CAT vs. New Holland

[paponte]

Hey guys, I have been in the market for a new skid and have narrowed it down to the two. Spec'd out a NH LS190B, and a CAT 268B. I like the New Holland and all, very beefy machine and was almost sold on it till I looked at the CAT. Only thinkg I am not crazy about on the NH, is that the damn cab door smacks up again the tilt cylenders befoer it opens all the way, and I guess the cab is so so. The CAT has a very nice cab, and alot of operator options (foot throttle, nicer view, hand controls, access to the cab). CAT told me they never order machines with 2 speed however, and said it would be another $6k to order one, and it would take forever to get... number 1. #2, lift capacity is a little less.

Anyone have input on either of the two? Thanks!

[John DiMartino]

There are more NH's around here.I have a few friends who are blacktop and lanscap contractors,they only thing they all said with the NH is the hydro whine is very loud,they may have fixed it on the newer machines though.If the NH was a 2 speed,and had more lift capacity,and $6K less, i think id go with it,unless the Cat was offereing alot more of something else.The cab is important,if your going to be gettign in and out alot,which is usually the case,you need to consider that esp if the Cat is that much easier, to get in and more comfy.

[Craig]

Both the NH and the CAT are nice machines. Have you looked into a Takeuchi
they have three models the 130, 140 and the 150. I have worked with a 140 and it is very nice. CAT, you are paying dearly for the name. We have good service here with the CAT's but the rates are very costly. I was very impressed with teh Takeuchi models. Check them out; you may be very happy you did for the savings.

[salopez]

Craig is right Takeuchi make a really nice machine, but if you are not looking for a track loader take a look at the komatsu and the Gehls. I wound up buying a used gehl 4635 turbo due to its simplicty and price. if you want a nice view and more power for less money look at the big gehls they top out around 45k but that with hand controls, 2 speed, foot throttle, ac, and 3600 pound lift capacity.

[Pelican]

My buddy has the New Holland 190, I've got a Cat 248. My machine will run circles around his and at the end of the day you'll be less tired. The Cat is quiet, the N/H extremely noisy, this adds to operator fatigue. The pilot controls in the Cat are a lot easier to use too, again less operator fatigue. Don't let the lift ratings fool you. My buddy's N/H will not lift a bucket full of item 4 to full height, it breaks out at about 3/4 height. My Cat will raise the load to the end of the cycle. The N/H dealer told my buddy this is typical of N/H performance.

[paponte]

Thanks for the input so far guys, it's much appreciated. I am going to get a wheeled machine, as I do not preferr tracks in snow. Gehl isn't an option, since the dealer is too far from me and have had friends that had bad dealings with them. Pelican, I must agree that the cab and controls were MUCH nicer than the NH. The only 2 factors that I did not like were that 2 speed was really not available, and the lift capacity. However, I couldn't understand why it was rated lower, when the machine actually weighs more.

As far as price, CAT really wasn't off the boards at all. Think I will be looking in the $36K range for the 262B. If anything Bobcat was the one smoking the wacky tabaccy at almost $10K more than everyone. Thats why they are out of the picture.

[paponte]

Well, gonna have to make changes to that last post. Just got off the phone with Bobcat, and now their back in the running. I don't know, think it's just gonna come down to the dealers. :beatsme :nope :beatsme

[Rocket]

That CAT 268B is one nice machine. Hopefully picking one up this year myself. I like the CAT over the NH. I've used both quite a bit. First, I prefer the hand controls coming from bigger machines. Second, the NH is noisy and as Pelican said that causes operator fatigue. Third, getting out of the CAT is easier, being tall.

I don't know about NH service but out here CAT is second to none (again for big machines) although I hear Bobcat is supposed to provide good service too.

[paponte]

I don't know about NH service but out here CAT is second to none (again for big machines) although I hear Bobcat is supposed to provide good service too.

Yeah, thats what I am looking at now. The NH dealer I think is going to lack in the service dptment compared to the other dealers. Gonna demo a CAT, being that I have never used the pilot controls, then take it from there.

Thanks again for the input guys. Just gonna be spending a couple of $$ and wanna make sure nobody is holding back any punches. :cool:

[Pelican]

One other thing....the safety interlock system in the New Holland is very difficult to use. You must do about 3 things in the proper sequence each time you get in and out of the machine in order to activate the controls. The seat belt is one of those types that you must overextend on the first pull in order to latch it, you don't get a second chance. The two piece safety bar hits me in an uncomfortable way and I'm by no means overweight.

In the Cat, you just drop the safety bar and tap the parking brake switch and you're off.