Replies

1. 
   Greg_Gibson | Jan 27, 2000 04:03pm | #1

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   I personally like the skytrack due to the 4 wheel steering, beside it crabs as well which come in real handy at times.

   I think that if not mistaken it costs less than the gradall and I know we sure put our's through a hell of a lot. It's the model 6036 if I'm not mistaken, so it's not quite as big as some of the gradalls.

1. 
   Dick_Streff | Feb 03, 2000 10:05pm | #2

   *Lately I've been using a couple of machines that the general contractor I'm subbing for owns, so I'll give you my impressions of both. I probably use the machines with a work platform as much as I use them for transporting materials. I've never used a Gradall, so I can't compare directly but I do see them around quite often so they are fairly popular here in Nebraska.The first is an older Lull 644. It has the three way steering (front only, crab, 4 wheel). Its a #6000 capacity machine. I think the machine is a 1986 model, so it is missing many of the refinements of the newer models, but all in all its a quantum leap from the Pettibone Super 6's and similiar machines. I'm not sure of the wheelbase, but its fairly manueverable and the crab steering can be a real godsend in tight quarters. You can work down a sidewall between structures and keep parallel to the wall line. This model Lull also has the traverse feature on the boom, which is really handy in certain situations. You can probably get a similiar machine in the $25-30 grand range.The general also owns a new Cat TH63. I can't say enough about it. It's the Cadillac of telescoping lifts in my eyes. The machine he bought has an enclosed cab, outriggers, the three way steer, joystick controls, etc. I'm not sure of the capacity, but it should be in the #6000 range at least. It's a fully loaded machine. It definitely seems to have a tighter turning radius than the Lull. Unfortunately, such luxury comes at a price. I believe it was around $90 grand new.I'm just making the leap to subcontract framing for myself and bought myself a bargain machine. I got an old 1976 White, which is really a rebadged Lull 400-4D4B. It does have the three way steering and 4 wheel drive. It's capacity is only #3500 at 41 1/2' lift but in my experience its more than capable for residential framing. It will get me by for some time till I can swing the price of something more versatile. Besides, for $6500 I didn't think I could go wrong. If anyone wants another one I can tell you were to look.I probably see more Lulls and Pettibone's onsite than anything. I also see a fair amount of Skytraks and Gradalls with smattering of Gehls and JCB's.Good Luck

1. 
   jim_at_great_white | Feb 06, 2000 01:42am | #3

   *can you put stuff in basements from above with these babys just wonderingjim

1. 
   framer_ | Feb 06, 2000 02:10am | #4

   *does anyone know of a small lift that could be transported without needing a commercial license?

1. 
   greg_zajac | Feb 07, 2000 04:57am | #5

   *My skytrak reaches 8 feet below grade with no problem-Greg in connecticut

2. 
   R.Hayes | Feb 13, 2000 08:04pm | #6

   *Thanks for the replies on the telescopic lifts. I may not be able to get too picky because the price will be a factor. I have seen good prices reported on the CatTH63 (auction results) but these are almost always on the east coast. There arer a mixture of Gradalls, Gehls, and others coming up this spring and a "good buy" will probably be the controlling factor.RH

2. 
   R.Hayes | Feb 13, 2000 08:04pm | #7

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   In my Pacific Northwest location it seems like Gradalls rule (534C6) but in checking the auctions others like Gehl 663, Caterpillar, Lull, and Skytrack, are verry popular elsewhere. My question is what is better, the 90 degree rear steering of the Gradall, or the 4 wheel steering of Gehl and others? The only one I've operated is Gradall, I have tried others, but only to test and not in a work situation. Most of my jobsites are always too tight with trees always in the wrong places. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
   rh