All About Caterpillar Equipment vs Bobcat Skid Steers

Both Caterpillar and Bobcat have carved a niche for themselves in manufacturing heavy duty machinery especially targeted towards the landscaping and heavy mining industries. Their machinery is used for a vast range of applications and uses and both brands are known for their longevity, durability and efficiency.

Caterpillar range of products

Caterpillar manufactures a whole range of products ranging from heavy duty hydraulic excavators to even loaders. These products are designed to ensure superior performance and long shelf life. Some of the predominant industries that use such heavy duty Caterpillar equipment include the quarry sector, construction that requires heavy duty activity as well as the mining industry.

Service and parts from Caterpillar

Caterpillar has many distributors who provide ready service of all equipment purchased from them. Irrespective of the place where the original equipment may have been purchased from, these distributors repair and service all parts of such equipment. In addition, these distributors also stock a steady inventory of parts belonging to Caterpillar brand. Several departments, each with specialized parts assigned to them can readily help in replacing damaged parts of existing machinery.

Bobcat brand’s products

Bobcat is another pioneer in creating cutting-edge and highly sophisticated skid steer loading equipment. While the original parts of Bobcat skid steers are always in demand by the landscaping and construction industries, the used parts are also in demand for their cost-effectiveness. There are many premier distributors who stock such used parts from Bobcat. Right from regular farm work to loading trucks these skid steers can perform the job with ease. Besides, for people who cannot afford original unused Bobcat equipment, these used parts are a good bargain. The distributors of such used parts ensure to regularly check for electrical, mechanical as well as hydraulic inefficiencies so that all used parts are well worth their value.

How to select a distributor of used parts

If you wish to purchase used skid steers from Bobcat then you need to approach the right distributor for this. Always select a distributor that has a well-stocked inventory. Compare prices to see that you are getting a good deal. In addition, the sales staff and personnel should be courteous and know about used parts and Bobcat brand. In addition, the distributor should also be ready to help you with parts in case they are not in stock. They should also have tie-ups with other brands so that you have more options to choose from.

Details On Skid Loader

The skid loader is a rigid frame, engine powered machine with lift arms that are used to attach a wide variety of labor saving tools or attachments. Skid loaders are normally four wheel drive with left side drive wheels that are independent of right side drive wheels. With each side being independent to the other, the wheel speed and direction of rotation of the wheels will determine which direction the loader turns.

Skid loaders are capable of turning in their own tracks, which makes them very maneuverable and valuable for jobs that require the use of compact, agile loader.

Operation
A skid loader can sometimes take the place of a large excavator by digging a hole out from the inside. The skid loader will first dig a ramp that leads to the edge of the hole. Then, the loader will use the ramp to carry material out of the hole.

The skid loader will then reshape the ramp by making it steeper and longer as the excavation gets deeper. This method is very useful for digging under an overhead structure where the overhead clearance doesn’t allow for the boom of a large excavator, such as those situations where you are digging a basement under a house.

The bucket of most types of skid loaders can be replaced with several specialized buckets or attachments, many of which are powered by the hydraulic system of the loader.

History
The first 3 wheeled front end loader was invented by two brothers, Cyril and Louis Keller in their machinist shop in Minnesota back in 1957. The Kellers built the loader to help a nearby farmer clean turkey manure from his two story barn. The
light and compact loader, with the rear caster wheel, was able to turn around within the length of itself, while performing the very same tasks as conventional front end loaders.

Down the road, the Melroe manufacturing company in Gwinner ND, purchased the rights to the Keller loader in 1958 and hired the brothers to continue their loader invention. Resulting from the partnership, the M-200 self propelled loader was introduced at the end of 1958.

The loader featured two independent front drive wheels and a rear caster wheel, a 12.9 engine and a 750 lb lift capacity. Two years later, they ended up replacing the caster wheel with a rear axle and introduced the M-400 loader, which was the first four wheel skid steer loader in the world.

Years later, the Bobcat skid steer loader experienced quite a few changes, including the development of a hydrostatic drive system, enforced cab structures, radius and vertical lift arm configurations, deluxe instrumentation, and even heating and air conditioning.

In addition to the rubber tire skid loaders of today, there are now all-wheel loaders and even compact track loaders. Compact track loads offer less ground disturbance and feature better traction and control in soft, muddy, wet, and even sandy
ground conditions.

Tips On Buying Used Backhoes

The backhoe is the most ingenious piece of modern construction equipment on the market today. It’s versatile and flexible and comes with a broad range of attachments that aid with digging and excavation.When looking to buy used backhoes for sale, one of the first things to consider after you’re done a test drive, is the proper inspection of the used backhoe. This insures, as much as possible, that it is free of any mechanical, hydraulic or electrical problems.

For instance, new paint jobs can look good, but are sometimes used to cover up more serious problems. Look for signs of fluid leaks and concealed rust spots to find potential problems. Check underneath the vehicle for evidence of leaks. Inspect hoses and valves before and after the test drive, so you can easily spot fresh leaks.

Used backhoes are much cheaper than brand new ones, but you must take into consideration the maintenance costs. Make sure that you are given any necessary new and used parts that belong to the backhoe in order to keep it in top shape.If the used backhoe for sale is purchased from an equipment dealer, sign a service contract with the dealer, whereby they have several parts departments within your state. In this way, wherever you find yourself with your used backhoe, the service will be nearby with the parts needed.

Before buying a used backhoe for sale from a private individual, ask a dealer or manufacturer for a checklist of what you should know and/or be looking for, to insure good decision making.Making calculations when purchasing a good used backhoe, is paramount in your decision making. The number of hours used should be one of the main criteria when estimating the price, because you do not want to end up spending more money in the long run. In other words, the more the hours the less the price.

In order to make this determination, get new backhoe pricing info versus used backhoe pricing info on the brand you have chosen, from a manufacturer, or go online and surf the web to find this information, and use it as a guide towards a good buying decision.OSHA rules require specific training and safety procedures for operating all heavy machinery and that would include used backhoes. So, get that training from a dealer or a recommended third-party source.With these few tips in mind and your good judgment, you should be able to find a used backhoe for sale that can still get the job done.

Operating A Backhoe Safely

A skid steer loader with backhoe attachment or a backhoe loader in general can be very productive if it is operated safely and efficiently. The best way to get the job done safely and efficiently is to know yourself, the job site, and your equipment.

Even though the models of backhoes will vary, there are safety features with all of them that include steps and grab handles for getting on and off of the machine. Backhoes also feature frame lock levers and attaching levers to keep the backhoe securely fastened to the loader frame during operation as well as transporting. In addition to these standard safety features, there are some backhoes that provide a safety chain. The safety chain will prevent the backhoe mounting frame from rotating backwards and unexpectedly trapping the operator, which can result in serious injury or death. Therefore, it is always important to know and check all of the mounting and attachment points and the safety chain before you operate the backhoe. If you’ve attached the backhoe to the loader, you should take a moment to inspect it and perform any necessary maintenance. Check for broken or damaged parts, also making sure to check for leaks, cracks, excessive wear, and check the control levers.

The warning and safety signs and instructional decals are very important and will help you to avoid injury. You should always take them seriously and replace any damaged or missing decals. Every 8 hours or so, you should grease all of the zerk fittings, and check the hydraulic fluid and oil and a daily basis. If the fluid is low, the backhoe will not operate. Therefore, you should always take the time to check your machine. Anytime you have to leave the operator seat of the backhoe, you should lower the bucket or attachment to the ground, turn the engine off, remove the ignition key, then exit the machine. When the time comes to drive to the next job site, you should always make sure that you have fully raised both the front and rear stabilizers and make sure you’ve put the backhoe seat into the “down” position for better visibility. Before you drive off, make sure that you’ve installed the transport locking pin. Here are some other things to keep in mind:

- Always select the right size bucket for the job.

- Stake out the work area that is going to be excavated and use flags to mark the area.

- Never work in areas that have inadequate overhead clearances.

Always make sure that you keep bystanders or other workers out of the swing area. If anyone gets in the way of the boom swinging, they can very easily get injured. The machine has no feelings, therefore you should always be aware of who is around you and where they are standing.