Bobcat 463 w/rotary broom?????

[ChicagoSnow]

I think its high time to step up to the plate and invest in a "multi-purpose" tool like a Bobcat 463 w/rotary broom to clear walks.

I know the broom is only good for 3" at most (at least that what the rating is) but we go on our sidewalks as soon as we have a dusting+. The goal is to do more with less labor.... of course.

Just very difficult to transport with one of our plow and salter combination trucks.

Any thoughts on transport besides a seperate vehicle to deliver the 463/broom?

Any one run a 463 for sidewalk snow removal operations?


ChicagoSnow

[mdb landscaping]

how small are your sidewalks? the reason im asking is, i use a 773 bobcat on walks at one of the accounts i manage, and it fits on the sidewalk just fine. the sidewalks are a little bigger than the standard sidewalk cause its a state building, but im just wondering if you may need to jump up to a bigger machine. anyway, a bobcat is a great tool for sidewalks. we use buckets and not brooms, but i see many people using brooms to clear them, and it looks very productive and leaves the sidewalk looking great.

[ChicagoSnow]

mdb,

I know the 463 is small, precisely why it so attractive!

I own a S300 and have access to a 863 and 773G all way too big!

These are very long runs of 48" wide sidewalk at several school's we do winter maintenance for. Some have a little settling which makes clearing down to the surface even more difficult with any straight blade snow plow, bucket, etc. I realize the usefullness of a bucket for clearing snow also, but desire the 0" snow remaining after clearing with a rotary broom. The key in my equipment set up for this project is to reduce liability. 300-500 kids per school prove to very challenging with strictly risk management in mind.

ChicagoSnow

[nsmilligan]

I have a Trackless for doing sidewalks and am thinking of investing in a broom attachment, ( 60") Trackless says 6" of snow.
and no damage to grass etc. plus spring time clean up could product extra $$.

Bill

[urethane dino]

we are using a brandy new 175 at the school we atke care of this year. Just the bucket on all the main walks and a honda 621 on the rest. We are payed by the hr so the more time the better.
Dino

[DT366]

i used to be able to tow my trailer with my sander on because my sander had the shorter shoot on it . The ones for pick-up trucks. This might help you

[ChicagoSnow]

Thanks guys for your thoughts.............

Two years ago I test drove a RC30, a very small and light weight tracked loader (I forgot the correct term????). I guess that would work also, I'm just partial to the Bobcat brand.

All in all, which would you choose:

1). Small skid steer with appropriate attachment for walks?

2). Keep on using various snow blowers for sidewalk snow removal?

3). Adventure into a "4 wheeler" of some kind? I know they make a rotary broom that is gas powered by a seperate engine. Just seems like the equipment is not refined enough for my taste.

Thanks again,

ChicagoSnow

[urethane dino]

Why buy the small skid steer. Lease it from United Nations or Bobcat of Chicago. They will even rent you the broom. If you get a larger sized machine you will be more likely to use year round, vs a 4 wheeler that might only be used for winter.
Dino