Cat is solid. Good Service and parts availability. Had a 16' 259D and we now have a 18' 259d for a concrete demo-flatwork crews. 2100 hours between the two machines. Jump in it and go to work. The other day we had a leaky hydraulic attachment fitting from jackhammer a lot of concrete and Al took it in to Cat and the cat mechanic stopped everything he was doing and 10 minutes later it was fixed with new fitting.
Hands down Cats 299d3 is the best grading machine I’ve ever used. Having that extra track length and extra roller basically eliminates that rocking that you get with the 259. Also the power you get with the 299 is the best out of any machine I’ve used. The 299 can damn near run circles around our d3 dozer
I’ve been in business 15 years started with a cat 226 switched to a 247 then 259B then 259D then 259D3 its the perfect size large enough to do bigger jobs small enough to get in some back yards, we are fencing, grade work, clean up, sod laying, I can unload and lay 10,000 feet in 4 hours in open areas. I have great parts and service from my local Cat dealer in OKC
Just purchased a '21 Case TV370B to be delivered on Monday. I'm excited to put it to work. I traded in my '14 SR210, so this should be a whole new animal. I also like the 0% interest that Case has offered as well. Great videos keep on keeping on, brother!
If you add counterweights it'll make a world of difference. Will move pallets easier and will feel more balanced when grading. They are pretty low cost but it'll mess up your wrap advertising. If you add 2 sets youll love the change in performance.
Also for the resonating issue next time you bring it in to the dealer talk ti Zeigler- there is a service letter on that- known issue and cat should cover the repair. They may not have had it when you bought it but have one now.
Get the back counter weight get kit it will help a ton with all the issues you have. I had the same problem and I soon as I put the weights on it has gone away almost completely.
There is a factory update for drive hose vibration. My 259d3 drive used to make a lot of noise like there was something wrong. After Ziegler installed the new updated drive hose mount, where it passes through the body, there’s all most no drive noise.
Cat suspension is awesome but you need to get a feel for grading as others have mentioned. They do offer kits to lock out the suspension if you can’t get use to it. Have some one operate while you watch the machine. The suspension will give you the impression it’s tipping when the track is solid on the ground. There are updates for cab noise - drive line hose routing clamps need updated. Talk to your dealer about those options. Fuel burn is concerning. I am not aware of the Cat burning more than other mfg.
I have a 2022 case 340b, it's pretty loud inside, cat got 2 new ones coming, a 255 and 265, totally different, 265 replaces 289, I'm going to look at one. You can lock out that suspension.
We picked up a Bobcat T76 this spring. Been a good machine. The suspension on ours is similar to the cat. Definitely was a learning curve. It is hard to feel if you are running over a high spot, but you can for sure tell when you are in a low spot!! We bought it slightly used from Lano. Lano has been very good to us when the machine had a few small warranty issues. Loaner machines were delivered almost the same day, no questions asked. The t76 definitely has some blind spots. The cab is pretty nice and very roomy IMO. No emissions on the T76, also a huge selling point. Chris All Service North - Mora MN
All machines have their pros and cons. It's about the dealer backing you when you need it. Ran a t64 solid undercarriage for a few months and it was great. That one piece cab is incredibly quiet compared to any other brand period. It had enough power for its weight unlike the t76. Wrapped that job up and needed another machine. We ended up with a was fully loaded t76 with 5-link. It was a mix of some grading, landscape and running materials around. I wouldn't choose the suspension even though it was comfortable... it's all about application. More hp would've made it a better performing machine, but no emessions issues either.
I heard the quick connection leak, wire harness are a mess. So many defects, is this True? That bobcat a much better skid steer with little to no issues.
I remember when I was a teenager and had no clue about many things. I also remember wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars buying non cat equipment when I started my business. I've been only cat since 2007 and will never buy any other brand for the rest of my life. And that's because of true experience.
If your used to case and sit in a Cat, it will take at least a week to get used to. We grade and excavate and this is our machine of choice. I've ran a lot of case, but this machine as the edge by a bit. Also, get some counter weights.
I got same machine on order . I'm not brand loyal by any means but my local cat by far has best service. The new bobcats have completely copied cat design , from engine layout to all one-piece cab, torsion suspension which is optional. And they want more money w worse financing lol. Cat gave me a machine for 2 months to use while mines on order, bobcat said no way as well as Deere. Now that I've gotten use to the suspension I love it. Deere is coming out w suspension as well. I love the triple flange roller front and rear on cat , only people I know of that offered it. Deere was not a bad machine but loud in cab , horrible financing, and heard horror stories trying to get them to fix something. I agree the bucket needs come back further, don't like the gap between frame and cab, the exposed lines to drive motors is stupid. But no machine is perfect. I will say this my local competition runs a bobcat and a caterpillar side by side for the last 5 years. He said the cat has never tore up while the bobcat has been in the shop about 10 times, some major repair, lol and he said they have been absolutely horrible to deal with getting it repaired but they've always given a loaner. At the end of the day I just feel like it comes down to how loud the cab is and is the dealer going to support you .
I would like to know what makes you a expert on skid steers and as far as cat is concerned they are one of the largest suppliers to large contractors that have large numbers of equipment. So if it is good enough for them it should be good for everyone else.
It's so hard getting in Cat skid steers ! I am 6.3 but once you get In it's great I have experience on other makes and Cats seem to be weak on the hydraulics compared with Deere skid steers.
As for the low coolant. Look for leaks in the emissions. I used to work on newer semis with emissions and they were low on coolant every service. thank you for the review! I am a huge fan of Case. Do you have a review video on the tv450?
We have a case TV 380 it has about 700 hrs on it it is the biggest piece of junk I have ever ran. It is so sloppy you would swear it has 7000 hrs piss pour design. We also have a Kubota SVL 95 the thing has about 900 hrs tight as a bull frogs ass thing is a beast lots of room and best door design on the market. The Case be alright if all you do is use it around the house in the fall moving piles of leaves or similar material definitely not made for a serious dirt contractor.
Mhtrapper how many case machines have you owned ? None apparently. They are tough machines. And that’s coming from a guy who owns Takeuchi now but have owned case and even my 420xt had nearly the same power as this new tak. Know several guys who run case. and run the fuck out of them. Concrete. Hammering , driveway removals daily. Beating on them. As far as case being alright around the house that’s a joke. Case was making skids long before kubota was even dreaming about getting into the market. You are just talking out your ass
Should have purchased bobcat t66 , 5 link suspension undercarriage holds grade no tip . More lifting capacity. Case will rattle your teeth out your head. Case visibility is terrible. Arms to close to cab . Can't see bucket edge with door on machine
I think the only machine thats got more power than the cat 299d3 is the takeuchi tl12 my old 299d wasn't that crazy powerful but it could do some work in a hurry my new 299d3 xe is a completely different animal
Definitely agree with you on it being thirsty I’ve got one and I’ve got about 150 hours on mine I hate the door on it if the arms are up just a little then you can’t get out for me that’s my love hate part the second is the cubby for your phone not big enough you’ll be grading along then your phone will come out and hit you in the head lol my third complaint is the response delay from when you give it a command to when it responds trying out other brands I think I’ll go Takeuchi on my next one
For the guy that put 95% of the hours on that cat which now has 315 hours on it favorite machine I ran our of the case and John deer and Kubota. Just gotta learn how to grade with it. Could go a size or two up though for lifting heavy pallets
Lost your edge? you look like you are 15 yrs old. 😂 you do good content. I see what you saying about the grading. A good operator can grade with any machine. Is all preference. The only machine that I would never own again a terex, that shit was nothing but problems. Keep the good content coming.
I’ve owned 5 skid steers to date. Bobcat T-190, T-300, T-320, T-770, and my current machine is a cat 259d. Bought brand new in 2020 with a 2 year warranty. 1 month out of warranty the machine wouldnt start. (Fuel pump was the only issue I had 6 months into owning it) Brought it to dealership they said it needed a new engine. 20k-21k it cost me. I hate my cat skid steer. I’ll never buy another one. Kicking myself from steering away from bobcat.
Should add the cat had 970 hours on it. No warnings. No codes, no signs at all of issue. Dealership wouldn’t diagnose the problem. Just said it needed a new engine. Couldn’t even tell me why or how the engine was bad. Found out later from a salesman the engine ran away on them while they were trying to diagnose.
Dealership problem, if you paid that repair and have documentation it should have been taken care of, or maybe you were looking to change brands and needed bs excuse!!!
lol, no doubt, try shoveling those tracks too while you're at it. No wonder he blew up his Case: doesn't maintain his equipment. Seems to be more pre-occupied with decals and fancy new trucks/equipment than to actually care about what's paying his wage.
Looks to me that you could use some practice on a skid steer all you're doing is back dragging real operator can use the bucket for final grade on any job back draggin is a bad habit
never had any problems with my cats, and the other brands say it will be 23 before they get on for us to look at, now that's a joke , so cat beats the others hands down, and parts overnight;;;;;;;;
All you do is contradict yourself through the whole video. I like this, but I don't like this. Best thing in your opinion is your wrap you put on the back of the loader. You should not be doing equipment reviews when you don't know what the hell you're talking about. 10 hrs in it and you're an expert reviewer.
Never had problems with CAT skid steers. By far my favourite skid steer to run!
im looking at a svl97-2 a 97hp kubota skidsteer
Cat is solid. Good Service and parts availability. Had a 16' 259D and we now have a 18' 259d for a concrete demo-flatwork crews. 2100 hours between the two machines. Jump in it and go to work. The other day we had a leaky hydraulic attachment fitting from jackhammer a lot of concrete and Al took it in to Cat and the cat mechanic stopped everything he was doing and 10 minutes later it was fixed with new fitting.
Hands down Cats 299d3 is the best grading machine I’ve ever used. Having that extra track length and extra roller basically eliminates that rocking that you get with the 259. Also the power you get with the 299 is the best out of any machine I’ve used. The 299 can damn near run circles around our d3 dozer
I’ve been in business 15 years started with a cat 226 switched to a 247 then 259B then 259D then 259D3 its the perfect size large enough to do bigger jobs small enough to get in some back yards, we are fencing, grade work, clean up, sod laying, I can unload and lay 10,000 feet in 4 hours in open areas. I have great parts and service from my local Cat dealer in OKC
Just purchased a '21 Case TV370B to be delivered on Monday. I'm excited to put it to work. I traded in my '14 SR210, so this should be a whole new animal. I also like the 0% interest that Case has offered as well. Great videos keep on keeping on, brother!
If you add counterweights it'll make a world of difference. Will move pallets easier and will feel more balanced when grading. They are pretty low cost but it'll mess up your wrap advertising.
If you add 2 sets youll love the change in performance.
Also for the resonating issue next time you bring it in to the dealer talk ti Zeigler- there is a service letter on that- known issue and cat should cover the repair. They may not have had it when you bought it but have one now.
Have you ever ran a kubota
Your thoughts were exactly like mine when I was between a 325 and 259. I love my 325!
Get the back counter weight get kit it will help a ton with all the issues you have. I had the same problem and I soon as I put the weights on it has gone away almost completely.
There is a factory update for drive hose vibration. My 259d3 drive used to make a lot of noise like there was something wrong. After Ziegler installed the new updated drive hose mount, where it passes through the body, there’s all most no drive noise.
Best grading machine made. Not sure what you were experiencing. Many times I don’t even use my Harley rake any more.
Cat suspension is awesome but you need to get a feel for grading as others have mentioned. They do offer kits to lock out the suspension if you can’t get use to it. Have some one operate while you watch the machine. The suspension will give you the impression it’s tipping when the track is solid on the ground. There are updates for cab noise - drive line hose routing clamps need updated. Talk to your dealer about those options. Fuel burn is concerning. I am not aware of the Cat burning more than other mfg.
My 2021 325g is amazing, you should review one
You can adjust the undercarriage controls in the setting
I have a 2022 case 340b, it's pretty loud inside, cat got 2 new ones coming, a 255 and 265, totally different, 265 replaces 289, I'm going to look at one. You can lock out that suspension.
Add suspension blocks to the front which is now an option for all the machines. That’ll fix 90% of your suspension complaints
We picked up a Bobcat T76 this spring. Been a good machine. The suspension on ours is similar to the cat. Definitely was a learning curve. It is hard to feel if you are running over a high spot, but you can for sure tell when you are in a low spot!! We bought it slightly used from Lano. Lano has been very good to us when the machine had a few small warranty issues. Loaner machines were delivered almost the same day, no questions asked. The t76 definitely has some blind spots. The cab is pretty nice and very roomy IMO. No emissions on the T76, also a huge selling point.
Chris
All Service North - Mora MN
All machines have their pros and cons. It's about the dealer backing you when you need it. Ran a t64 solid undercarriage for a few months and it was great. That one piece cab is incredibly quiet compared to any other brand period. It had enough power for its weight unlike the t76. Wrapped that job up and needed another machine. We ended up with a was fully loaded t76 with 5-link. It was a mix of some grading, landscape and running materials around. I wouldn't choose the suspension even though it was comfortable... it's all about application. More hp would've made it a better performing machine, but no emessions issues either.
cat should have a skip steer with a solid track mount
I heard the quick connection leak, wire harness are a mess. So many defects, is this True? That bobcat a much better skid steer with little to no issues.
I remember when I was a teenager and had no clue about many things. I also remember wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars buying non cat equipment when I started my business.
I've been only cat since 2007 and will never buy any other brand for the rest of my life. And that's because of true experience.
If your used to case and sit in a Cat, it will take at least a week to get used to.
We grade and excavate and this is our machine of choice. I've ran a lot of case, but this machine as the edge by a bit.
Also, get some counter weights.
I got same machine on order . I'm not brand loyal by any means but my local cat by far has best service. The new bobcats have completely copied cat design , from engine layout to all one-piece cab, torsion suspension which is optional. And they want more money w worse financing lol. Cat gave me a machine for 2 months to use while mines on order, bobcat said no way as well as Deere. Now that I've gotten use to the suspension I love it. Deere is coming out w suspension as well. I love the triple flange roller front and rear on cat , only people I know of that offered it. Deere was not a bad machine but loud in cab , horrible financing, and heard horror stories trying to get them to fix something. I agree the bucket needs come back further, don't like the gap between frame and cab, the exposed lines to drive motors is stupid. But no machine is perfect. I will say this my local competition runs a bobcat and a caterpillar side by side for the last 5 years. He said the cat has never tore up while the bobcat has been in the shop about 10 times, some major repair, lol and he said they have been absolutely horrible to deal with getting it repaired but they've always given a loaner. At the end of the day I just feel like it comes down to how loud the cab is and is the dealer going to support you .
I would like to know what makes you a expert on skid steers and as far as cat is concerned they are one of the largest suppliers to large contractors that have large numbers of equipment. So if it is good enough for them it should be good for everyone else.
Everything you don’t like about them I agree 100%.
Would you ever think about a JCb I just saw one of the 1cxt And it’s actually pretty impressive
Are going to get rid of the 259?
It's so hard getting in Cat skid steers ! I am 6.3 but once you get In it's great I have experience on other makes and Cats seem to be weak on the hydraulics compared with Deere skid steers.
Could you do a updated equipment tour
If you hate the undercarage movement cat sells a kit that you bolt on its like bumpstops and it takes away all that suspension travel
As for the low coolant. Look for leaks in the emissions. I used to work on newer semis with emissions and they were low on coolant every service. thank you for the review! I am a huge fan of Case. Do you have a review video on the tv450?
Head gasket, known fault also injectors known fault 1000 pounds each for injectors ! Total rip off for a known fault !
I can grade all day and perfectly with my 259d
Was excited to see you post a vid, not excited about a review vid. How’s the big job going?
Buy the machine from the place who has the best service. Who can get you in and out.
ASV for the win. They make the best machines, hands down.
We have a case TV 380 it has about 700 hrs on it it is the biggest piece of junk I have ever ran. It is so sloppy you would swear it has 7000 hrs piss pour design. We also have a Kubota SVL 95 the thing has about 900 hrs tight as a bull frogs ass thing is a beast lots of room and best door design on the market. The Case be alright if all you do is use it around the house in the fall moving piles of leaves or similar material definitely not made for a serious dirt contractor.
Mhtrapper how many case machines have you owned ? None apparently. They are tough machines. And that’s coming from a guy who owns Takeuchi now but have owned case and even my 420xt had nearly the same power as this new tak. Know several guys who run case. and run the fuck out of them. Concrete. Hammering , driveway removals daily. Beating on them. As far as case being alright around the house that’s a joke. Case was making skids long before kubota was even dreaming about getting into the market. You are just talking out your ass
We grade just fine with ours. Ypu just have to get used to it is all.
Never heard of someone that likes case over cat
I would think a new cat 299d3 xe would be more useful and it goes really faster on the snail button recommend on the cat d3 xe lineup
must be good for road construction because i see 20+ of them on I-94 from Maple G - Monticello … probably more past Monti
Should have purchased bobcat t66 , 5 link suspension undercarriage holds grade no tip . More lifting capacity. Case will rattle your teeth out your head. Case visibility is terrible. Arms to close to cab . Can't see bucket edge with door on machine
Dude. Great to see a new vid. Bro. Clean the inside of your truck. I get you’ve been busy bu, it your office.
lol, pretty sure everything in this video is financed to the nuts, that's why nothing is looked after. he don't give a faq.
Only buy Cat. Best brand there is and most reliable. will never buy anything else
Have ran a lot of skidsteers and the CAT are best. I have a 299D3 it’s an amazing machine. Quite and comfy. Not the most powerful of all the skids.
I think the only machine thats got more power than the cat 299d3 is the takeuchi tl12 my old 299d wasn't that crazy powerful but it could do some work in a hurry my new 299d3 xe is a completely different animal
Definitely agree with you on it being thirsty I’ve got one and I’ve got about 150 hours on mine I hate the door on it if the arms are up just a little then you can’t get out for me that’s my love hate part the second is the cubby for your phone not big enough you’ll be grading along then your phone will come out and hit you in the head lol my third complaint is the response delay from when you give it a command to when it responds trying out other brands I think I’ll go Takeuchi on my next one
Be prepared to take the engine out to service the DPF at 3000 hours, you may consider a rebuild since you have to remove the engine and save on labor…
For the guy that put 95% of the hours on that cat which now has 315 hours on it favorite machine I ran our of the case and John deer and Kubota. Just gotta learn how to grade with it. Could go a size or two up though for lifting heavy pallets
I think I’ve just lost the edge 🤷♂️
Lost your edge? you look like you are 15 yrs old. 😂 you do good content. I see what you saying about the grading. A good operator can grade with any machine. Is all preference. The only machine that I would never own again a terex, that shit was nothing but problems. Keep the good content coming.
Hate swinging entry door and case is junk these days.
I’ve owned 5 skid steers to date. Bobcat T-190, T-300, T-320, T-770, and my current machine is a cat 259d. Bought brand new in 2020 with a 2 year warranty. 1 month out of warranty the machine wouldnt start. (Fuel pump was the only issue I had 6 months into owning it) Brought it to dealership they said it needed a new engine. 20k-21k it cost me. I hate my cat skid steer. I’ll never buy another one. Kicking myself from steering away from bobcat.
Should add the cat had 970 hours on it. No warnings. No codes, no signs at all of issue. Dealership wouldn’t diagnose the problem. Just said it needed a new engine. Couldn’t even tell me why or how the engine was bad. Found out later from a salesman the engine ran away on them while they were trying to diagnose.
Dealership problem, if you paid that repair and have documentation it should have been taken care of, or maybe you were looking to change brands and needed bs excuse!!!
With ours we can lift more than it can curl with weights
Kubota doors are the best nothing compares.
Takeuchi same style doors
Waste of money man on the wrap. Your young lot to learn my friend.
Damnnnnn tighten those tracks
lol, no doubt, try shoveling those tracks too while you're at it. No wonder he blew up his Case: doesn't maintain his equipment. Seems to be more pre-occupied with decals and fancy new trucks/equipment than to actually care about what's paying his wage.
Ya need a Takeuchi
Looks to me that you could use some practice on a skid steer all you're doing is back dragging real operator can use the bucket for final grade on any job back draggin is a bad habit
Kubota svl65 or 75. Ran a cat for 3 months and none of my guys liked the suspension
FYI you must be deaf cause the cases are loud as he'll and very front heavy
Not really our tv450 is quieter
They’re great when it’s not your money or time.
Tighten your tracks
Doesn’t get better then cat for my money controls blow the other manufacturers away
Put more weights on the side
We need a weight kit for sure
never had any problems with my cats, and the other brands say it will be 23 before they get on for us to look at, now that's a joke , so cat beats the others hands down, and parts overnight;;;;;;;;
Kubota!
You need to trade asv max
My only problem with cat is very expensive parts compared to other brands and John Deere is not much better either.
Like for example a radiator which is a wear component for a Cat is $3,000, a John Deere one is $1,800 and a case or a New Holland is $900.
Own a bobcat t66 with 5 link suspension undercarriage. , grades awesome. Bobcat # 1 for skids. Takeuchi # 1 for excavators
South Korean owned and Japanese owned JUNK!!
Go with a John Deere 325G not bobcat you won’t be happy.
#1 Takeuchi. #2 kubota
More Japan owned JUNK let that wallet do your bidding cheapskate!!
All you do is contradict yourself through the whole video. I like this, but I don't like this. Best thing in your opinion is your wrap you put on the back of the loader. You should not be doing equipment reviews when you don't know what the hell you're talking about. 10 hrs in it and you're an expert reviewer.
Lousy design. That swing out door style is awful..
Case? You must not run skids much. The worst skid loader to operate by far.
This dude don't know what he's talkin about and John Deere are better than cat no they're not
Listening skills bro