*
I am looking to purchase a new skid steer and would like some input on the new Case 85xt vs the 885 New Holland or the 873 Bobcat. Any information would be appreciated.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
The FHB Podcast crew takes a closer look at an interesting roof.
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
*
Is the Bobcat still scarey to take uphill empty??? I loved the one I used but would never buy one....I like the mini excavators these days or a mini tractor with turf tires, loader and hoe...If I need bigger they come with an operator for the right price for me.
Near the stream,
J
*AJ, I'm with you on the mini-track-excavators, assuming you need to excavate rather than load or transport material. I've done two jobs recently where the small overall size, maneuverability and stability made them the best choice. Rental cost per day was worth it. No investment tied up, no storage, no maintenance.
*Assuming that "new" refers to the state of the machine, then I think there will be very few differences in capabilites between brands of similar sized machines. Most differences in opinions will be more personal and in how you use it. If you can rent each of the models for a job, that certainly would be a very good way to personally evaluate them. These machines are part of a fairly mature market, so the real differences are going to be minor. Personal opinions will vary widely. There are folks that will only own a Case backhoe, not a CAT, or a John Deere, or Ford or whatever. If fact I have seen some huge flame wars over the color of the machine.How the controls are laid out and what you are used to, make a big difference in how you perceive the machine. The ease of servicing or repairing the machine is a big deal to myself, as I buy older used stuff which invaribly needs fixing. I have operated one of the Bobcat models and a much older Gehl brand skid steer loader which is not much of base to provide an opinion. Both machines were a real hoot to operate and I can see why contractors are interested in owning one. The machinery talk group on http://www.agriculture.com/agtalk has had several threads on these machines. You might search in their archives. Good luck.
*Keith, If you go out and buy a skid steer first check on the availability of attachments. I own a 743 Bobcat which is a little smaller than what you are considering. I have a smooth bucket which is almost a necessity when backfilling and grading garage floors etc., a toothed bucket which is necessary for digging crawl space foundations etc., a backhoe attachment for water and power lines,small footings and stumps etc., a grapple bucket which is worth its weight in gold for brush piling and loading logs onto our small portable sawmill, and pallet forks which do an awful lot (bobcats aren't great forklifts) The bobcat has been a very good investment.
*
I am looking to purchase a new skid steer and would like some input on the new Case 85xt vs the 885 New Holland or the 873 Bobcat. Any information would be appreciated.
EzyUpHire is a South Australian owned and operated family business that’s committed to saving you time and money on your worksite. Our range of equipment includes scissor lifts, telescopic handlers, knuckle booms and everything in between. We have the industry solutions to increase your worksite’s productivity. Our scissor lift range have narrow access capabilities making them ideal for manoeuvring in tight spaces.
Visit us: https://ezyuphire.com.au/