I think I picked my machine?

[chipsearthworks]

Hey guys I think after the tread about my thread about the "tractor vs skid steer" topic I have decided to go with a steer for now and then when I get alittle bigger maybe i will get a tractor. Anyway my question is I found a 2001 new holland ls170 turbo,2006 hrs,single speed,reg hyros,great condtion,with tooth bar,and beacon on roof. Is this a good deal or no and are there any problems I should know about or is it a strong solid machine. any help is appricated.Thanks :feedback :feedback

[snowplowjay]

Honestly I like the New Holland machines A LOT but one the thing that I would want for sure in one for doing parking lot plowing would be a 2 speed transmission....

Jay

[Snowboy]

See if you can get a 2 seep like Jay said. Have you driven a single speed Skid? I've driven and watch guys drive them they are slow. I usualy drive a F series deere tractor for sidewalks and its great that i can zip around the court yard with it. I dont think you will be able to go as fast as the tractor or if you do you might want to get a kidney belt and put allot of rubber in the cab so you dont crack open your mellon.

Dave.

[chipsearthworks]

I know all about the diffrence between two and one speed, and I would love to have a two speed but It just is not in the budget. All of the two speeds are like $20000 plus and I set my buget from $10-$15 thousand remeber it is a starter machine for me So I am trying to keep costs down.

[cat320]

I liked the NH when we had rented one way back when the modell was The L555 and i loved the long wheel base .I think the new machine are the same not much technology like the bobcat but probably less to go wrong.For a starter machine it would be fine ,any machine that you can get that is at a resonable price and is in good condtion will make you money.It's always better if there is a dealer near by for parts.

[PSDF350]

Chipsearthworks i respect your decision to try and keep cost down. But here is how i have always looked at perchases. Buy what you want and need not only for the here and now but also for future. Meaning if you spend the extra it will cost now for whatever it is be it a skid steer or plow or what have you. You will be ahead of the game. Becuase if you buy something now trying to save money but not really what you want i find you tend to regret decision and buy the other anyway. So in reality it will wind up costing more in the long run. Whatever your decision enjoy.

[snowplowjay]

It's always better if there is a dealer near by for parts.


We have a few very good New Holland Dealers here in this area of CT so you will be all set Chip....

Kahn Tractor and The one on the Berlin TPKE are both good dealers to work with.........


Jay

[Pelican]

I agree with Dave, buy the most machine you can possibly afford. In this case a 2 speed will increase production, increased production will mean more income. Do whatever you can to get a 2 speed, it will pay you back many times over in the long run.

[cat320]

I have to say that it is a good idea to plan for the future and get a machine that will do the job down the road instead of buy one noe and then having to get a bigger one down the road. But if your doing alot of jobs were this one will fit the bill and you can make some good cash and it's at a very inexpensive price I would buy it use the hell out of it and then get or order the machine I want / need. but like steve and dave said you will be more productive with a 2 speed and bigger machine .Just a few ways too look at it I guess.

[4evergreenlawns]

I would agree with get what you think you will use over the long haul. You already said you know the 2 speed is the way to go. On a unit that size $5K is not that much over time and your increased production will offset the labor meaning saving money to pay off the skid. Would you consider not having an enclosed cab and no heater to save a few K????

It is like buying a Western 8' Str8 blade plowing! because you can get it for $4K and maybe when you make some extra cash you can put some wings on it later, but knowing it will take you 1/3 more time to get the job done meaning a 1/3 less work OR you could buy a Blizzard 810 :blizzard got $5500.00 have the wings now do 1/3 more work now and make 1/3 more cash now.

BTW notice three years ago I owned two Western plows brand new. Now look what I plow with.......


Hope that make sense.....

[chipsearthworks]

Thanks guys for all your imput I think I am not going to go with that skids steer And take the advice that was given to me and keep loooking for a two speed skid. You guys are correct in that even if it is more up front it will work out for the futre plans of what i want to do with the machine, One of the big ones is to plow with it so the two speed will help alot. So thanks for everyones imput and I will keep you guys posted. :salute :salute