After looking at the Ultimate Small/Medium Dozer threads on the Dozer forum, I wanted to explore the idea of what everyone wants in their equipment. So, the Ultimate Compact Track Loader, any ideas? Ill start, The choice of Radial or Vertical Lift on the same chassis.
Wow...where do I start??? First, let me get this straight...do you want my ultimate "imaginary" machine, because it doesn't exist yet...or do you want my "ultimate" machine that is actually available now??
The ultimate CTL is one that doesn't ever break down or needs tracks, runs on water and is free. Seriously that's a broad range as the little machines are so versatile what's the ultimate for one trade may not be the best for another. The top of my list would be - Good visibility to the bucket, the top and the corners. Also to the sides so you can see where the front corner of your tracks are. Windows that don't rattle with 1K hours on the clock A great HVAC system that continues to work after 1K hours Serviceability without taking the entire machine apart to replace a hose or solenoid. Easy accès to the radiator and coolers for cleaning An undercarriage that is easy to clean and doesn't pack debris around the drive sprocket Plus a lot more.
I prefer radial lift personally. There is no perfect machine out there. Caterpillar 239D we demoed had a tight cab but it was quiet, tracks easier to clean but exposed hoses are a negative. Caterpillar EH controls were not for me. The electric coupler sucks. The linear actuator was exposed. Oil filter was a pain to change. Caterpillar has the loader arm compartment separated from the engine compartment. We bought a Bobcat T590. The Bobcat T590 has vertical lift (bought this one to get a kubota engine), it's loud in the cab, the windows rattle, the arms/pins are loose (vertical). The tracks are a pain to clean out. Anything debris that falls in around loader arms is in the engine compartment. The hydraulic coupler is much better than the Caterpillar and Deere. There's no perfect machine out there. It's picking the least of the evils.
Your ultimate Imaginary Machine. Like the people above have suggested ideas for.
You already found it with the 239D/249D. Seriously though, you'll have a book to read after Stumpy gets done describing his dream machine :tong No offense Stumpy I'll take anything with tracks that don't jump off, and a quiet cab with a radio and ice cold A/C, everything else I can get used too.
My ultimate machine would have a free awesome operator that works for free. Then I don't care what the machine is
Hahaha. Only problemo is cat dont seem to sell the 239D In aus anymore. Shame cuz i was actually considering a purchase.
Hahah This my friend, is the ultimate machine...
The ultimate machine is whichever one the salesman you are with is selling, at least I'm sure that's what they will tell you. Otherwise, the ultimate machine is whichever one the machine owner just bought, which I'm sure the machine owner will tell you that to justify his own purchase decision. Would most folks agree that the ultimate machine is one in excellent condition which can be had for free??? After all, this is all just imaginary.
http://fecon.com/forestry/equipment/tracked-mulching-tractors/ftx-128l/ I think a Fecon about this size would make a good one.