Tractors (Cat)

[Anonymous-0]

I got an invitation in the mail to come try out equipment from Quick Attach. They have Cat equipment to test on and the ad implied there may be some used/pre-rental equipment for sale. I have been looking for a utility loader tractor that may take the place of my Skidsteer. Any one know of pros/cons on the Cat line? Bob

 

[souNdguy]

As in challanger?

Pro: Huge dealer network...

Con: Huge price tag...

soundguy

 

[Anonymous-0]

I would go just play with some new toys.

 

[Lenny Kirby]

Huge dealer network??? Case in point Illinois.. how many dealers are there for CNH? and how many for JD??

ONE for Challenger.. With ONE location..
How do I know.. I worked there
Con: lack of dealer network.. Lack of dealer support.. Been there done that..

 

[souNdguy]

Cat has a pretty huge dealer network across the US.. just because you lived in a city that couldn't support a cat dealership don't mean they don't have a huge us dealer network.

soundguy

 

[Lenny Kirby]

lol.... Not all Cat dealers support the Challenger line.. Before you buy a Challenger check with your dealer.. and I worked for a dealer that had mutiple stores all distances apart and in 3 states and only one Challenger location.. I would add that yes CAT has huge network but Challenger is not Caterpiller.. It is AGCO.. there is your difference there.. I worked at a Cat dealer for 6 years I know whats going on.. Your right the town of 2100 that I live in will not support a CAT dealer.. but The state of Illinois does and there is only one Challenger dealer.. Cat has a good dealer network but compared to CIH and JD there dealers are few and far between.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I don't think you can replace a skid steer with a tractor unless the skid steer is really old and worn out. For long distances moving material is about the only time a tractor would be better. Dave

 

[Anonymous-0]

Lenny,You sound bitter???

 

[souNdguy]

I wouldn't buy a tractor that didn't have a supporting dealer at least in driving range. I know some people like to save 10$ and drive to another state to get a tractor.. but I think that is folley unless you are your own warranty depot. Thus.. if buying near a dealer.. I don't see an issue?

soundguy

 

[Lenny Kirby]

Maybe a little.. But facts is facts.. For construction its fine.. For ag its not worth a crap. I heard it everyday.. Hind sight is 20-20 but i'm at a construction store again. Should have stayed there in the first place. Lots less bitching and moaning... If you know me you know my story about my former employer.. lol

 

[john in la]

Cat has a bumper sticker that says it all......

If it is not a Cat...
It must be a Dog.

While I only have experience with construction equipment; I can say Cat is top of the line for most operators. The biggest con about Cat is you need to own the bank when repairs are needed.

If you are the kind of guy that buys quality and does not mind spending extra for the name; like most John Deere owners; You will love the Cat line up.

 

[jlmtractor]

i dont quite understand what you are saying but for cat skidsteers i dont like them tracks are really thin. but dozers and trackhoes and backhoes are most likely the best from cat. but in my opinion cats compact equipment is over rated.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Thanks for the responses, as always you get good advise/opinons here, NO farm Cat dealers in the local (100 mile) area so they are out. We just lost one JD dealer (good people) and only other one is a part time Massey dealer. Deals mostly in Bob Cat skidsteers. Bob