Front end loader advice

nuthin_special

nuthin_special

Location
Thunder Bay, Ontario
So we need at our yard a machine to move wood, chips, soil etc around the yard and into trucks large and small.

I'm debating buying a machine or renting one periodically. It would be likely cheaper to rent one but i don't want the pain in the butt of having to track something down constantly and i'll never be able to get one exactly when I need it.

If I purchase a machine, I'm not sure what size i'll need and what is most economical. I will need to be able to load live floor trailers but i could build a ramp up to the sides to get high enough.

I would like something smaller (cheaper) and am looking at something like this: http://www.rockanddirt.com/equipment-for-sale/CATERPILLAR/902/invnum=36561319 (this is just an example, not looking at this specific unit). Or possibly a rubber tire backhoe. The hoe would give some versatility but maybe just an added expense.

It has to be big enough to pile chips 3 metres high (10 feet in american) and to move bigger logs around.

Thoughts?

vince
 
you shound look into telehandlers like the jcb 520 or any of the bigger ones, lots of brands lots of reach and very versital there on my wish list!
 
Actually Jeoff, a Gehl 540 with no attachements/buckets weighs in at 7,290lbs. The CAT902 has an 4400lb full turn static tipping load on forks. It does have a 7800lb hydraulic max but I think it might be hard pressed to move 7300lbs.

I dont remember anyone even mentioning the 540, just that Carl might be able to help.
 
I have 3 wheel loaders, Big $$$$ to keep them up. You might look at a large skid steer with a 100 inch snow bucket ? I have a new Bobcat 770 with that set up for hauling snow. It keeps up with my big loaders.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I have 3 wheel loaders, Big $$$$ to keep them up. You might look at a large skid steer with a 100 inch snow bucket ? I have a new Bobcat 770 with that set up for hauling snow. It keeps up with my big loaders.

[/ QUOTE ]

Do you use the skid loader to load trucks as big as a triaxle dump truck? Seems like it wouldn't have the height to do that efficiently.

What is it that makes the loaders expensive compared to a skid steer? General maintenance or repairs?

v
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I have 3 wheel loaders, Big $$$$ to keep them up. You might look at a large skid steer with a 100 inch snow bucket ? I have a new Bobcat 770 with that set up for hauling snow. It keeps up with my big loaders.

[/ QUOTE ]

Do you use the skid loader to load trucks as big as a triaxle dump truck? Seems like it wouldn't have the height to do that efficiently.

What is it that makes the loaders expensive compared to a skid steer? General maintenance or repairs?

v

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes we do use a skiddy to load large trucks. Just the time to back up scoop go forward and load the skid can do it much faster..I run 2 l70 volvos and a 621D case each time they need worked on we need to call a transport truck and a simple hose cost me $5,000.00 to replace due to the work to get to it. Tires $12,000.00 a set ect,act
 
[ QUOTE ]
I have 3 wheel loaders, Big $$$$ to keep them up. You might look at a large skid steer with a 100 inch snow bucket ? I have a new Bobcat 770 with that set up for hauling snow. It keeps up with my big loaders.

[/ QUOTE ]

The Bobcat 770 is available as an A770 which has all wheel steer - this would inspire use on the occasional residential job. The all wheel steer option was available on the 220 and 300 in the past.
 
[ QUOTE ]
So we need at our yard a machine to move wood, chips, soil etc around the yard and into trucks large and small.

I'm debating buying a machine or renting one periodically. It would be likely cheaper to rent one but i don't want the pain in the butt of having to track something down constantly and i'll never be able to get one exactly when I need it.

If I purchase a machine, I'm not sure what size i'll need and what is most economical. I will need to be able to load live floor trailers but i could build a ramp up to the sides to get high enough.

I would like something smaller (cheaper) and am looking at something like this: http://www.rockanddirt.com/equipment-for-sale/CATERPILLAR/902/invnum=36561319 (this is just an example, not looking at this specific unit). Or possibly a rubber tire backhoe. The hoe would give some versatility but maybe just an added expense.

It has to be big enough to pile chips 3 metres high (10 feet in american) and to move bigger logs around.

Thoughts?

vince

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm a big fan of hat size/style of machine. I ran the JCB equivalent 409zx for a couple of years with a 48" treespade.
That being said, I'd get a machine you can use as much as possible and if the sticking point is whatever you get won't dump high enough these work great.
http://www.fritschequipment.com/hidump.html
 
[ QUOTE ]


I'm a big fan of hat size/style of machine. I ran the JCB equivalent 409zx for a couple of years with a 48" treespade.
That being said, I'd get a machine you can use as much as possible and if the sticking point is whatever you get won't dump high enough these work great.
http://www.fritschequipment.com/hidump.html

[/ QUOTE ]

That's a neat little device. Might just tip the sales in favour of a skid steer. i do like the versatility a skid steer offers and that I can pop it in the trailer to drag it to a job site if i need to.

Also skid steers are way cheaper than front end loaders.

v
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Back
Top Bottom