i have to decide this week on what one to buy, i have all three im my sights , Help me out guys on the positives and negatives? this will be my first track machine. i am going to be grading,mowing,ect.... around my farm options are 2004 bobcat t-180 with 2900hrs ht/ac,radio,power bobtac,hand or foot controls, new aftermarket/generac tracks and great mainence record $18,000 2004 Mustang mtl16 with 500hrs ht/ac real good tracks, solid machine from what i see $22,000 (i am told its the same as a tl130) 2005 257b with 1900hrs ac/ ht/ power bobtac, tracks 50%, decent machine overall. $25,400
Get the Mustang, the others don't compare, especialy the T180.
well to be honest , i was leaning toward the mustang mtl16 but when I compared all the numbers it seems like the mustang is the worst,i know the numbers dont tell all but i am just suprised buy them. with the mustang not being a turbo is that going to hurt the power any or ?
The Takeuchi's (mustang CTL's) perform way better than the stats list, especially (sp?) for lifting, it will kill the Bobcat in all categories, T190 and 180 are some of the worst ctl's IMO. The Cat's are performers, but you have that high maintnance tracks and drives. if the Mustang is in good shape you would be foolish to pay more for the Cat with almost 4 times the hours. I have A TL140 and love it, they do ride rougher than the Cat's and the Cat's are way better for snow removal and ride better. If that mustang is in good shape It might be A good buy, good luck.
I would go with the Mustang-Tak. It does not need a turbo, as it puts out more HP than either machine due to bigger displacement motor. Awesome build quality, the 2 speed allows it to push huge amounts of dirt. I personally find Bobcat controls awkward, the pilot controls on the 130 are IMO the best. Good luck
My freind has a bobcat T-200 and my Gehl-tak 130 will chew it up and spit it out in an instant and that is not just my thoughts that is what he said, and pilot controls are much nicer that the joy sticks of (boobcat):usa as bobcat-ron would say. See ya Brent.
The 257B is argueably the worst machine in CAT's lineup. The Bobcat is underpowered, it is much the same machine as the T-190. The Mustang I think is the best bet. Around here you have to have a turbo, but if you work at lower elevations it is not as critical.
Buy the Mustang! Buy the Mustang!