S175 and S250 Loaders Make a Great Weight-Lifting Team For Landscape Contractor

The increased lifting capacity, lift height and reach of the S175 and S250 Bobcat® vertical lift path skid-steer loaders make them an ideal choice for saving time and labor in a variety of lift and carry applications. That includes landscaping and construction projects. In fact, they fit the needs of landscape architect and contractor Ted Lare so well that he has a pair of each of the long-wheelbase machines. His company, Ted Lare Design-Build, Inc., Des Moines, Iowa, uses this new generation of Bobcat vertical lift path loaders for landscape planting and construction work on residential and commercial projects. The S175s and S250s, along with five other Bobcat skid-steer loaders (two 763 models, one 773 and two 863s), play a vital role in the company’s success. “There’s no job that we can’t do with this equipment,” Lare says. The S175s, with a rated operating capacity of 1,750 lb., are primarily used by the planting crews for loading, unloading and carrying sod and trees. These 46 hp machines have ample strength for drilling holes for planting, grading gravel and building berms. What’s more, the S175s can work quickly and easily in and around tight spaces often found in landscaping projects and the deluxe cab makes the work comfortable for operators. The bigger S250s, with a 2,500-lb. rated operating capacity, tackle the heavier construction jobs. They lift and carry pallets of paving blocks for patio projects and pallets of stone and individual boulders when building granite retaining walls and waterfalls. With their 75 hp engines, the S250s make quick work of digging and pushing their share of dirt, too. The all-new S250 has several other features that lighten the work load for Lare’s crews, such as faster-operating bucket dump and rollback and quicker lift arm cycling. Also, thanks to a new lift arm design and 3,300 psi hydraulic pressure, the S250 provides more lift and tilt breakout force than the 863. “The hydraulics are improved, plus the ride is smoother,” says Lare. The new lift arms and structure of the S250 improves the view of the work area from the cab. “The visibility for the operator is definitely better,” he says. “That pays off in increased safety.” Lare has owned only Bobcat skidsteer loaders since switching from a different brand 16 years ago. Bobcat loaders such as the S175 and S250 have the power, maneuverability and comfort that he wants, but proven durability is just as important. “We service all our Bobcat loaders regularly and trade them in after about 2,500 hours of service,” he says “We’ve never had a major problem with any of them. They’re almost bullet-proof.” Finally, he notes still another reason for buying the S175 and S250 models. “Bobcat loaders,” he explains, “are constantly being improved.”