Bobcat 453

[ducaticorse]

I know all about this machine, it's small, doesn't lift much. Ok, that being said, I've found a 2000 for under 7K in mint shape with a plow, bucket, a grapple bucket, and hard door enclosure. Has 1500 hours on it, great paint, stored indoors.

I do mainly removals, and moving brush and loading blocks is the slowest part of the work. I like this machine because of the width (35.5 inches) and it still picks up 700lb (sometimes, there's just no truck access in the yards we work in). I think for the money it's a good buy regardless, but wanted to throw it up on here, and hear some thoughts....

I know my area, and I know in the condition it's in, with the attachments, I'll easily be able to recover all money invested if I decide it's too small.

 

[husabud]

Skid steer - Bobcat 453

Look familiar? I saw that the other day and said the same thing. If I hadn't just put a new trans in my dump I'd consider it. Sounds like the ticket for those small backyards and bad access jobs. Not much more than a mini though.

 

[Natewood]

I think the mt52 is better in every way. Not sure af all the specs now but I did a lot of reasearch and ended up with the 52

 

[JohnH]

There not real stable on slopes and will flip on a dime. A landscaper up the street had one.

 

[ducaticorse]

Skid steer - Bobcat 453

Look familiar? I saw that the other day and said the same thing. If I hadn't just put a new trans in my dump I'd consider it. Sounds like the ticket for those small backyards and bad access jobs. Not much more than a mini though.

That's the one. I'm heading up tomorrow to look at it. The pics show nice. And it comes with 3 buckets, a power angle plow, and a grapple bucket, enclosed with heat. Seems like a no brainer for the price

 

[ducaticorse]

I think the mt52 is better in every way. Not sure af all the specs now but I did a lot of reasearch and ended up with the 52

I want to use it for small driveways and sidewalks for snow and ice management too. MT52 vs 453/Enclosed cab with heat = fail in that category. Plus the MT52 is the same width as the 453, about the same weight, and lifts 200lb less and 20 inches lower. So it's pretty much a fail all around.

http://www.bobcat.com/loaders/models/minitrackloader/mt52

http://www.bobcat.com/historical_specs/skid_steer/453_1997

 

[ducaticorse]

There not real stable on slopes and will flip on a dime. A landscaper up the street had one.

I've used one for work before, just never owned one. They don't have much ground clearance or stability. But I think most of that can be overcome with a good operator, and ply wood. If it can take the place of one paid employee, it's a good investment for the asking price I think.

 

[ducaticorse]

My finding is that all though it's not an ideal machine, for the purchase price, the attachments, and the condition/options it's a safe buy. Even if I find that it is too small for my needs, I can easily get what I paid for it in the spring.

 

[ducaticorse]

Skid steer - Bobcat 453

Look familiar? I saw that the other day and said the same thing. If I hadn't just put a new trans in my dump I'd consider it. Sounds like the ticket for those small backyards and bad access jobs. Not much more than a mini though.

I posted links to the specs vs the MT52. It's considerably more capable than the 52 in terms of lifting and lift height.. And you get a nice seat, and an enclosed cab for the rain and snow

 

[JohnH]

I've used one for work before, just never owned one. They don't have much ground clearance or stability. But I think most of that can be overcome with a good operator, and ply wood. If it can take the place of one paid employee, it's a good investment for the asking price I think.

Like you said a good operator is the key
let us know how you make out

 

[gwiley]

I paid $6,000 for my 743DS - tip weight of 2000lb (rated lift is 1300-1400lb). I wouldn't want to go any smaller than what I have.

One thing to bear in mind is that things like grapples are heavy and take away from your total lift capacity.

 

[ducaticorse]

I paid $6,000 for my 743DS - tip weight of 2000lb (rated lift is 1300-1400lb). I wouldn't want to go any smaller than what I have.

One thing to bear in mind is that things like grapples are heavy and take away from your total lift capacity.

Good point, I've thought of that too. Any decent sized machine on the market right now is 8K plus with no grapple, and they look like rats. I like the condition and the attachments of this small machine. And remember, it's for taking material out of backyards with very limited access, loading brush into the chipper, and loading small log sections into the dump.

Ideally I'd like a 7 series, or better yet an S130-190.

I think this will suffice for now, and like I said, I'm fully confident of ridding myself of this machine for what I paid if it doesn't suit my needs.

 

[gwiley]

A 36" wide chassis is just short of amazing. You will make it through most backyard gates and still be able to lift stuff that two guys would strain at.

One amazing thing about skid steers - esp. Bobcats - is that if you are careful about what you pay you can always resell them for what you paid or more.

I have taught myself to work on the diesel engine and hydraulics - 20 years old shows a little on these things, but it all pretty easy.

I have found that being able to weld is a pretty important skill to have to keep the machine running and the implements repaired - paying $70-80/hr for metal work just sucks.

 

[ducaticorse]

A 36" wide chassis is just short of amazing. You will make it through most backyard gates and still be able to lift stuff that two guys would strain at.

One amazing thing about skid steers - esp. Bobcats - is that if you are careful about what you pay you can always resell them for what you paid or more.

I have taught myself to work on the diesel engine and hydraulics - 20 years old shows a little on these things, but it all pretty easy.

I have found that being able to weld is a pretty important skill to have to keep the machine running and the implements repaired - paying $70-80/hr for metal work just sucks.

Agreed all above except for the 2 guys straining. I don't know too many guys who can lift, and walk with over a 500lb load sustained throughout the day lol. More like 5 or 6 guys straining if you ask me...

I try and buy the nicest for the cheapest. This particular unit has real nice paint and decals, almost new tires, and minimal cosmetic rust. Plus the attachments. Tally it up, a bobcat power angle plow, a bobcat grapple, and three bobcat buckets. It's a pretty good deal with the hours (1500). Heck, I could probably get another grand over what I paid for it in the spring...

It's definitely a "niche" sized machine, but I think it can earn its keep at the price paid.

 

[Toddppm]

Sounds like you've sold yourself on it pretty hard already
Will you fit inside a machine that small?

 

[ducaticorse]

Sounds like you've sold yourself on it pretty hard already
Will you fit inside a machine that small?

Dunno, might have to hire a midget. LOL. Yeah you're right, I have sold myself on it. I do like coming here and hearing the pros and cons just the same though. It helps me either affirm my decision, or give it a second thought.

 

[gwiley]

Since you are already sold there is no harm in my adding....

I will tell you that now that I have my skid steer I don't know how I survived without it. The only downside is that I am having to constantly convince myself to not upgrade to a slightly heavier rated machine with fewer hours on it.

 

[nitro1253]

my 453 has been awesome for tree work. light enough(2500lbs) to go over most "decent" lawns without a footprint. It will lift wood all day long without complaining, and only running on 3 gallons of diesel all week.

 

[flushcut]

Any machine is better than no machine. The time and safety alone is worth it, no risk of back injury is bliss. Which is cheaper one machine or a five man crew for three weeks?

 

[ducaticorse]

my 453 has been awesome for tree work. light enough(2500lbs) to go over most "decent" lawns without a footprint. It will lift wood all day long without complaining, and only running on 3 gallons of diesel all week.

That's what I'm talkin about maaannnn.....