what brand of track steer should I by?

mmcwelding · Oct 1, 2013

Hi, I am looking to by a skid steer. I am not sure which brand to go with. I here good and bad things about all of them. I wont something used. I am a welder and am tired of renting one. I am only 21 so financing is not easy. I found a bank that would finance one in the 20 to 25 thousand dollar range. How ever They only work with cat equipment. I am looking at a 2004 cat 277. I here they have track problems. I here cat in general does not have a good track system. I was told to buy a TL150 cause there built proof, but i dont know which to go with. So I guess what I what to know is cat a good way to go. I don't want to have to be fixing it every month. They make a cat 277, 287, 297, B And C models, should I stay away from one over the other.

drummer · Oct 3, 2013

I have a CAT 287C hi flow I bought new, a CAT 289C hi flow (used), and a CAT 259 B3 hi flow (new). Any problems have been few and far between and these machines operate every day. We mill asphalt, power rake soil, dig with the buckets, place sod, push dirt with the 6 way dozer attachment, broom /sweep, mulch, mow, pretty much any thing you can ask the machines to do. All machines are enclosed Cab with AC/heat. Visibility and safety, clearance when loading and lift capacity, service and reliability, my reasons for owning CAT. If you can find a way to pick up a unit from your CAT compact equipment rep through their rental side or from a reputable trade in, you will be money ahead. Should be plenty of top machines available in California.

cartzblown94z · Oct 4, 2013

Love my tak ( mustang ) 130. It's a beast and runs circles around anything I've used before, super responsive controls and super basic when it comes to the motor. Can't beat it. I looked at all the rest and am very happy with what I got

Ropinghorns · Oct 5, 2013

I don't think you can beat Bobcat. The t190 should be in your price range, too. Try them all out and remember how important the dealer is when it comes to repair work on the machine.

KSSS · Oct 5, 2013

Avoid the CAT mtl if your just getting started. They have a place but they are unforgiving if run in the wrong environment. The TK machines are solid machines and can be bought reasonably.

Bobcatdan · Oct 6, 2013

Figure out who are good dealers to work with in your area first. Go demo and rent machine from each. Buy the one you like. 10 guys on here csnd tell you cat is great and you might buy one and hate it. I like bobcat, but that is just me.

frogfarmer · Oct 8, 2013

I dont own a track machine but have run several. As a general rule I am CAT through and through but I dont like their CTLs. I have torn the tracks and had undercarriage problems on the few I tried. Bobcat seems to have a solid machine and they are everywhere so parts are going to be easier from a service perspective especially used. My favorite is the Takeuchi or one of its clones in different paint (GEHL/Mustang). Maintenance on the undercarriage of a track machine is very costly and that is the primary reason I dont own one.

monster76 · Oct 8, 2013

mmcwelding said:
Hi, I am looking to by a skid steer. I am not sure which brand to go with. I here good and bad things about all of them. I wont something used. I am a welder and am tired of renting one. I am only 21 so financing is not easy. I found a bank that would finance one in the 20 to 25 thousand dollar range. How ever They only work with cat equipment. I am looking at a 2004 cat 277. I here they have track problems. I here cat in general does not have a good track system. I was told to buy a TL150 cause there built proof, but i dont know which to go with. So I guess what I what to know is cat a good way to go. I don't want to have to be fixing it every month. They make a cat 277, 287, 297, B And C models, should I stay away from one over the other.

when i was in your shoes 3yrs ago, im 24 now i found that financing was difficult but big dealers using there financing like cat financial are more likely to finance you a machine at a decent interest rate alot of these smaller outside financing options have outrageous interest rates. another option to look into is the rent to own option you rent a machine and depending on the dealer it could be 70-80% of your rental fee goes to the machine if you decide to buy it, if you cant well no harm no foul turn it back in and your credit isnt affected or nothing.

lumberjack · Oct 8, 2013

I bought my first piece of equipment at 21 through the local bank. I'm 27 now, and bought a Mustang MTL325 (Tak TL250) in June and couldn't be happier. 165 hours on it during that time. Financing through the dealer is usually easier and cheaper.

As far as what to buy, my suggestion is to get something with a rigid undercarriage (no ASV/Cat MTL) due to lower operating costs. Skip cab and air for now and build your sweat equity. Set aside money for each hour you put on the machine. On mine it's $20/hr in depreciation and $10/hr for the undercarriage.

Learn to work on your machines yourself, it will make you much more competitive and a better operator since you know the machine.

what brand of track steer should I by?

mmcwelding

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drummer

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cartzblown94z

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Ropinghorns

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KSSS

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Bobcatdan

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frogfarmer

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monster76

Senior Member

lumberjack

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