Bobcat M52

[Tree_Frog]

Been looking at getting the bobcat M52. Anyone have any horror or good stories on this machine?

http://www.bobcat.com/loaders/product_lines/mini_track_loader/mt52

 

[Fred_Berkelhammer]

Got one in January or so, and love it. We have a Branch Manager, forks and a bucket, and those 3 take care of many tasks.

I demoed Vermeer's tracked gas model (36" to get through gates), plus 2 ditch witch (gas and diesel). Vermeer gas model was too jerky, and had no better lifting capacity than the smaller MT 52. Loved the Ditch Witch diesel, (see attachment), real strong, and higher lifting, but it cost more than 6,000 more. It was quite a bit heavier, too. This could be a problem for wet lawns. Also, more top heavy, and I wouldn't want to tip one of these.

 

[Fred_Berkelhammer]

Here's the Mt 52, next to some logs it had stacked. It saved us huge amounts of time on this forest cleaning job, and left virtually no impact.

 

[Fred_Berkelhammer]

One more, with Dan on a break.

 

[KentuckySawyer]

We've got a friend with one and he loves it. We went with the big Boxer and wouldn't go back to tree work without it.

 

[climbhightree]

[ QUOTE ]
I demoed Vermeer's tracked gas model (36" to get through gates), plus 2 ditch witch (gas and diesel). Vermeer gas model was too jerky, and had no better lifting capacity than the smaller MT 52. Loved the Ditch Witch diesel, (see attachment), real strong, and higher lifting, but it cost more than 6,000 more. It was quite a bit heavier, too. This could be a problem for wet lawns. Also, more top heavy, and I wouldn't want to tip one of these.

[/ QUOTE ]

I used the MT 52 (rented) and luved it. I really like the steering compared to a Dingo (that I had also rented). It was alot smoother to control when bouncing on roots etc.

I was hoping the Vermeer joystick steering would be smooth like, or close, to the MT52. Mostly cause I like the size of the vermeer (shorter and u stand in the unit), plus it would lift over my trailer sides. Where as the MT52 take up more room in my trailer and just lifts alittle to low.

So the Vermeer joystick is no less jerky the thumb skid loader type controls???

 

[Zac]

We have a MT-52 with the little tow-behind trolly so you ride it.

Along with a brush grapple and a set of forks, there's not much we can't move.

You won't be disapointed!

 

[Cyrus1254]

We have a MT-52 and it is an awesome machine that is always on time and we dont have to worry about the machine being late for work and coming to work drunk.........LOL Awesome Awesome machine.

 

[Fred_Berkelhammer]

The vermeer I demoed (something like 24 horse, gas) was extremely jerky: kind of like a carnival ride. These track mounted units need to turn slowly, or they destroy lawns. Maybe they've moderated the response to the joystick since; that's what the Vermeer rep told me after I bought the MT 52. But I haven't looked back.

We used it again today to lift large logs out of a ditch, and it was awesome.

 

[Tree_Frog]

Sounds like I am choosing the right machine. Thanks for all of the info and pictures.

Thanks.

 

[Tree_Frog]

Out of curiousity, what is the going rate for the machine. They are quoting me 17,500 w/bucket and riding plate plus tax and 250 doc. Forks for another 600. This is new.