time to upgrade

Hi everyone, first post here. Looking for some advise. I am a asphalt contractor, mainly driveways, patching, and some smaller parking lots. Been running a 1998 case 1845 since 1998, it has been a great machine. Iv got around 6000 hrs on it and want to sell it and upgrade while everything is still working properly. Im not looking to go brand new as I dont really want the big payment. I have ran a couple of the 85xt and 90xt case models and really liked them. Wondering if any of you guys have anything good or bad to say about the case xt models. My main use for the skid loader is digging out driveways, moving material, and grading class 5. I would also like to get a mill/planer in the near future as well.

I have had a number of XT machines including 70,85 and 95XT. I have not owned a 90 but have run them a bit and I think for what you want to do they would be great. The weight and power for the 90 along with very fast cycle times make them productive dirt machines. The relatively low ROC make them less efficient lift and carry machines, but if you want to excavate and run high performance attachments, it's very good at that.

i wanted a case also and talked to a couple of different owners and they said they were good machines when there running!, they said there was always something wrong with them though, i dunno never bought one or ran one. i ended up going with ASV. ( was leaning towards ASV anyway)

Most all of the machines on the market today will out perform your old 1845 the down side is with all the electronics and integration they will also be more prone to issues. The 1845s were a very tough machine and have served many people very well. I wish there were still a bare bones unit on the market. If you have a good relationship with your Case dealer that is a good brand to start with and the machines you list will be good replacements. The machines you list are all quite a bit heavier than your current skid and are more of a rough grade machine than a finish grade machine in my opinion. For tear out and demolition the heavier machines will shine. I have no idea what kind of flow a mill/planer requires but if its high flow that will be a consideration of concern. I have worked on the XT machines and I cant say they are better or worse than any of the other brands. With time all things break and I have replaced a fair amount of lines and electrical. If you know skids give the machines you are considering a good test run and see what you think. If you don't like something come back here with questions and somebody will have an idea of whats better or different.

Thanks for the responses guys. Just got done looking at a 85xt with 720hrs on it. The guy who owned it was local and only used it for loading sand into dump trucks. It is a a 2004 which obviously makes it 10 years old, but the thing was crazy spit shine clean. He wants 20k for it, which kinda seems like alot for somthing that is 10 years old but after pulling the cab forward and seeing how clean everything is I am seriously considering this mahine. I know there is newer machines that could be had in the 25k price range but with just a hair over 700 hrs I really like knowing he was the only person running this machine. I feel like I could run this for a couple years then sell it with still real low hours and upgrade again. I dont know what to say, 20k is still alot of money for a little guy like me.

20K for a machine that size in spotless condition sounds like a decent deal. They are selling for 10-15K with most having 3-4000hrs. That machine has a very tried and true Cummins engine very similar to your 1845C. I personally would spend a little more for a machine I knew had a good track record than a brand new off the drawing board model that who knows if it will last. The 85XTs have a proven track record and are tough as nails with the ability to work into the 5-6000hr range with reliable service. Good luck in your search.

My issue with the 85XT was the lack of turbo. However it depends on how much you need out of them. A large cattle operation bought mine when I traded it in (1999 model and traded in 2000) and they still have it cleaning manure. CASE ended up turboing them in the 445 S3 model. I traded that 85XT for a 95XT. Perfect machine for what I needed. At your elevation, it is likely less important.

in 2012 I purchased a 2002 case 70xt with 1100 hours. the previous owner bought it new for $22K. I had only rented bobcats before my experience with this case. I paid $10k for it.

I am very pleased with it, and it has opened a lot of doors for me and landed jobs I couldn't get before. didn't realize what I was buying at the time. I did get to try it out for a few weeks before purchasing it, and looking back I wish I had about 3 of them. overall, a pretty good machine and has more motor than you can use.

I run mine at 1/2 throttle and it has plenty of power. it is standard flow, and I mow brush with it(full throttle) using a 1500 lb. CID mower. absolutely awesome.

the only downside I have found to owning the skid steer was that after paying cash for it, I had to have a new tilt trailer to haul it on, and I cant quit buying attachments. it is truly addicting once you own one. cant imagine being without a skid steer now.

The 70XT and the 440 for their physical size are about as powerful of a machine as you will find.