Hello,
I to am (long term) thinking about starting a mulching business. Because I have more time than money now, I've been aggravting the heck out of some skid steer dealers. I still have many many questions.
Something I never considered until I read the above posts is how a compact track loader "rides". Since I'm no youngster, any recommendations on the "cushy" riding track loaders would be greatly appreciated.
I'm I correct in assuming Gehl, Takeuchi, and Mustang are the same machines? At least the models with the 97hp Yanmar? (Also someone mentioned that the Takeuchi's hydraulic flow was lacking but they do offer a "high" flow option.)
I am only a couple of miles from a Caterpillar dealer as well as a Deere dealer. And maybe 1 hour from a Bobcat dealer. All other makes are hours away. Should I stick with a brand that can be bought and serviced locally?
Then there's Case, New Holland, ASV. Anybody know any reason these manufacturer's track loaders wouldn't make good mulching machines?
Also, I ran across a company called Supertrak. As I understand it, they take a stock Takeuchi or Caterpillar and modify/replace areas of weakness found in the stock machines when used as a dedicated forestry mulcher. Like higher flow hydraulic pumps, hydraulic oil coolers, etc. They also add a few ten thousand $$ for these mods!
And Fecon. Seems everybody uses their mulching heads but they also make a Yanmar powered compact track loader type machine. Anybody know anything about Fecon's machines?
The bottom-line for me I guess is this: I plan on this being my second job. I'll probably run the machine twenty hours a week max. Do I need a Supertrak with all the options (and expense) or will a standard loader be up to the task, ie. Bobcat, Cat, Deere?
Through all of my internet research I've read in a couple of places that these "little" loaders aren't desigined to run all day with their hydraulic system maxed out. Is that true or a crock?
There are so many questions that I don't even know to ask! Anybody who wants to answer those go right ahead!!
Thanks very much for ANY help!