Caterpillar 262

[mert0714]

Does anyone have any opinions about Caterpillar skid loaders, specifically the 262. Also any input about 2 speed option and hydraulic quick coupler (likes, dislikes, probs etc.)

[Steve Frazier]

I've got a '99 Cat 248 I bought new, probably the best purchase I've ever made. I've got nearly 1000 hours on it and 0 downtime to breakdown. It's amazing the work this machine will do, far more than it's rated for.

Mine was built before the 2 speed was available, that would make a nice addition for transport jobs. I don't think you'll find a better machine for ease of operation as far as the controls are concerned.

I had only 2 complaints with my machine, one was the position of the throttle which they have since changed. It rubs on my thigh during operation, but the new models have it relocated.

The second is water. Rain pools in the roof window and then spills in your lap when you move the machine. My backhoe attachment requires I run without the door and in spring and fall, it can be a real eye opener. I don't know whether they've addressed this issue.

[mert0714]

Thanks for the info Steve I'll try to wear a raincoat the first time. We demoed a 248 (to get used to the controls) and then a 262. Do you notice a weakness in the ability to dig and turn at the same time? I wonder if this is due to the servo controlled hydraulics, lack of practice on the machine or just a fluke. I noticed the difference coming from the mechanical controlled hydraulics of the Mustangs (we have had since '79)

[Steve Frazier]

Actually, I've had the opposite experience. I have no loss of hydraulic power when digging, if I'm in real heavy stuff the motor might drop revs, but I don't see a loss of hydraulics.

It might be getting used to the servo controls, you don't get a lot of feedback through them. Once you get a handle on them, you'll never want to go back! They're so much less fatiguing than the mechanical.

I have found that they can vary from machine to machine, some are more sensitive than others. If you end up with one your not happy with, it may be adjustable to your liking.

[motrack]

not trying to knock anyones Cat skidsteer but I was Really surprised to see how low the lift capitacy of the Cat is compared to a Deere, New Holland, or Gehl.

I was thinking the comparsions were just New Holland sales BS but have seen the # my self.

[Steve Frazier]

Before you get excited over printed specs, operate them both, you'll be surprised!

[motrack]

question? if Cat had the same lift capaticy as a New Holland of equal size, say a 50 HP size machine why would they not want to advertise that?

New Holland kicks their butt by a average of 1000# more lift capitacy.

[Steve Frazier]

I guess it would depend on which machines your comparing. Since skid steers are rated by their lift capacity and hp, the numbers ought to be within a few hundred pounds of each other within the same class.

Again, do a side by side operation of the machines and report back..... I have.

[mert0714]

I agree with Steve. I have been doing A LOT of research on new machines and even though the ink on the paper says one thing, what it actually takes to get those number accompished is another. For example, breakout force. The higher the number the better? Not really because the tipping load is the most important number. You only need a breakout force a little above the tipping load because once you go over that number you lift the rear of the machine off the ground (can do anything more and damage to the machine occurs). The more breakout force the easier it is to do this.

The machine may have a great lift capacity but can it dig? Some have the weight transfered so far back that there is not enough front weight so you cannot dig very well with it.

Axle torque. Here is a number that not all maufactures display (or maybe even don't know). This is an important one for how you are going to move the load around and how easy.

What I am getting at is that different machines are built with certain project ideas in mind and we the comsumers need to sort through all the (SPECS) if you will, to get the best machine for us. Of course the sales man will tell you what you want to here because that is how he exists and how the economy works. My advise is demo as many as you can for as long as you can. This is the only way to tell for yourself what these numbers really mean to you.

[Blademan]

Oh yeah , mert0714 . You nailed it on the head here . Throw out those " what it says on paper " arguments . What a brochure sells ,and what a machine can do are two totally different things . Demo'ing a machine for a week , in different conditions , and see which you like better . Even if you have to rent one , is better then getting one thats junk or not really suited for your particular needs . Most of the top brands have a machine that are good , and some are designed for certain jobs , so they tend to be better at one thing . Also , it's important to look at each case seperately when buying a machine . What is it going to be doing ? How many hours are you looking to use it daily ? what types of work will you be doing with it ? Is weight an issue ? Is comfort a issue ? Is money a issue ? You keeping it for a long time ,or are you turning it over in a year or two ? Going by what the brochure tells you is not a great idea .

Just my 2 ,

Rob

[FatAlbert]

Mr. Mert,

You asked about the Hydraulic Quick Attach. We have it on our 250 Deere. It's worth the $800, I'll switch forks to bucket and back 2-3 times in an hour. The only down fall of the JD QuickTach is the hydraulic cylinder is exposed when the forks are being used. Something could pass through the fork carriage and damage the expensive stuff :mad:

I got a chance to fiddle around with a CAT 248. The Joy stick control will cut down on fatigue that's for sure. I think it would take a couple of weeks to get smooth at full throttle.
The biggest thing that struck me was the lack of side and rear visibility compared to the Deere. The Deere does not have the tall wide rear loader mount. I'm not real tall and I need the visibility worse than the joy sticks.

I would think most major manufacturers will have joy sticks of some type within a couple years.

Where the joy stick control will shine is with a swing hammer during tear out.:D

Another thought is basic maintenance on the CAT is far simpler. The Cat loader grease zerks are at the end of the mount pin. The Deere is on bushing side. You have to move the loader to different heights to hit all the zerks. Each time I have to climb in and hook the seat belt to raise the boom. Two zerks I get from the seat with the door open.
Also, the CAT engine filters are very easy to change.

Just some quick obervations