100 HR Review of CAT 299D3! PROBLEMS?, Product Comparisons (BC,JD,Tak,Kub) and How-To Included.

Over 100 hours on CAT 299D3 XE. I cover likes and dislikes, problems, comparisons to competitors (Kubota, Tach, JD, Case, and Bobcat). Also included a few tips and things to look for. ADHD on display:)

[@buzzbladz7142]

Best 299 review in a lot of ways, enjoy your content. Thanks. Subbed.

[@theMTNman]

Thank you! I appreciate you watching. 700hr review coming soon.

[@lukevaughn5918]

Cat makes guards for the hoses that go to the track frame. I think they come on the land management package

[@theMTNman]

Thanks, I discussed those with the sales guy and it really came down to access and expense. I should have mentioned that in my video, good catch.

[@Vasie-yv2hp]

Currently demoing this unit. Thank you for an excellent video!

[@theMTNman]

You are welcome. Hopefully I will be posting an 800 hour review soon.

[@BubbaAyers1969]

Great video on it, well described.. I keep looking for deer during the video, look like a great place nice 👍

[@theMTNman]

Thanks, the deer are definitely there.

[@abikerinpa]

Keep the videos coming my friend thx ! 😎

[@theMTNman]

Thanks for watching.

[@altofarmland2855]

Great video, great details. Thank you for sharing this review.

[@theMTNman]

I'm glad it was helpful and thanks for watching. Please subscribe if you would like more videos.

[@altofarmland2855]

@@theMTNman done! Yes sir

[@thefarmkid1938]

This is an excellent video!!

[@theMTNman]

Thanks, I hope your channel takes off if you're trying to make some $

[@GeneralBeefDip]

Good review of the machine. We don’t have cat dealers that are close in our area. I recently got a r-series T76 bobcat, and it seems to do well in high speed on grades compared to what you said about the 870. I know it is a lighter machine than the 870, and I don’t have any experience with the m-series line. They all have their pros and cons. At the end of the day if you are happy with your machine that is what matters the most.

[@theMTNman]

I agree about each having pros and cons and appreciate your comments. I'm glad yours will pull up an incline in high range, we were really surprised at how weak the 870 was in high and low. I think I mentioned my buddy has a T300 and he is a Bobcat fan for life but after trying the 870 said no thanks. I really like his T300 in comparison to mine in several aspects and the 299 is better in other areas. I would have had a really tough decision if they still made the T300, but the service from CAT and the performance compared to everything else we demoed made it an easy choice. I have a video of mine pushing uphill in high range (wouldn't recommend it but discovered it would do it on accident)

[@theMTNman]

I also wanted to say thanks for watching as long as you did and listening to my points about competitors, that was pretty deep in the video.

[@David-re5kt]

Well I just learned how to clean the windows by taking them out. Thanks for the info.

[@theMTNman]

You are welcome. They are slightly difficult to push up high enough to get out of the track, but it's nice to take them out and give them a good cleaning. Thanks for watching!

[@samakin5093]

Nice video, I don't work with a mulcher but what do you think about a 239D vs 259? getting a new one from Yancey in Atl soon for my hardscape and deck framing business.

[@theMTNman]

I think the 259 is probably the best all around machine out there. It's got pretty good power to weight ratio and the chassis is a good size. Mine is too big for hardscape work and I'm afraid if you go with the 239 you might be wanting a little extra power at some point. I hope that is helpful. Your dealership should be able to help you in your decision making. My salesman was extremely helpful (he is a manager, so he might be better than some).

[@sthdz2932]

7:07 one thing I like that reminds me about my dozer!

[@glennn440]

Really enjoyed your review and definitely zoned in when you mentioned throwing tracks on small stumps. I had this happen for the first time in the summer (thankfully) and was surprised how small a stump caused it. I typically cut stumps really short and never dreamt they could create problems. I dread the thought of this happening in the cold and mud of fall/winter. Iirc I was spinning machine around at the time - so now am more careful of what’s underneath in tight quarters. I have since then had derailments but stop immediately and get out and think things through and have been able to reverse things. Have you come up with a strategy to ensure tracks stay on since then? Beat I can come up with is no sliding turns at all if terrain is questionable - ie keep both tracks turning and better to do more gradual moves then spin around moves? Any advise you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

[@theMTNman]

Sounds like you are on the right track lol. They still come off occasionally and 99% of the time I'm on a steep slope. Watching for the stumps, roots, or rocks has kept them on and I'm working on designing a lightweight tool to aid in putting them back on in the event you can't reverse the process prior to the point of no return. Thanks for watching.

[@olyh9089]

Good review! Why does yours say two speed on the machine arms instead of land management? I’ve seen some are land management but only say two speed sticker?

[@theMTNman]

Thank you and thanks for watching. I honestly don't know about stickers. Mine is an XE model and I opted out of additional cooling and additional fuel tanks.

[@medlinlandmaintenancellc]

Is this a 21 or 22? What is your thought on the ASV? How would you compare the CAT and ASV? I am currently looking at both for forestry mulching. Would you give me your thoughts on which would be better for someone just starting out? Thank you for your time and consideration!

[@theMTNman]

It's a 2022. I always wanted to demo an ASV but there isn't a dealer near me; however, I think they shine on sandy or boggy soil, which I typically don't work in. It's my understanding the machine is a pretty good unit but the undercarriage can be a big problem if you are in rocky soil. I think there are a descent number of ASV videos on KZbin so I would check them out. Thanks for watching, sorry I couldn't be more help.

[@medlinlandmaintenancellc]

@@theMTNman thanks for your response!

[@williamguptill8096]

The brand new biggest ASV looks like it'd be real good for for a forestry mulcher, The ones at the same size as the cat I don't think is as good as the cat. And that's all I primarily do with my cat machine is Mulching. But you gotta get the biggest one with the Max horsepower in the extra hydraulic flow to have it run real good.

[@williamguptill8096]

Since my 289 days which I hated with the bulldozer tracks, Which was a Caterpillar, I traded it in on A297D with the extra horsepower kitOr it says 2Behind the 297, Which in my personal opinion I like the machine so much that I'm gonna redo the undercoach this Winter at should be should be by then 2200 hours

[@rontopping2048]

Great review, cat is definitely quality hopefully next gen will have larger cab or roll up door

[@theMTNman]

I've been discussing a larger machine with my rep, I think it's coming. I doubt they will go with a roll up door. Thanks for watching!

[@ShaneMindak-yl6ju]

They are fools for not going with a roll up door. Nobody and I mean nobody wants that godamn swing out door

[@Yettiattack]

Roll ip door in a small skid? Lol noo

[@rbbarnby108]

The lock on the window, is to hold the window open at the point you open it.. My 330G John Deere has the same two way windows, and the window lock.. I too can hook up hydraulic lines with the machine running.. The 330G has lots of options like high flow or standard flow, auto bucket leveling, the option of changing the controls from ISO or H pattern auto reversing engine fan, the option to slow down the travel to snail movement if you are doing something touchy.. There are so many more heat/AC vents on the 330G or the 332G, which is a track machine.. The Deere machines are so much easier to service than the Cat.. Changing the oil and fuel filters on the Cat is fairly tight being back in that hole.. The Deere has automatic idle if you stop for like five seconds, then when you touch the control again it comes back up to where the throttle is set on the control.. The 330G and the 332G have ride control that lets the loader arms float a little when going over rough ground.. The Deere machines are equipped with a back up camera and a blue tooth radio.. (not all are so equipped) The Deere machines are also rated to pick up more than the Cat.. Thank you for the great review of your Cat machine.. I hope it gives you many hours of service..

[@scottn5702]

You said your Cat was the quietest. Did you compare this with a JD 333? Has anyone seen a real db test yet?

[@theMTNman]

Overall quietness, meaning engine noise, exhaust noise, and chassis noise is definitely a perceived difference. After CAT changed how the hydraulic lines are ran it further decreased the noise in the cab. They developed a new method for running lines through the chassis and swapped the old design for the new under warranty. A db meter is definitely the most objective way to measure and that would be a great test to perform. Thanks for watching!

[@timsd0nahue]

I operate grooming machines for a ski resort. We knock snow and ice off our tillers and blade frames with a polyurethane tipped shovel (FallLine, $97 retail) so we don’t damage the many exposed hydro lines.

[@theMTNman]

Thanks for the tip and thanks for watching.

[@digginandbuildinwv7012]

What size deere did you have? I currently am looking at a new ctl, i have case 340b right now, but have purchased a cat d3 dozer and 420xe backhoe for alot of the same reasons you have mentioned. John Deere 331 looks impressive but i have not tested either one yet

[@theMTNman]

I owned a 322 but operated a 332 as well. I'm not sure which size cat you are looking at but the new models have a number of nice upgrades compared to mine. You should definitely get what makes you happy and from a dealership that is going to support you. I truly think that is one of the most important aspects. They all get the job done (if sized properly), just in different ways. Some are more comfortable and some are more utilitarian. After almost 800 hours I'm still very satisfied with mine; however, I will be looking at the next gen replacement for the 299. I told my rep after I bought it that I wished they offered something between a 299 and a 953. A 953 is too heavy to move around for most people, but a 16-19k pound CTL with about 140hp would be nice for the things I do. I'm hoping they develop a machine with similar specs in the future.

[@digginandbuildinwv7012]

@theMTNman Just talked to salesman yesterday about the new 265, I had no idea they had new ones on the way, said will have in April, I think I'll give one a try, it replaces 289, but has more power and performance

[@digginandbuildinwv7012]

Also, as far as bigger machine case has the tv620b, 16,000lbs

[@allamerican7830]

What type of mount did you use for your fire extinguisher? Did you get it from cat?

[@theMTNman]

It comes standard on XE model. I'm sure you can get one from CAT, it seems solid and doesn't rattle.

[@johnlutz9275]

Love this MACHINE 299D3,=CAT SKID STEER., JOHN BUY❤❤😂😂

[@dentonhardscapes5590]

Interested in upgrading from my T770 to this machine. Do you mind telling me what you paid for this machine? Thanks!

[@theMTNman]

I honestly would be afraid to tell you how much they are now. They may have gone up. I can tell you that Bobcat, JD, and some others raised their prices during the pandemic and CAT actually sold it to me during the middle of the pandemic for less than they priced it pre pandemic. I got for around 5 or 6k less than the T870 and less than the new Case as well. We tried the T870 and a good friend of mine that is Bobcat loyal didn't like it and agreed it was weak, his T300 will run circles around it. I like the T300 better than the CAT in some regards, but like the CAT in other areas. Problem is they don't make a T300 now so I'm using a CAT and have been really impressed. I honestly didn't want to have anything to do with CAT when I started this journey but I'm glad I gave them another shot.

[@theoddp6004]

We just got a 289d3 it was 84,550 in Illinois…they went up January 1st I think another 5%

[@allamerican7830]

I just bought a new 2022 299D3 high flow with smooth, tooth buckets and pallet forks for 98. Machine was 94 alone

[@marcjudd3882]

I got a new 259D3 in January 2022 ....$64,500 in Illinois (Altorfer Cat)

[@theoddp6004]

@@marcjudd3882 Jeff your salesman? Got ours at Altorfer as well great machines.

[@johnlutz9275]

Nice

[@williamguptill8096]

I just thought of something, The other problem that you might be having with your tracks piling off is that you might have them adjusted way too tight. The dirt ninja puts off an excellent video on how to adjust your tracks. When I had A289D it was key using using that video to put my tracks where they needed to be where they wouldn't wear.

[@theMTNman]

Thanks, I'll look for it. I try keep them on the tighter side of spec (about 1" of sag). I initially was running them at 1.5" and kept throwing tracks so I tightened them up another 1/2".

[@williamguptill8096]

@@theMTNman Did you see the dirt ninja video, Where he puts his main boom all the way down and curls his bucket up and does his measuring from the bottom of the track

[@williamguptill8096]

@@theMTNman Dirt ninja, He does it on A289D but same principles for you

[@theMTNman]

Not yet. I'm going to check it out. My dealer called today and I think they are going to work with me on a new set.

[@theMTNman]

Watched the video, his procedure is straight out of the CAT manual and what I've been doing. I think my issue is multifactorial: I think the tracks are bad, and I think I ran over bunch of stumps with the brush cutter and cut the tracks then working in the east TN shale ripped the cuts wider. Looking forward to seeing what my dealer does.

[@bonestockcattleco4288]

Do you have a link to that cup holder?

[@theMTNman]

a.co/d/1ask9Vz They have other options, I bought this one because it fits my water bottle perfectly. The rubber tabs aren't substantial enough to secure smaller bottles, so you might need another option.

[@robbinstruckinglandclearin786]

Nice tractor I have a new cat 289 i like it

[@theMTNman]

Thank you, why did you choose 289 over other models, if you don't mind me asking?

[@robbinstruckinglandclearin786]

@@theMTNman no def I mostly load trucks spread dirt it does a good job sometimes on a steep slope i can’t work bucket and keep speed up but it’s doing the job

[@anthonycash4609]

The huydrlic hoses down by the tracks is a down fall for cat and ASV machines they will get damaged if you run it long enough. This is coming from experience. I'm not a key board operator I have my on machines and have been in the business for over 30 years.

[@theMTNman]

I appreciate your reply. Sometimes I don't do a good job making my point and I'm new to KZbin, but I never claimed they wouldn't get hit or snagged. I've already snagged one but didn't rip it off. I'm saying the competitor videos saying you are going to hit it with a shovel and destroy it are bogus. I was also trying to make the point they are easily accessible and easier to change than the competition. Easily accessible and a quick change is a big deal to me. However, I honestly don't think you would ever damage one doing grade work. Is that your experience?

[@anthonycash4609]

@@theMTNman I've had the most problems with the huydrlic lines while clearing lots and heavy bush hogging , big limbs and small logs that get hung in the tracks has ripped the hoses off from time to time. Just the cost of having equipment . Good luck with your new machine. However I do like the attitude you have with keeping the machine clean . I'm a neat freak over my equipment. My dad taught my long ago , you go to a job to work with your equipment not to work on your equipment.

[@mattphillips1910]

I have a 299C with 3,200 hours on it. I will upgrade it when I get to 4,000 hours. Mine spends most of its time with an FAE mulcher on it. The mulcher makes the machine run at its maximum performance. Overall, I have been very happy with mine, and it looks like Cat has improved this model since I bought mine. That said, a couple things I have noticed: The housing for the air conditioning is directly under my feet. It is extremely dusty in there and I have to lift the cab, disassemble that a/c box, and clean it out with a shop vac and an air compressor as much as twice per week in order to keep it clean and running properly. I suggest you keep a very close eye on that system. Hopefully they have improved their design on that part. Also, the hydraulic cooler and engine cooler are the same aluminum radiator. When I run a tool that maxes out the hydraulics, the engine coolant often overflows from the slobber bottle in the door. The machine has never overheated yet. But it makes a mess in the engine compartment. When it happens, I can smell the coolant through the a/c. When that happens, I keep the tool running to circulate the hydraulic oil and let the tractor run at idle for 5 minutes or so. If Cat has not improved on that by the time I replace mine, I will be adding an aux cooler. Just something to keep an eye on if you run big tools. The center of gravity on my C model is excellent. I have had that little skid steer in places that were very challenging. It really is better in that regard than any other skid steer I have run. Good video!

[@theMTNman]

If I have time I'll try to get some differences or updates for you. I haven't had any AC problems but I blow the filters out on a regular basis. The internals on my AC housing are dust free even after running machine in dusty conditions. It did get hot on me running my brush cutter on a hill the other day but I had forgot to turn on the reversing fan and the radiator was clogged with a bunch of furry seed pods. I understand your position on coolant. I overfilled it one time and it did leak out in the engine compartment. It never happened prior to that or after. My machine runs cool for the most part even when running the high flow brush cutter for hours in 80-95d weather. I know its not a mulcher but it requires a lot of flow and hp to operate. I'm glad you like your machine for the most part and thanks for your comments and watching. I started this channel to help guys like you because I couldn't find the info I was looking for prior to purchase. Let me know if there are any videos or test you would like me to perform.

[@mattphillips1910]

@@theMTNman Thanks for the response. And yes, those blasted seed pods are a pain. I'll tell you what I do for radiator cleaning: I have an old MultiQuip diesel air compressor. It was one of the first things I bought when I started my career with heavy iron. It still runs great. (That's funny because MQ is not known for running for 30 minutes, much less 30 years.) I am too old to run jack hammers anymore, so I have been using that compressor with a flattened out piece of half inch copper tubing to blow out the radiators in all my iron. Before that, I used a leaf blower for the big stuff, and a directed air nozzle from a small compressor on my truck for the radiators. The big compressor does both. It's an extra trip to the job site, but it's worth it. The engine compartment gets blown out daily. Under the cab and that crappy a/c box get it once or twice per week. I do have a Bradco Ground Shark which is very similar to your mower. Those things are fantastic. But they make the skid steers work really hard. As far as the a/c box goes: It isn't sealed. (It might not be possible to seal a system like that?) So, any dirt or dust that enters the undercarraige sticks to the condenser and the fins immediately. By the sound of your comment, they must have addressed that by now. If they hadn't, you'd know it. I just advise you to watch it closely. Once it gets dirty, it will fail. And those parts are big bucks. Ask me how I know! :-)

[@Jamesbrown-xi5ih]

@@mattphillips1910 the D series addressed a lot of the problems with the C Series you have from what I understand, and now CAT is on the D3 series if you get the enclosed cab versions, it is a completely sealed and isolated cab now.

[@mattphillips1910]

@@Jamesbrown-xi5ih Thank you James! I appreciate the information. I suspect Takeuchi may be my next skid steer. But I haven't decided for sure yet. 3,700 hours on my C model now. And I have been impressed with it......most of the time. If the improvements that the C model shows are required have been made, then I will be happy to pick up another Cat when I where mine out.

[@sthdz2932]

5:01 In Can see that being an advantage vs a 289d3

[@kennybates6216]

How often does it regenerate

[@theMTNman]

I haven't really monitored that closely, maybe I should do that in the future. I know when it regenerates, but I haven't monitored the hours in between cycles. I really think it depends how hard you are running the machine too because it seems like it doesn't regenerate as much when I'm running the brush cutter. I will say it uses very little DEF.

[@roberthumberston8803]

for now, we have one and it is a pain. it doesnt stay quiet for long, fuel tank plastic swelled against fuel guage. kept running out of fuel window will smoke out plastic and it is a be pins wears out bitch to get bucketar to see through. we have 2800 hrs on ours, and quick connect will wear pins out.

[@theMTNman]

When did you start having problems? We are around 150 hours and everything is still good. I'm not sure I understand what some of your problems are due to the typos, but as for pins wearing out, we use a very tacky high quality grease and I grease it probably every 6 hours. No matter what brand of machine the pins are going to wear but regular use of high quality grease will slow the process. I hope your dealer helps you out with the other issues.

[@roberthumberston8803]

@@theMTNman our cat man bailed as soon as tm expired. have issues with operators not greasing also use red n tacky.not sure what to do with window over 8 bills to replace. quick change pins are culprits .p,s turned spell check off. most wear is operator sloppiness.boss kind of shrugs, i try to fix.thanks for reply.

[@theMTNman]

I hope you are right about the operators being a lot of the problem. I do all the maintenance and I'm religious about greasing it and keeping it clean. I used to use red n tacky and I switched to Amsoil heavy equipment grease. It cost a fortune but you can't wash or wipe the stuff off, all my years of farming and I've never seen a grease like it. I figured as much as these machines cost I need to protect my investment. I hope paying an extra $5 a tube is worth it.

[@roberthumberston8803]

@@theMTNman i have to use what boss buys.

[@stephenlindsey9233]

How are the tracks holding up?

[@theMTNman]

I pretty much destroyed them and have learned from my mistakes. CAT is working with me on a replacement.

[@MrBigblock3272]

How is the cab room compared to kubota?

[@theMTNman]

It's been awhile since I demoed the Kubota. I fit in either of them so wasn't concerned about space (I'm trying 6'2" and almost 200lb). Biggest thing about the cab on the Kubota is its noisy, lots of rattling and it isn't sealed like the CAT. I've worked in extremely dusty conditions in my machine and I don't get dirty. I do blow my filters out using an air hose with low pressure on a regular basis.

[@MrBigblock3272]

@@theMTNman I was just curious did you notice size difference in the cab… yes kubota are noisy just picked mines up 3 weeks ago…. Door design sold me on kubota vs cat in case of emergency I would still be able to get out

[@theMTNman]

I totally get it, that's why I included my size. I felt comfortable in both so I didn't get real picky about the size. I had a JD for years with the pull up door and I thought it was great at the time and in concept but don't hit a bump with the door up if you are tall. I hit my head hard on that thing so many times I learned to close it. The Kubota might be taller than the JD model I had (322 I think).

[@regconrad7783]

Just turn the break window knobs in a cat the doors gone in a emergency before you get that Kaboty door open FYI

[@ChannelGarrett]

Any thoughts on Kubota vs. what you have?

[@theMTNman]

I haven't had the opportunity to spend a lot of time on a Kubota, but a friend was on a job a couple of weeks ago and he has been operating equipment for 40 years and said that he liked it. He prefers the the T300 Bobcat but that is a thing of the past. He did comment that it was a fast machine. The biggest negative I have heard in regards to Kubota is the cabs are very poorly sealed. I think you will be fine if you have a Kubota equipment dealer (not a tractor dealer that happens to carry CTLs) in your area that you know will provide you good service. I feel like I have said it in every video that dealer service is one of the biggest factors in purchasing a piece of equipment. My opinion of CAT has improved 100% since buying my machine but maybe I'm just blessed and the local dealership is better than other CAT dealers. I hope you find something that provides you good service and you enjoy operating it. Thanks for watching.

[@SadlonCattleCompany]

tell your cat guy cat 5001 i believe, i bought from Thompson cat they put rubber hose holders in the frame and super quiet now

[@theMTNman]

Thanks so much, I texted him and he said they did have a fix for the hydraulic noise now. Taking it in soon, I'm going to try to remember to do a before and after video. I hope it's a significant difference. Thanks Again!

[@SadlonCattleCompany]

@@theMTNman that fix has been out over a year they just don't push it. Definitely take it 2 them to have it done . It took me and the service guy 5 hours to change them on site. it was extremely not fun.

[@rodricsanchez9479]

Biggest problem with customers we have, over time the cooling pack gets debre stuck in the fins. Starts running hot, overheats. Solution clean your cooling pack frequently. Both sides

[@theMTNman]

Thanks for the input.

[@thefarmkid1938]

Really good content!! I am also starting out YouTubing. Keep it up.

[@theMTNman]

Good luck, I'm just trying to help people out with real world examples.

[@regconrad7783]

Cat rocks the Skidsteer world

[@theMTNman]

I'm looking forward to the changes with the new design. The 265 shares a lot of design similarities with a Bobcat T300 which was a great machine. I'm hoping to get my dealer to let me do a head to head comparison with the new 299 replacement vs mine.

[@rirebel6029]

I'm a heavy equipment and I have run them all ...hands down the cat 289/299 are the best skid steers made . FYI after you run that cat don't bother going near a Takeuchi they suck

[@theMTNman]

Thanks for watching and your insight.

[@nicholasharlan]

i like mine, 👍

[@theMTNman]

I'm glad you are enjoying it.

[@GoodleanTV]

299d3 high flow has 110 hp compared to the 75hp john deer. I have never in my life gone, oh i wish i had a john deer over my Cat 305/315. Cat or Komatsu, welcome to the club

[@theMTNman]

Thanks and thanks for watching.

[@esackett6544]

Why didn't you like the Case? Do you remember which model it was that you compared it to?

[@theMTNman]

I disliked the design so much I didn't even operate one. I was planning on having one brought out for a demo but after looking at it I didn't want to waste their time. I didn't like the lines being exposed on the loader arms, engine compartment was a nightmare, and the housing that holds the backup camera and lights was plastic on the model I looked at. It was located just above the back door. Might be a fine machine for farming or just moving dirt other than the servicing aspect. I'm mulching, moving dirt, and doing forestry work and needed something well protected and easy to maintain. Check out my oil change video and look how easy the CAT is to service. Everything is right in front of you. Thanks for watching.

[@chriss7930]

I got mine being delivered on Saturday, 299d3xe and a 289d3 xps

[@theMTNman]

Real Nice! I hope you enjoy it as much as I'm enjoying mine. We drilled about 16 holes with the auger for fencing (would have taken me all day by hand) took us about 30 minutes.

[@chriss7930]

@@theMTNman we do road planing I have 3 257d and a 287 can't beat cat for operator comfort !

[@theMTNman]

Did you get your machine? How do you like it?

[@chriss7930]

@@theMTNman yep got both of them. Have had a few teething problems with both of them. But now they are both almost sorted. I've only had 1 day on each machine

[@theMTNman]

What type problems if you don't mind me asking? I'm getting ready to do my 150 hour review soon, so curious what issues you've had.

[@labandonaldhock80]

Cup holder is the most important!!!

[@theMTNman]

It is definitely a consideration, thanks for watching

[@timbaker9219]

Which John Deere did you have.

[@theMTNman]

I owned a CT322 and used a CT332 when I needed the extra power. I enjoyed my experience with JD, no real problems.

[@boitanoexcavation3564]

Cab is super quiet but you wear earplugs while operating?🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@theMTNman]

Sorry, it seems contradictory and I thought I explained the noise and earplugs in this video if you watched it all. The engine is very quiet and the cab is quiet comparatively speaking. However, the drive hydraulics run through a rigid mount on the chassis and it creates some noise under certain operating circumstances. CAT has a fix for it and I'm taking my machine in for the update soon. Although the cab is quieter than most machines on the market it is still consistently above 70db which is where hearing loss occurs. I've ran machinery my entire life and already have some hearing loss and I'm trying not to make it any worse. Thanks for watching.

[@charlesbelser7249]

Not good about de- tracking so easily. ASV insures against that now for 2 years and will come to you and put the tracks back on during that time. They need to work on that.. Which machine that you have operated had absolutely the biggest cab and most leg room ( I'm 6'4"). I don't understand why these companies can't simply add a other foot leg room etc. If Cat has not already, they need to add a read guard like ASV .

[@theMTNman]

I finally got the everything figured out with the tracks, haven't thrown one in a long time. I'm 6'2" and I'm very comfortable in it but I like staying close to my work. I'm not the guy that drives his car sitting in the back seat either. I prefer arms and legs both bent a bit for control. I think the Tak has the biggest cab but I haven't had the opportunity to sit in ASV. I wish we had a dealership in our area, I would love to try one.

[@charlesbelser7249]

@@theMTNman Thank you.

[@scottmcquarrie7295]

Skid steer loader manufacturers make me laugh. They'll make the side windows slide out of the way but no, got to look through a front window. Idiocy. If I ever bought a Cat skid steer, the first thing I would do is remove the front door. I hate looking through glass at a work site. I would probably buy one with a roll up door first actually.

[@theMTNman]

I've had the roll up doors too, this cab seals up and I come out clean no matter how dusty it is. Not sure how I could post pictures but an open cab is not suitable for the conditions I use this machine in. I've used an open cab and at the end of the day I look like a monster and my lungs are full of junk. I agree that an open cab is great in 65 degree weather working in slightly damp soil.

[@scottmcquarrie7295]

@@theMTNman , everyone is welcome to their opinion. I don't like a closed door for me. If I get dirty and dusty, I feel that's part of the job. I'm 56 and I have 39-40 of experience so with that, I obviously broke in on machines with open cabs and forget about air, never happened. You were lucky if you had heat. I learned on a 79 Drott 50, a Cat 977L and a Dynahoe 160. All truly really old school man machines. It taught me to tolerate the elements and develope a fine appreciation for being a working man and the sweat, cold and dust and bouncing around that goes with it. It's a shame in many ways that the last couple of generations of Operators don't seem to have the same values or fortitude.

[@theMTNman]

I appreciate your comments but fortitude has nothing to do with it, you can't operate a mulching head or the brush cutter I'm running with an open cab, unless by fortitude you mean having a strong desire to be impaled.

[@scottmcquarrie7295]

@@theMTNman , being that I never ran an a mulcher on a skid steer or anything else for that matter, I didn't mean no front glass for that application. In that application, I believe it would be best to have a very stout front door and keep the a/c on and be safe. But for general construction, grading work and other precision operations, for me, definitely no front door. But I would just take it off and then put it back on for snow removal. To each their own.

[@chriszeiner7834]

@@scottmcquarrie7295 I agree Scott. I have the opportunity to run both types of machines. We have several new compact track loaders with mulching heads and there is absolutely no way you could run them without a very stout front door. We also have an old excavator that I immediately push the door and front window out of the way, I don't know why but I definitely feel you can see better without the glass.

[@davidludtke9606]

I don’t like the way it operated s hate the small crappy camera don’t like gas pedal throttle control burns fuel like crazy had 40 problems with empire equipment during the sale all around hate it wore out my last 299 with forks the guards block your view jerky controls makes stuff fall off the pallet

[@theMTNman]

Sounds like you got the wrong machine for your needs. I'm having a much better experience. Thanks for watching, wish you well.