k45, that's what I thought, but wasn't sure....to clarify the OTT discussion on JCB's....
The prior models (series I and II Robots) did offer a door kit which essentially was the CTL door and some panels that covered up the opening remaining at the bottom. Obviously, this kinda defeated much of the benefit of the side entry. Although the safety factor of not ever having to climb under a raised boom still remained, as did the visibility.
For the Next Gen. machines, they have eliminated this option all together. For better or worse, we cannot do OTT's.
Now, on our factory CTL's, I will say that I would disagree with the above comment that they aren't any easier to get in and out than a standard skid over the bucket. The Next Gen. models have a suicide door, so you are stepping on the low side of the track, and they have also added an actual welded step to the undercarriage frame (which seems fairly insignificant, but makes a world of difference). As such, they are quite easy to get in and out of, and still provide unmatched safety and visibility.
For the record, I FINALLY received my first Next Gen. model Wednesday night (a 260 Wheel, Cab, A/C, 2spd, Hi-flow), and I can honestly say that I am down right impressed. I haven't been able to do much with the machine since it is brand spankin' new, but I did throw and old bucket on it and do some bucket loading/lifting exercises with it in grade 8 and road mill (not sure if that is the correct term?) and it has impressive pushing and break-out forces.
I'll be updating with full results once we get them out on demos to customers, but I am very optimistic at this point.
What is the sticker price on something like that??