crane operator
Senior Member
I've been kicking around a skid loader, will be getting wheels, not a track machine. I'm on rocky soil most of the time. Can be some crooked conditions.
What I'm using the loader for is to set crane mats under crane outriggers. So really like a rough terrain forklift most of the time. The mats are going to be around 1,500- 2500 lbs. Wood and wood/ steel mats. I'm loading it on the trailer with the crane counterweights and mats, so a skid will do what I want. But I'm going to be carrying around 2,500 and repeatedly loading and unloading them off the trailer.
I'm not as interested in cycle speed as I am in precise movement and lift capacity. Nothing very new either. Pre 2000 probably, I'm a simple mechanic.
Grew up running Hydra mac's with dual hand controls. They are kind of scarce and hard to get parts for. Have been in bobcat, new holland, case, john deere. None of them for probably more than a hour.
So, case 1845c? Everyone says they built like a boulder /reliable. I remember them being less than precise on controls and I was a little worried about lift capacity.
Guy by me has a new holland lx875, not as fond of foot controls but I can probably make it work. I'm thinking with the more wheelbase it would probably be a little more stable with a load on.
I don't know bobcat numbers at all once past the 773- 873 series. Again foot controls, I would prefer hand, but if someone has a recommendation I'm not married to any idea.
I actually see some of the case 80-90 xt series from time to time, priced about like a 1845c. I think they are hand pilot control, but I know nothing reliability wise. I think the reason they are priced by me about like the 1845's is the reliability reputation of the 1845's.
So throw me a little advice. I'm not spending more than $15,000. I'm not afraid of buying at auction and shipping either. And I don't mind a little work. Don't care about dealer support, I rarely go to a dealer for any of my cranes or trucks.
What do I want? Thanks for all advice in advance.
What I'm using the loader for is to set crane mats under crane outriggers. So really like a rough terrain forklift most of the time. The mats are going to be around 1,500- 2500 lbs. Wood and wood/ steel mats. I'm loading it on the trailer with the crane counterweights and mats, so a skid will do what I want. But I'm going to be carrying around 2,500 and repeatedly loading and unloading them off the trailer.
I'm not as interested in cycle speed as I am in precise movement and lift capacity. Nothing very new either. Pre 2000 probably, I'm a simple mechanic.
Grew up running Hydra mac's with dual hand controls. They are kind of scarce and hard to get parts for. Have been in bobcat, new holland, case, john deere. None of them for probably more than a hour.
So, case 1845c? Everyone says they built like a boulder /reliable. I remember them being less than precise on controls and I was a little worried about lift capacity.
Guy by me has a new holland lx875, not as fond of foot controls but I can probably make it work. I'm thinking with the more wheelbase it would probably be a little more stable with a load on.
I don't know bobcat numbers at all once past the 773- 873 series. Again foot controls, I would prefer hand, but if someone has a recommendation I'm not married to any idea.
I actually see some of the case 80-90 xt series from time to time, priced about like a 1845c. I think they are hand pilot control, but I know nothing reliability wise. I think the reason they are priced by me about like the 1845's is the reliability reputation of the 1845's.
So throw me a little advice. I'm not spending more than $15,000. I'm not afraid of buying at auction and shipping either. And I don't mind a little work. Don't care about dealer support, I rarely go to a dealer for any of my cranes or trucks.
What do I want? Thanks for all advice in advance.