Save loads of money: four key benefits of compact utility loaders
Published in: Arbor Age
Date: 11/1/2005
By: Bernosky, Tom
IT WASN’T THAT LONG AGO WHEN ONLY THREE OR FOUR COMPANIES manufactured compact utility loaders, also known as mini-skid-steers. Early on, it seemed as if only a few companies realized this was one of the few markets that was actually growing. Today, many manufacturers have new and exiting products for us to look at. The following are four key reasons this market continues to grow.
1. Ease of transport
A compact utility loader can be transported in many ways, utilizing your standard landscape trailer as well as your more compact trucks, like the Ford Ranger, Dodge Dakota and Chevy S-10. This immediately translates into less fuel, less cost per driver (no need for a CDL) less insurance and less expensive license plates. The machines themselves are lighter, so they tend to do less turf damage. They, too, use less fuel–not to mention saving the back muscles of their respective operators. Therein lies the magic. One good machine operator can out-perform most four-man crews on a number of critical landscape tasks.
2. More production with less manpower
Small companies that plant trees, shrubs and bushes; trench; dig post-holes; and spread mulch have found that the compact utility loader will out-perform and cost less than their human counterparts in the long term.
For example, consider a single operator who has 12 small-balled pine trees to plant down a customer’s driveway. The trees are delivered to the property. The operator shows up at the job with the compact utility loader and several handy attachments. Each tree weighs approximately 200 pounds. The operator installs his drill head to his machine and proceeds to make his dozen 36-inch-diameter holes, pours water and fertilizer into the holes, then proceeds to change from drill head to bucket, after which he or she will pick up the trees and begin to gently drop them into each hole. Once each tree has been put in its place, the operator can change attachments again and install the back-fill blade, pushing all the dirt back toward the tree’s rootball. After some tidying up, he/she completes the entire job in one 8-hour day. So this small outfit is extremely competitive, extremely profitable–and no H-2B visas are needed. Liability is cut to a minimum.
Don’t get me wrong. When there are mountains of material to move, you still need a full-size skid-steer, but there’s gold in the small hills–work that simply does not justify a larger machine.
The homeowner market is slowly going to be dominated by the mini-skid. Small companies that don’t get it soon will find that even the cheapest labor simply can’t outwork these machines. It’s better for the skilled operator; it’s better for the company’s bottom line. You can afford to pay your operators more, and you make more.
How much better can it get? Completely automated? Maybe someday, but today these little machines are the state-of-the-art in hydraulics, electronics and mechanisms.
3. Size
Compact utility loaders are small. Two or three can fit into the same space as a full-size machine when they are kept in a garage or storage area.
The power plants in these small machines are nothing to sneeze at, either. Most have at least a twin-cylinder engine, fully pressurized crankcase with spin-on oil filter, small fuel pump delivery system–and I haven’t seen one yet under 20 horsepower. The pressurized crankcase means you can navigate up and down hills and nasty terrain with out having to worry that your engine will be lubricated. The same goes for the fuel system: pumps are always better than gravity feed, especially on hilly terrain.
4. The attachments
Most–if not all–manufacturers have more than one bucket to choose from, low- and high-power auger drill heads for everything from 48-inch by 6-inch or 48-inch by 8-inch post-hole augers, 21-inch by 2-inch bush planter augers, 3-foot by 3-foot tree ball auger, 36-inch or deeper trenchers, hydraulic rototilling attachment, manual or powered backfill blades, backhoe attachment … and the list goes on, depending on the make and model of that particular machine.
Some manufacturers have even designed trailers capable of handling all of their attachments as well as other necessary landscape tools. That requires at least a full-size pick-up, but it does create the perfect little “company on wheels.”
If you do decide to get a compact utility loader, check to see if your particular model comes with an hour meter. Some do and some don’t. If yours doesn’t, have the dealer install one. You’ll be glad you did, because it’s an invaluable tool down the road for good maintenance.
CATERPILLAR 904B COMPACT WHEEL LOADER
The new Caterpillar 904B compact wheel loader offers the versatility of a skid-steer loader and the power, comfort and fuel economy of a wheel loader. The 904B features a skid-steer loader quick coupler, high-flow hydraulics and powerful Z-bar linkage in a package that is only 2.4 meters tall and uses a bucket less than 1.8 meters wide.
CATERPILLAR / WWW.CAT.COM
TORO DINGO TX 425 WIDE TRACK
Featuring increased horsepower, enhanced ground-to-track contact for maximum ground-engaging power, and low ground pressure, the Toro Dingo TX 425 Wide Track compact utility loader is designed to handle a variety of landscapes and difficult-to-navigate terrain. Powered by a 25-horsepower, air-cooled Kohler Command Pro Series engine, the Dingo TX 425 Wide Track offers more than 35 quick-change attachments including auger, trencher, vibratory plow, hydraulic breaker, backhoe, leveler, tiller, cultivator, hydraulic blade, adjustable forks, tree forks, two-stage snow thrower, rotary broom, several sizes of buckets and more. With the Dingo quick-attach system, attachments may be added or removed by simply turning two locking pins and, for hydraulic attachments, connecting two hydraulic lines. A four-pump, independent hydraulic system allows the operator to direct power where and when it is needed. A dedicated auxiliary hydraulic circuit provides 11.2 gpm of flow at 3,000 psi of hydraulic power.
TORO DINGO / 800-344-8676
KANGA KID
The Kanga Kid makes light work of big jobs such as moving soil or mulch across a work site, trenching for an irrigation system, or installing a fence. It features a 16-horsepower Honda electric-start engine and more than 10 attachments–all with a quick-attach mount plate. Now available with lug tires or over-the-tire rubber tracks, the Kanga Kid weighs less than 1,000 pounds and measures 32 inches wide. A complete system trailer can be pulled behind a standard vehicle directly to the job site. The Kanga Kid has an operator platform to ride on and fingertip controls.
COMPACT POWER INC. / 800-476-9673
VERMEER S600TX RUBBER TRACK MINI-SKID-STEER
Vermeer Manufacturing Company introduced the Vermeer S600TX rubber track mini-skid-steer. The S600TX comes with a spring-cushioned platform that is positioned within the framework of the machine, reducing the need to walk through work site debris, mud and uneven terrain. Positioned at 14.5 inches high, the platform allows greater visibility to the attachment and bucket edge. Ergonomically-designed, two single joystick controls with operator handle grip allow operators to keep their balance while operating any of the machine functions even on uneven terrain. A machine width of 35.75 inches allows the S600TX to maneuver through gates and other confined areas. The 7- or 9-inch tracks provide enhanced stability and lower operating ground pressure. Two engine options are available to power the new mini-skid-steer, including a 25-horsepower Kohler Command Pro gas engine or a 25-horsepower Kubota D905 diesel engine. The S600TX has a 16-gallon fuel tank capacity.
VERMEER / 888-837-6337
BOBCAT 323 COMPACT EXCAVATOR
Bobcat Company introduced the 323 compact excavator. The extra reach of this new compact excavator will enable contractors to reach farther and dig faster with minimal repositioning. In addition, the Bobcat 323 compact excavator’s two-speed travel motors and new hydraulic system will appeal to the construction industry because the features provide increased travel speed and improved control while digging. A new hydraulic system features a piston pump that enables the 323 to maintain constant digging forces by minimizing lugging. The system’s torque-limiting piston pump is able to sense and react to hydraulic loads, for better utilization of the engine’s torque curve. The 323 has a digging depth of 7 feet 6 inches and a maximum reach of 12 feet 10 inches at ground level. The two-speed travel motors provide a 1.4 mph low travel speed and a 2.4 mph high travel speed, increasing the machine’s mobility around job sites.
BOBCAT / 866-823-7898
ALLMAND FOUR-WHEEL-DRIVE TLB-6235
The Allmand TLB-6235 four-wheel-drive compact tractor loader backhoe meets the needs of general construction, landscaping, utility and any other small to mid-size earthmoving applications. The TLB-6235 features a full-time mechanical four-wheel-drive system, offering functionality through a hydrostatic transmission. The addition of four-wheel-drive provides increased versatility, allowing operators to work in more adverse conditions. Powered by a 35-horsepower, liquid-cooled Isuzu diesel engine, the TLB-6235 is driven by an axial piston motor capable of running at higher pressures and rpm, increasing efficiency. Allmand’s ESL (Extended Service Life) backhoe design features oversized pins with composite bearings and urethane lip seals in all working joints. This design greatly reduces friction and extends service intervals by eliminating metal-to-metal contact, retaining grease and keeping debris out. For added safety, the TLB-6235 backhoe features Allmand’s exclusive heavy-duty boom lock, which can be easily engaged or disengaged from the operator’s seat.
ALLMAND BROS. INC. / 800-562-1373
WOODS 1000 SERIES
Woods Equipment Company offers a broad range of loaders in its 1000 Series line. Its eight models fit 2- and 4-wheel-drive compact and utility tractors from 11 to 70 horsepower. The Woods 1020 model (pictured) boasts a maximum lift height of 122 inches, a maximum digging depth of 4 inches, and a 2,750-pound lift capacity. The 1020 features a quick attach carrier system, 4-bar bucket linkage for increased roll and dump angles, Husco valve that stays with the tractor when loader is detached, heavy-duty round back bucket, high clearance frame design, and 1.25-inch-diameter pins.
WOODS EQUIPMENT CO. / 800-319-6637
KUBOTA R20 SUPER SERIES
Kubota Tractor Corporation’s R20 Super Series wheel loaders, the R420S and R520S, offer strength, comfort and operator benefits. They are powered by Kubota’s fuel-efficient E-TVCS 3-and 4-cylinder diesel engines with horse-power ratings of 43 and 49, respectively. The R420S produces a maximum bucket breakout force of 6,550 pounds, while the R520S breakout force is rated at 7,425 pounds. Kubota’s proprietary load sensing transmission enables efficient load handling by automatically changing from high speed/low torque to low speed/high torque when load conditions vary. The wheel loaders are highly maneuverable in tight spaces, with 40 degrees of articulation and 8 degrees of frame oscillation. Four-wheel drive and limited slip differential power the machines through rough terrain. Front and rear hydraulic systems are standard, and a front valve and control lever are built-in to universally accept hydraulically operated attachments. Clutchless electric shifting allows for quick, smooth directional changes without the need to brake.
KUBOTA TRACTOR CORP. 888-4458-2682, EXT. 900
JOHN DEERE 3000 TWENTY SERIES COMPACT UTILITY TRACTORS
The 3000 Twenty Series offers four models ranging from 30 to 44 gross horsepower with Yanmar Tier II-compliant diesel engines and turbocharged performance (3520 and 3720 only). The eHydro transmission provides speed selection and productivity with no clutching or shifting required. Patented features, such as LoadMatch, MotionMatch, SpeedMatch, the new performance tracking system (an automotive-style diagnostic control center) and automotive style cruise control provide operator convenience. The available iMatch 3-point hitch allows implement switching in seconds without leaving the tractor seat. These tractors come “loader ready with standard dual SCV, loader joystick and 4WD.
JOHN DEERE / 800-537-8233
GENERAL EQUIPMENT DIG-R-TACH
For greater job site versatility, General Equipment Company’s expanded Dig-R-Tach line allows for use with both small and large hydraulic systems. Ideal for use with skid-steer loaders, small excavators, knuckleboom cranes and small backhoes, the 671 Dig-R-Tach Series 16 earth drilling attachment is intended for smaller hydraulic systems, whereas the Series 24 is designed for larger hydraulic systems. Featuring a two-speed chain/sprocket drive and a 5- to 20-gpm hydraulic flow range, the Series 16 balances smaller flow volumes in proportion to auger diameters. The result is a cleaner hole with less loose soil and debris. For higher capacity drilling, the Series 24 operates in a 15- to 25-gpm hydraulic flow range, and delivers a maximum drilling torque of 2,018 foot-pounds at 2,500 psi. General’s 671 Dig-R-Tach series utilizes a drilling industry standard two-inch hexagon auger drive system. This design eliminates excessive auger driveshaft wear.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT 800-533-0524
MUSTANG MANUFACTRUING SKID-STEERS
Mustang Manufacturing Company introduced three new skid-steer models. The 2066, 2076 and 2086 models offer SAE-rated operating loads of 2,000,2,200 and 2,600 pounds, respectively. All three models offer a selection of control options, impressive operating capacities and Cummins Tier II diesel engines. The 2066 will replace the 2064, and the 2076 will replace the 2074. The 2086, with 2,600 pounds rated capacity, is Mustang’s first model in this size range. Each of the new Mustang skid-steers offers a spacious, totally redesigned operator’s compartment. All three models offer as options a complete cab enclosure, ducted heating and air conditioning, a two-speed drive system and Hydraglide ride control. The 2076 and 2086 also offer a high-flow auxiliary hydraulic option with flows up to 36 gpm.
MUSTANG MFG.
WWW.MUSTANGMFG.COM
NEW MODEL OF LOEGERING VERSATILE TRACK SYSTEM
Loegering Manufacturing introduced a new, smaller model of its Versatile Track System (VTS) for skid-steers with wheelbases under 42 inches and engines in the 42 to 65 horsepower range. The VTS is a complete rubber track undercarriage system that can be quickly bolted onto almost any brand skid-steer loader. No machine modifications are required. Now contractors with virtually any size or brand of skid steer can enjoy the versatility provided by the VTS, which allows owners to quickly decide whether rubber tires or a rubber track undercarriage is best for a particular application. The easy-on, easy-off design of the VTS allows the rubber track undercarriage, available with 12- or 15-inch-wide tracks, to be bolted directly to the hubs of most skid steer loaders in less than one hour. A VTS can be fit-up on multiple skid steer machines–so a single VTS system can be used on several different machines within a fleet.
LOEGERING MANUFACTURING, INC. 800-373-5441
Tom Bernosky is president of Green Thumb Power & Equipment Corp. He can be reached via e-mail at gtpec@nauticom.net.
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