Compact Track Loaders

[JDeere]

Just curious if anybody has used a compact track loader in their operation? We are looking to add one for firewood production, log-yard prep, etc. We have narrowed our choices to the Deere 333D or the Cat 289C. Does anyone have any experience with either of these machines and if so, how do you utilize them. Thanks for any info.

[amberwood]

for a long time we used a small wheeled Mustang...very worn out. Have just traded into a 09 ASV RC85. Huge lifting power and heaps of traction. Advice I recieved from more than one user and seller of loaders..If you dont need the tracks stick with tyres. MUCH cheaper to maintain. You can always stick tracks over the tyres.

DTR

[Okrafarmer]

But tracks are so much nicer to use. More stable, and more traction, and more flotation. If you have a muddy lot, you want them. If you have a nice dry or stable area to work on, that doesn't get slick or mucky, then you don't need them.

[barbender]

I have used a Cat 287 for the past 4-5 summers on a driveway prep/ paving crew, we work our machines very hard (abuse). The ASV undercarriage is the weak point on a Cat, but I think the 289 has a Cat built undercarriage, they look a lot more robust. Anyway, the Cats are good machines, I don't have any experience with the John Deeres.

[westyswoods]

I have had five different compact loaders over the years. Three years ago we were in a major land clearing and woodland restoration project. I rented a Bobcat T300 track machine for part of the job. Immediately was sold on tracks as the benefits were immense. Both have goods and bads.

Tracks maintenance is much more costly not only from the rubber side, one also has all the undercarriage which needs to be cared for and replace at some point in time. My T190 has 1400 hrs on it and may be able to get another 3-4 hundred hours on the tracks. Cost per set of 16" (wide) track from Bridgestone is 3000 per pair.
Undercarriage is another whole story very expensive especially if you can not do labor and replacement.

If the machine is being used in rough terrain not on paved surface track is the way to go IMHO. Any paved surface will eat the living .... out of them in no time.

I love them and will eat the cost versus the benefit for working in and around the woods. One word of advice they will last a longer if you keep the undercarriage clean and don't let the dirt cake and act like an abrasive grinding wheel.

Westy

[Norm]

I own the JD 332ct it's predecessor. We use ours for land clearing and love the tracks. They do need more maintenance but I'll take that for what they will do.