Carlton SP8018TRX

[Oly's Stump]

I am interested in this machine. Looking to do some research on this machine before I make a purchase. Anybody out there have one or have an opinion on this machine ?

 

[dogdad]

I looked into a smaller machine by carlton. No dealer close to me was a neg. 2nd ,The manufacture told me that a local tree service mechanic could look at it for me if I had trouble,,not the service I care to have. Ended up with a Vermeer,,and its been good so far.

 

[stevieb]

Have always had Vermeers and they have never let me down. Just took delivery of the new 352 to replace my 252 and Im very happy with the choice I made.

 

[vharrison2]

Oly's Stump, welcome to the site!
Wow, the sp9018trx is a 78 hp turbo charged deutz diesel; track mounted; has a wireless remote control, a hydroulic push blade, turntable design, will grind 43 inches above ground, 18 inches below ground and has an 80 inch sweep. What more could you ask for.

We have the carlton 4400 model and it does a great job. Monday morning we are having a Carlton 900h series delivered. We are loyal to Carlton!

 

[mtcates]

My opinion on this machine is that "It Rocks"!!!!!!!!!! What other company makes a self propelled, remote controlled machine in this category? The only other self propelled remote controlled machine that I know of that would be more productive is made by the same company. Thats the Hurricane TRX with 140,175 or 250 Horsepower. The question is, Do you really need a machine that is this productive. If you are grinding residential properties then you would be better off getting a smaller machine. The 8018TRX is about $43,000.00 Do you really need this Machine?

 

[Oly's Stump]

Thanks for all replies...I grind full time for 7 different tree firms that don't have grinders. I have 2 Rayco's right now and one is a tow behind (1672 DXH) and there other is a RG50. The RG50 is used the most out of the 2. I want to replace this machine for many reasons. Its only 48 hp, 2 wheel drive, no remote control. The firms I grind for do land clearing jobs and I have been using the 1672 and using my Cat skidsteer to move the grinder from stump to stump. Only problem is that it requires 2 men to do it this way. The RG 50 would get stuck during these operations so that machine cannot be used. I always wanted to get a remote machine for many obvious reasons. I have always been loyal to Rayco the past 19 years but I believe I will be selling both Rayco's and getting the Carlton 8018TRX and the Carlton SP2000 for the stumps I cannot get at with the 8018 (residential jobs). I have a 14 ft BMF 7 ton dump trailer with ramps that I thought I could transport both Carlton machines on which would elimanate a truck and trailer. Anyone have a SP2000? How do you like it!

 

[dogdad]

Oly... Which cat steer do you have ? Any trouble with it? I have a ASV now and want to add a Cat steer.

 

[Oly's Stump]

I have a 236 and I like it. Next time I would buy a high flow machine so I could use a forestry mower for some of those land clearing operations.

 

[Oly's Stump]

Ttt

 

[ROLLACOSTA]

Have you considered the new rayco 90hp 4x4 self propelled machine?? next machine for me will be the vermeer 60tx..

Mind you you won't go wrong with a Carlton..

 

[Oly's Stump]

Rollacosta....Yes I have considered the Rayco RG90. Actually I have been a Rayco customer since 1987 and have owned 7 different new Rayco machines. I like Rayco with a few exceptions. I live in Wisconsin at the Illinois state line. There are two Rayco dealers in my area. One is in Germantown Wisconsin and the other is in Wheeling Illinois. I am much closer to the Illinois dealer and I prefer to deal with them. Rayco has a policy that you can only buy new equipment from your district dealer which would be the Germantown dealer. I have had some issues with the Germantown dealer and I do not care to deal with him but if I want to buy a new machine I must deal with them. I don't agree with Rayco's policy on this at all. I disagree so much that I am considering on purchasing Carlton's from now on. Carlton would be by second choice and I like that 8018 track machine and I most likely will be making a purchase soon. I wanted to get more information on the machine but I have not received much non dealer feed back on it. I also wanted to get some info on turf mat suggestions so I can turn the machine on lawns to keep the damage down. The second issue I have about Rayco is that I am glad that I own 2 welders because I have had my share of welding repairs. I wish they would make their machines a little more heavy duty. I have heard that the Carlton track machines are made very heavy duty. I also heard the Carlton remote control and the sandvik cutter wheel are the way to go. Of course I heard all this from the dealer and thats why I wanted to get some imput from this web site. Thanks!

 

[ROLLACOSTA]

I'd PM mtcates,he's Carlton user,and he's been to the factory I beleive..,Hes had a few Carlton models over the years...

 

[Oly's Stump]

Thanks much Rollacosta...I will do that!

 

[stumpy66]

We still are not getting much feedback on the Duadisk cutting wheel. If you hear anything stick it in here, interested to know how its getting on..

 

[Freakingstang]

The second issue I have about Rayco is that I am glad that I own 2 welders because I have had my share of welding repairs. I wish they would make their machines a little more heavy duty.

What kind of welds broke and how recently? I worked there from 1998-2002 and we had some problems with new welders (operators, not the "welder") nothing major. Just wondered what kind of equipment failures you've had since owning seven machines. I took pride in what I built. Unfortunately with any factory type environment, there will be people that are just there for the paycheck.

I built all of the tow behinds and some of the track machines. I never really got to work with the RG50/85/90 series. The minidozers (mini-crawlers) seemed to take the major focus of attention about the time I left there.

If, I could suggest, call the corporate office and tell them about your past problems. Equip failures, dealer allocation, track machine capabilities, etc. I would recommend talking to Nick George or Bruce Champan if they are still there. They were the head engineers and nothing will change in the future if customer feedback isn't recieved and worked upon. IF neither of them are available ask for Todd Yoder. He is head of assembly/production. He was my boss at the time and won't let the crap run down hill, so to speak. If you do call, tell em Steve Mott sent ya.


I can get you the 1-800 number if you would like to speak to them. Take care and good luck with the new stumper.


Steve

 

[Oly's Stump]

Freakingstang...I had no welding repairs on any of my Rayco tow behinds. The machine I had trouble with was a new 2002 RG50. I had trouble with the trailer before I even ground a stump. The right tire blew up (defective tire) and it shredded taking out the rear tail light assembly. Within a week the fender broke off. It was not just at welding points. The metal was cracking up and in my opinion it is bad metal more than just a bad weld. I still have the machine now but not for long. I have welded the trailer (cracked metal) approx. 5 times since. It keeps cracking in different areas near the fender assembly. I also had to weld the poly chain guard mount, the hydralic blade mount and weld new studds to the cutter wheel top cover. I did contact Rayco about these problems and they paid for all the repairs when it was new but they need to beef up their machines and they need to change their policy regarding buying new machines. I cannot believe that you cannot buy a new machine from a dealer of your choice.

 

[Lou]

May I suggest you add this as your avatar? I think it is sized to fit. Enjoy

 

[Oly's Stump]

Hi Lou...I have been trying to get the image at the right size to do that but was not sucessful. Can you direct me what to do next. Thanks!

 

[Lou]

Save Oly.bmp to your computer. It is already resized to 99 x 99 pixels to fit. It is just a matter of telling Arborsite where to find the picture on your computer.
HTH
Lou

 

[MOE]

So how do you like your 8018? How is it on lawns?