New compact track loaders for mulching

[Corey1966]

I currently run a Cat 299D with a Fecon mulching head and a brush cutter. I'm done with the Cat due to the tracks coming off all the time. I work alone in allot of swampy areas and I'm tired of bringing in a excavator to pickup machine to put a track back on!
Now I'm looking at a new machine. Anyone have any favorites out there?
I work in allot of low land areas, have my share of rocks also.

 

[Desertwheeler]

Cat just came out with a special d3 with a mulching head. Looked pretty cool!


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[PDG X]

Are you running rubber or steel tracks on the 299 ? What rollers are on the front and back idlers - single, double, or triple flange ?

 

[Tones]

If you are full time mulching then it would be a good time to look at a dedicated machine. Using a CTL/MTL in this game is like using a pick as a sledge hammer IMHO

 

[f311fr1]

You should be running triple flange idlers. I wont stop a track from trying to detrack but it helps. Look at the ASV/Terrex machines.They are MTL's not CTL's. They do not like gravel work at all. I own both a Cat 299D2 XHP set up for mulching with the guards and aux roof mounted cooler and two ASV RC series set up for mulching.

 

[Corey1966]

I have rubber tracks. Cat has updated carriage so it's just like the newer machines. It's still popping tracks off. No fun in a swamp. I basically have to bring in an excavator to pickup machine. Way to expensive and time consuming.
I don't do full time mulching. I use this machine on my land for all purposes. I do mulch and use brush cutter about 40% to 50% of the time.
I'm looking at ASV but the dealer is almost 3 hours from me. Anyone hear anything about Kubota, Takeuchi, or Deere G series?

 

[catman13]

do you have rock guards on it ? i have seen some forestry packages with rock guards on them , just like a regular dozers have . if you like the machine this might be a cheaper option .

 

[Corey1966]

Am I the only one having issues with my machine detracking? Maybe my tracks are bad? I keep them at cat specs for tension.

 

[movindirt]

Am I the only one having issues with my machine detracking? Maybe my tracks are bad? I keep them at cat specs for tension.

Running triple idlers front and back? That will help a lot

 

[Corey1966]

I am running triples front and rear

 

[Corey1966]

Update:
Going with ASV 120.
Tried out some other new machines this week and this machine is the best for my situation. I was very impressed. It ran circles around the caterpillar.

 

[f311fr1]

The ASv is more nimble. Just remember to keep your tracks out of loose rock and gravel. What are you going to do with your 299D?

 

[Corey1966]

Post it a few sites and get rid of it.

 

[f311fr1]

I think you will really like the ASV. Track Loader Parts has parts and servise literature for free. They are also a great parts source. I sent you a PM.

 

[catman13]

maybe some pictures and price and location ,somebody here would buy it

 

[rutwad]

Update:
Going with ASV 120.
Tried out some other new machines this week and this machine is the best for my situation. I was very impressed. It ran circles around the caterpillar.

I thought ASV was bought out by Terex but I just Googled the ASV 120 and saw it. Is it the same as Terex PT110?.

 

[Corey1966]

They've updated it and Terex sold it awhile back.

 

[f311fr1]

Terex sold the management team of ASV controlling intrest.

 

[Coz]

Cat 299D or Bobcat T870

Terex sold the management team of ASV controlling intrest.

Considering buying a Cat 299D or a Bobcat T870. Interested in hearing from anyone who has used both machines and they they compare

 

[f311fr1]

I have a CAT 299D2 XHP with the mulch package and roof mounted cooler. If you get sideways on a hill with a 2000 lb mulch head and turn tight it WILL try to de track. I do run triple flange reont and rear idlers.