ALL-WHEEL STEER LOADER Ideal for Tree Removal Work
Jerry Hodgson moves logs with his A300 all-wheel steer loader.
Jerry Hodgson finally found the ideal loader. “We’ve waited at least 10 years for a machine like the A300,” says the owner of Jerry’s Tree Service, Chetek, Wis.
The Bobcat® A300 all-wheel steer loader is a vertical lift-path unit with a 3,000 lb. rated operating capacity. Just flip a switch to choose the operating mode—either the turf-friendly all-wheel steer or the agile skid-steer.
Hodgson and his son, Britt, use the A300 with a Brushcat® rotary cutter for clearing brush and an industrial grapple for loading logs, as well as pallet forks and tooth construction/industrial, low profile and light material buckets.
For two decades Hodgson used Bobcat skid-steer loaders to move trees and logs, clear lots and grade jobsites. The A300, equipped with flotation tires, enables him to work even more productively.
The A300 is gentle on the jobsite and on tires when working in the all-wheel-steer mode.
“In this mode we can maneuver around trees and in tight areas a lot faster and easier than in skid-steer mode, with minimal damage to grass,” says Hodgson. “We work on some pretty nice yards and the last thing we want to do is spend time and money repairing turf. Also, we can turn the A300 on asphalt driveways on hot summer days without leaving marks. By eliminating repair work, the machine saves us at least an hour a day.”
When moving dirt or when they need maximum maneuverability, the Hodgsons simply push a rocker switch to select skid-steer mode. “This gives us plenty of traction for pushing dirt,” says Hodgson.
In addition to an “inching” mode—for maintaining engine rpms at slow ground speed—and a low-range, the A300 also offers a high range with a top speed of 12.4 mph. “We use that every day to save time,” he says. “We’ll use low-speed when we’re carrying logs or dirt to the truck, which may be 150 to 200 ft. away and the high-speed when we’re going back empty.”
The state-of-the art, low-effort joystick controls for steering, changing directions and operating the lift arms and attachment tilt are another big plus, notes Hodgson. “I was used to hand and feet controls, but it only took me about a day to get comfortable with the joysticks. They’re real easy to operate and very smooth. You don’t have to move them much to do what you want.”
Even though he’s tried other brands of compact loaders, they don’t compare to the performance and durability of his Bobcat equipment, says Hodgson. He’s also been impressed with the service from his dealer, Barron Supply Company, Barron, Wis. “Our Bobcat loaders have seldom broken down,” he says. “But when there has been a problem our dealer has taken care of it. They’ve been great.”
Hodgson was recently offered the opportunity to demo a different make of skid-steer loader. “Try it and you’ll switch brands,” he was told. His comment on the likelihood of changing: “Not a chance.”