Which to choose? Mini Skid Steer

Why does Avant use a higher percentage of tipping capacity to spec their "lifting capacity", whereas, the mini manufacturers tend to use "ROC (35% tip) to spec theirs? Is there something special about the Avant that lends itself to lifting larger larger loads relative to its tip capacity?

The reason I ask is that an Avant salesman I talk to kept referring to Avant's spec'd load capacity and making loose comparisons to the mini's spec'd ROC. I tried to bring it to an apples-apples comparison but it was tough. I interpret that as a salesman thinking I'm stupid and trying to push me to an Avant based on inaccurate comparison. But I want to be fair, so please feel free to chime in. They're both machines with hydraulic arms that lift stuff and tip at some point, right?
 
The difference is likely based on the class of loader, wheel loaders/articulated loaders usually have a higher rated operating capacity as a percentage of the tipping load. Likely that is due to the longer wheelbase putting the counterweight further back, but I am not certain. You might use the tipping load as a more accurate comparison number, if you are like us we push our loaders to the tip point daily, often lifting twice the rated capacity.

Two other considerations as well, check out the ROC lift point - is it based on lifting at the bucket pivot pin, or 24” in front? I have seen both. And keep in mind too, an articulated loader can lift more when it is straight than it can when it is in a turn, that is when they’re most likely to roll over.
 
I've read all the posts on the Bobcats out here. Anybody with an MT85 or MT100 that wants to chime with any further experience with theirs? I just finished getting all my quotes for machine plus BMG and the Bobcat MT85 is coming in $3,700 cheaper than the Vermeer S925TX and the Ditch Witch SK800. So far two of the dealers gave me some fair prices right out of the gate, the third I had to cancel a demo to get them come back down to earth.

MT85, joystick, wide track, CII mount
S925TX, joystick, narrow track (wide 45 day wait),
SK800, dual lever, wide track

I love both the Vermeer and DW and have zero complaints with either. They each have some things I like the other doesn't.

The Bobcat seems solid, but the hydraulics whine like crazy when making turns and it bothers me. Overall the machine seems like they cut costs some with the controls engine cover, etc. I don't like the engine compartment being separated and it seems like it would be a PITA to do any work on engine. Whether any of this is worth $3,700 remains to be seen.
 
Birdyman88 said:
I've read all the posts on the Bobcats out here. Anybody with an MT85 or MT100 that wants to chime with any further experience with theirs? I just finished getting all my quotes for machine plus BMG and the Bobcat MT85 is coming in $3,700 cheaper than the Vermeer S925TX and the Ditch Witch SK800. So far two of the dealers gave me some fair prices right out of the gate, the third I had to cancel a demo to get them come back down to earth.

MT85, joystick, wide track, CII mount
S925TX, joystick, narrow track (wide 45 day wait),
SK800, dual lever, wide track

I love both the Vermeer and DW and have zero complaints with either. They each have some things I like the other doesn't.

The Bobcat seems solid, but the hydraulics whine like crazy when making turns and it bothers me. Overall the machine seems like they cut costs some with the controls engine cover, etc. I don't like the engine compartment being separated and it seems like it would be a PITA to do any work on engine. Whether any of this is worth $3,700 remains to be seen.
Click to expand...
I’ve heard nothing but good things about DW and most Bobcat guys seem to like theirs as well.
One thing i would add is the MT tach plate is much larger and can hamper visibility when using a grapple, bobcat offers the universal mini plate as option and that would be way I’d go for sure.
If you haven’t looked at our new grapple yet here’s a spec sheet.
BFE71B75-95D1-48BE-A89A-EA8E534B76EC.jpeg
 
TopNotchEquipment said:
I’ve heard nothing but good things about DW and most Bobcat guys seem to like theirs as well.
One thing i would add is the MT tach plate is much larger and can hamper visibility when using a grapple, bobcat offers the universal mini plate as option and that would be way I’d go for sure.
If you haven’t looked at our new grapple yet here’s a spec sheet.
View attachment 71010
Click to expand...
For sure get one of these, nothing better out there for a mini skid or loader(y)
 
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