My Bobcat T770, purchased in 2019, has served its purpose moving seed boxes, mowing, grinding stumps, and clearing trees. However, reliability issues have plagued us since the beginning. Within hours of use, the hydraulic pump belt idler bearings failed. We’ve also faced intermittent A/C problems, a drive hub bearing failure, and various electrical gremlins. The same idler failed again, causing further damage. A dealer even suggested these idlers fail every 600-800 hours.
Looking ahead, I plan to replace the T770 with a more dependable tracked skid steer in the next couple of years. Compatibility with existing attachments, especially a forestry mulcher, is crucial. This leads to the question: which brand offers the best reliability and performance?
Considering brands like Case, Deere, and Kobota, alongside potentially another Bobcat, I’m seeking insights from the Skid Steer Forum community. What are the current pros and cons of each brand? Are the problems I’ve experienced with my Bobcat common across the industry? Dealer support is readily available for most brands in our area.
The primary use for the new skid steer will mirror the current workload: material handling with forks, mowing with a brush mower, occasional stump grinding, and tree cleanup with a grapple bucket. The forestry mulcher demands a machine capable of handling its hydraulic requirements safely and efficiently.
While brand reputation and specifications are readily available, real-world experiences shared on a skid steer forum offer invaluable insights. Forum discussions often highlight common issues, maintenance tips, and long-term ownership satisfaction across various brands. This information is critical in making an informed purchasing decision.
Therefore, I turn to the collective knowledge of the skid steer forum: What experiences have you had with different skid steer brands, specifically regarding reliability and maintenance? Which brand would you recommend for a workload centered around forestry mulching and general property maintenance? Your insights will help guide my decision toward a durable, dependable machine.
