracked units and would only have one. The rest will be tires
Hey guys if you're in an area where you need to use your skid for plowing in the winter you don't need to worry about buying tire machines because we bought a set of winter tracks and they get better traction than our tire machines do in the snow so just a heads up for that.
What brand? The only reason I am considering a tired machine is because guys out here say tracks don't work in the snow. Any videos on tracks in snow?
Great info. Great demonstration. Great video. Thank you for sharing.
Enjoyed this video Stanley
I love these type of videos stan, do
more. More
Will do!
Fyi bobcat is the worst skid steer to put tracks on due to them having a very long axle shaft comes from the center of the machine is where there chain case is located.
VERY INTERSTING ,,AND VERY GRAPHIC ..
Thank you!
Hello Stan. Here in the UK we never use Skid Steers, we use excavators for loading and dumpers for transportation on site.
Charlie Smythe You see both equally in the US. Plus, they are much faster.
PTBRULES IsFriendly Yeah. They are good however they are nothing in the UK. Companies like CAT, Volvo and Kobelco are basically non existent in the UK. It’s all JCB (who are the best), Kubota and a Few Hitachi excavators.
Charlie Smythe You see alot of new JCB Backhoes here too.
PTBRULES IsFriendly In my opinion, JCB is flat out the best brand in the UK.
Howe can you not use a skid steer?
so going to buy a skid steer you kinda know what your going to use it for and what attachments you need but what are maybe some attachments that most people may not consider but are very useful. or maybe common misconceptions about attachments they think they need but money is better spent somewhere else or just things to know when picking out attachments.
You didn't talk at all about those that buy used and do service and repairs. I personally never have anything to deal with the dealers
Track machines are awesome case
Very informative .... This helps me prepare for my possible future business I'm thinking about building...
Great John , good luck and thanks !