|
justJeff
01-04-2004 08:56:32
|
We've narrowed our search for a machine down to either a Bobcat skidsteer, either a new S130, or a late model 753, which is what the S130 replaced. Our other choice is an ASV RC50 tracked machine. We've looked at the Bobcat tracked machines also, but they don't seem as well thought out or designed as the ASV, and they're more expensive. The Bobcat fellow is telling us to get the S130 with a set of tracks that go over the tires for it. Everyone I've talked with so far says that the tracks over tires doesn't work near as well as the ASV tracked system which is more supported. Everyone tells me that the ASV has a lot more "grunt" for digging and pushing due to th superior traction. Both machines have the now standard attachment interface and can use attachmetns made by about anyone. ASV does make a superior backhoe attachment that has the controls pivot back to the regular operator seat to use, so it's easy to move the machine while you're working. The Bobcat backhoe requires the operator to set out front and get back into the machine to move it. We build spec houses at the beach, the soil is all sand. We need the machine to clear lots, mostly of brush that is 3" and less. Level the lots, dig a 24" deep foundation hole, and spread material for the driveway, and do final grading and dress up and landscaping functions. We also need to dig utility trenches. My thought was we could rent a backhoe attachment for the trenching for now, until we purchased a new one ourselves, or found a good deal on a used one. We do all of our trenching at one time, a 2' deep one for the water line, a sewer trench that is 42" at the deep end, and a 2' deep power trench with a 3'x3' pit at each end. I thought we could rent the backhoe attachment for a day, dig the trenches, return the hoe, get everything in and then backfill with the loader bucket. Which machine would any of you reccomend? I know that the sand offers poor traction. The tracked machines are supposed to be vastly superior with regard to traction. Would the tracks on a wheeled skidsteer be adequate? Price-wise we can get a new S130 with the suspension seat upgrade with a new set of Bobcat tracks for about $21,500. New the ASV RC50 is about $28,000, but there are some used ones in the area that are a year old with 400-500 hours for $23,000. The ASV's are from the ASV dealers rental fleet. The ASV's keep setting increasing sales records, and there aren't a lot of used ones available. That makes me think that people must be haning on to them and liking them. Any thoughts or advice would be really appreciated.
|
|
|
|
