Cat320,
We have a 2002 JD 250 Skidsteer with most of the goodies.
Cab, heat, self level, hydraulic quicktach, flashers, 12ply tires, and weight kit.
Should have got the suspesion seat:beatsme
We wanted virtical lift only, so the market was limited.
So we went around and looked at Mustang (too large), New Holland, Bobcat, and Deere.
The 360 degree visibility is far better on the Deere compared to the rest. Also, Deere uses a seat belt instead of a pull down bar.
I did test a Bobcat, but the pull down bar was too annoying for me.:banghead
So we had a Deere delivered to our sawmill for a week long demo.
Dug some sod up, dug a hole, spread rock, moved logs and lumber with the forks.
Machine had plenty of power to dig around a cornor. Visibility was good to the cornor of the bucket. Fast cycle times. Good stick feel, and pedal feel. Pedals were not stiff to operate.
Machine with out weights is almost neutral while digging, weights add a differnt feel, but is acceptable.
Our biggest problem was with the door for the cab. Dealer tried to correct the problem and was not able to. Two engeneers from Dubque Iowa came to check the cab. It only took 2 minutes with tape measure to figure out the problem. Deere warrentied the cab
:usa
We also have a Grapple and several shop built accessories.
What ever machine you go with the Hydraulic QuickTach is a real treat. We switch from a bucket to forks and back 2 to 4 times per hour of operation.
Cat makes a vertical lift machine too. The controles are way different. I did get a chance to try one out. Neat consept, but a little too much of a change for me.
Mert714 has one, and seem to be getting along pretty good. :notworthy
If you have specific questions, feel free to ask.
By the way last month I was invited for a tour of the Deere Skidsteer factory in Dubque. "Impressive" is a good word to describe the machine.
If you look at some Skidsteers on the market, they are made of flat stock welded together. Deere on the other hand has formed metal parts to add rigidity. Go look at a Volvo skidsteer then a Deere. Nothing against Volvo, just a differnt style of manufacturing.