Ditch Witch 'Zahn' mini-skid steer

[No_Bivy]

I think alturna is making soe white ones now. Track mats makes a light green, white and a black.

 

[Koa Man]

You are right about the price that stops me, plus shipping them to Hawaii will double the cost of the mats. A sheet of plywood lasts me for about 8 months and I only need 5 at the most. I keep moving them as I drive the lift. The Gehl does not need any protective cover over grass.

 

[top_notch]

I used to work for a company that would just tear the yards up most of the time, they have a big skid steer. Not sure how that guy stays in business considering how he ran his company, usually something got broken on every job and ruts were left in almost every yard, yet we still always had work.

 

[tntree]

Hey guys, I didn't want anybody to really see these. I have driven one they have 3 kind of lock in speeds, with the fastest scary fast.
They do not lift very high, and do not boast big lift specs. BUT they do have the bolt on duals, something I have been requesting from the Mfg's for years.
This BMG owner LOVES IT!! no lawn damage, wheel ride on under 36" and articulated whats not to love

 

[lumberjack]

The low, weak lifting; unproven design; and price tag?

 

[sawinredneck]

And back to my point, I know "cost is objective", but I would really like to know how much the "front end" (meaning changing out the front of the machine) really cost.

 

[Frans]

And back to my point, I know "cost is objective", but I would really like to know how much the "front end" (meaning changing out the front of the machine) really cost.

They use a universal plate. cost just the same to use a thomas or boxer or ramrod.

I am puzzled about the 'not proven design' comment. Whats not proven? that it articulates? thats been done before.

The biggest drawback in a mini for me, is not being able to drive through a garden gate.
It is different for everyone, but my business is in an area where everyone, I mean everyone, fences their yards. Big backyard and the only access is through a tiny gate. Usually with an air conditioner unit placed right in the way.

 

[lumberjack]

Honda proved Aluminum blocks, Ford failed misserably.

Rayco proved hydro grinders with the RG50 but still had to send out a couple thousand dollars in upgrades on things they missed with the RG85.

I'll get my Thomas down to 35.5" or less, sell it to you with the tires/wheels that get it back to 42", and get the boxy Boxer 427 for myself.

It's a win win!

 

[Frans]

Honda proved Aluminum blocks, Ford failed misserably.

Ah, got your point, thanks.

I'll get my Thomas down to 35.5" or less, sell it to you with the tires/wheels that get it back to 42", and get the boxy Boxer 427 for myself.

It's a win win!

Eh, support for the thomas is next to non-existent in my area, but thanks.

 

[sotc]

ive heard good things about the ditch witch. someone has to buy the articulated one first

 

[No_Bivy]

BOXER

 

[squisher]

Eh, support for the thomas is next to non-existent in my area, but thanks.

Any mini I've seen doesn't really need anymore support than a hydraulic shop and a welding shop. They're not overly complex machines.

 

[Frans]

Any mini I've seen doesn't really need anymore support than a hydraulic shop and a welding shop. They're not overly complex machines.

I agree especially in my area of agriculture. But... a local rental yard had a couple of them, and some of the pins and stuff wore out, and thomas was horrible to deal with.
They finally fabricated some stuff, got the machines running and sold them.


I also like the Boxer, but it is just too wide. Today we cut down a redwood in a backyard in a subdivision. Narrow little walkway from the backyard to the front with the everpresent a/c unit blocking the walkway.

No way could I get a boxer in there, but the ditch witch woudda fit.
What has worn me down over the years is humping wood into the truck. my joints just kill me now.

 

[Koa Man]

Frans,
The variable track Boxer will fit through a 36" gate. The tracks adjust from 34.5 to 43" by just moving a lever. Takes about 2 seconds to go the full range.

I wish they made the tracks with gray rubber like the spiderlifts. No marking the concrete with black marks on turns that way. A smooth track like the ASV option would be nice too.

 

[sawinredneck]

Other than being slow to respond, I had great help from Thomas. But I am not trying to sell you. I can maintain it myself.

I have worked on Ditch Witch equipment, not that bad to work on, but parts are pricey. Shop rates will be around $65hr. But that will hold true for any machine so that doesn't matter. I am glad to hear it will take the standard attachments. From the look of the website you needed to change the front of the machine for other attachments. That is were I was basing pricing.
You seem pretty sold on this Frans, an Dave seems to think well of them, so I cannot discourage you. Most of their equipment is built very well, they have a nation wide dealer network which is a huge help!
I cannot stress enough how nice my Thomas has been to my back! I hope to get some removal jobs soon to use it for that.
If it fits your perceived needs you like the price, have other ideas of how it can make you money, and can justify it, buy it!

 

[tntree]

Other than being slow to respond, I had great help from Thomas. But I am not trying to sell you. I can maintain it myself.

Ditch Witch equipment, Most of their equipment is built very well, they have a nation wide dealer network which is a huge help!

Big Ditto!

[/QUOTE]If it fits your perceived needs you like the price, have other ideas of how it can make you money, and can justify it, buy it!
[/QUOTE]

I heard 2 Green Xpos ago, U could put your hands on one for $15999 no attachments. Thats not bad, not bad it all especially if you get the duals too

Frans, you ole fart ~ Go dig up one of those coffee cans in your backyard.
AND BUY IT! your back will probably never regret it.

PM me I'll give you the guys #, he has had it one season now

Now Gehl is coming out with competition for The Italian made Boxer 700's, Multi ones, etc. Again American made! Only available in Europe now, they pushed US introduction from march till Sept. Economic woes

 

[tntree]

Oh Yeah
http://www.gehl.de/products/prodarticulate.html

 

[Wagnaw]

Hey TNTree, Does anyone make a pump sprayer attachment for a mini or bobcat? You know... one that would run off the hydraulics. I have a PTO pump sprayer for my Kubota, but I've been thinking how nice it would be if I could mount something like that on the front of a mini. Then I could get to all sorts of small hemlocks, etc... that need spraying in people's back yards. IMO it would be way better than a special truck with way long hoses, yada yada. ...especially up here in the mountains.

 

[PCTREE]

Wagnaw that shouldnt be all that hard to make, just need to size a pump and motor to the minis flow rate and a tank that it could carry or maybe a small trailer it could pull. Interesting idea, I have never used a sprayer but interesting.........

 

[sotc]

very interesting idea!!

 

[tntree]

Wagnaw that shouldnt be all that hard to make, just need to size a pump and motor to the minis flow rate and a tank that it could carry or maybe a small trailer it could pull. Interesting idea, I have never used a sprayer but interesting.........

PC's right,
I have some bogeys from the front of a big zero turn mower, Hyd motor geared to your pump & maybe a 30 gal tank (~250#s). I can see it

Is that practical with such a small tank?

 

[arborworks1]

I like the sprayer idea but why not just have it fully supported by the mini.

 

[tntree]

I like the sprayer idea but why not just have it fully supported by the mini.

your right if it stays under what? 400 ~ 500 pounds you could just carry it.
might be pretty sproingy with water sloshing around