Swinger 1K loader

[mckeetree]

I guess I'm getting pretty close to buying a new swinger 1K loader. I've looked at also looked at Gehl, Kubota and Wacker Nueson. Anybody have any thoughts on that machine or new swinger loaders in general. What about their customer service. The salesman I was assigned seems a little disconnected...well, a lot disconnected.

 

[lumberjack1986]

Sending a PM.

 

[mckeetree]

Out of 42 views nobody knows anything? But of course the gehl salesman that responded.

 

[husabud]

That Gehl salesman has run those machines in his tree business for years. He has sold his used machines and new ones alike with never a gripe. Carl is a good man. You should check out some of his vids on You Tube. Personally I am looking into the Gehl 340. I would not buy a swinger for parts and repair alone. Good luck with your choice as it is a big one. Spend a little extra time and find what works for you.

 

[mckeetree]

That Gehl salesman has run those machines in his tree business for years. He has sold his used machines and new ones alike with never a gripe. Carl is a good man. You should check out some of his vids on You Tube. Personally I am looking into the Gehl 340. I would not buy a swinger for parts and repair alone. Good luck with your choice as it is a big one. Spend a little extra time and find what works for you.

And parts and service is supposed to be so good for gehl? They don't even have parts for the gehl I bought new back in 2000. If parts was all I based my decision on gehl would lose out.

 

[cedar]

I own a 2001 Swinger loader, model 2000 AG. I have had to make a few repairs since I bought the machine 2 years ago and have never had trouble finding parts. As far as service goes, I am not a mechanic but when repairs are needed I have not had trouble finding someone to do the work. The machine works well but it is top-heavy and you need to be extra cautious on slopes. Right now I use my mini-skid more often than the Swinger but this may change if I buy a larger truck that can pull the machine and a load of logs. Right now I need to make an extra trip when using the Swinger.

 

[squad143]

Don't know anything about them, however I was talking to Dave from Top Notch Equipment at the TCIA Expo and they are carrying the Avant line.
Avant Products
They may be worth checking out.

 

[PassionForTrees]

Before I finally purchased a loader, I looked into most all of them, for me I like the Tractor Loader with the 3pt on the back to switch implements real easy and have more versatility all in one machine. Most people will agree you either are a skid steer guy or a tractor guy. The reason I didnt get the Swinger is because you are limited to really just a loader in front. Other choices were the smaller loaders with attachments but would require you taking many more loads back and forth but gain lighter machine fit in smaller places. I had a New Holland TC35 which was great, front end loader and 3pt hitch on back , had the HD grapple rake and forks and 72 inch bucket. No backhoe but had the york landscape rake. I could tow the chipper or trailer with it in back yards and so forth, I recently sold the New Holland and purchased a Yanmar CBL40 with a backhoe. lifts more about 2800 lbs all the way up. It also lifts higher and having the backhoe and 3pt hitch option. I can do so much. of course the price is considered, my new holland was 15k, yanmar was 27 but practically new. I have not had any problems getting in back yards and finding more ways to use the machine. buying something that is limited and only lifts is a start. and can get you further down the road. Test many out and you might find for your money something little bigger and lift more with more options might be the way to go. Good luck.

 

[lumberjack1986]

Don't know anything about them, however I was talking to Dave from Top Notch Equipment at the TCIA Expo and they are carrying the Avant line.
Avant Products
They may be worth checking out.

I am a rep for Dave, betting we talked as well!

The Avants in the Swinger 1k/Gehl 340 size are usually more expensive than the features they provide. Avant doesn't have a machine that will compete with a Swinger 2k/Gehl 540 in overall power (3700lbs for the 700 series vs 7200lbs on the AL540). Their rating specs are a bit wonky compared to the SAE/American specs. The standard for wheel loaders is 50% of tipping capacity is the operating capacity. Avant's specs are hard to understand, but the 700 series for example... It weighs 1700kg, but is rated to lift 1400kg, doesn't leave much stability on the table.

The extending boom on the Avants are nifty though, and greatly improve lifting strength while keeping a good lift height.

 

[IcePick]

Swinger

Mckee, our company also has a swinger 2000 AG. We have had this machine for about seven years or so. If you have the funds, the truck to pull it, and the work load worth utilizing the machine, get it. Those things are workhorses. They aint pretty, they're very top heavy and tippy if not adjusting to a load properly, but they are quick and turf friendly. If used properly, this machine can do the work of three men, easily. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Tim Nuckols]

I guess I'm getting pretty close to buying a new swinger 1K loader. I've looked at also looked at Gehl, Kubota and Wacker Nueson. Anybody have any thoughts on that machine or new swinger loaders in general. What about their customer service. The salesman I was assigned seems a little disconnected...well, a lot disconnected.

I bought a Gehl loader and have been very pleased with it. The windshield was broken in the second year and we had some trouble with the key switch, but overall it has been a good machine. We bought it out of the Gehl dealer in North Carolina and have had a good experience with the parts department. If you have any questions my name is Tim Nuckols Nuckols Tree Care Va Beach Va 757-439-1512