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| im thinking about buying a bobcat 440b with a gas 16hp engine.(not sure on the year) i plan on using this machine to build BMX trails in the woods which requires ALOT of dirt. i was wondering if this would be a good machine for the job. i like the small size of it to help maneuver thru the trees but im not sure if its a good dirt digger. its 700lbs capacity has me a bit worried that it will get wore out to quick. i dont plan on aggressively using it all day everyday just on the weekends to build one jump at a time and clear some brush out of the way. the asking price on it is $5500, is that a good price or should i talk them down a bit? any advice on this matter would of great help. thanks; Dale. |
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western iowa | I think the 440B's were made in the early 90's and about $7000 when new. They are pretty small to do much with but, probably would work with some patience. You would want to be sure that the engine has some life left, as I think they were 2 cylinder air cooled. If you moved up a model to the 542B it would have a 4 cylinder liquid cooled Ford or mitsubishi ( I think ) engine and a better Bobcat for not alot more money. Maybe $6-7000 for a good one. My 542B has a 54" bucket. You need to be careful with a full bucket of dirt, it could use more counter weight. |
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| It is going to take a lot of time if you are planning on moving a lot of dirt. Are you going to be doing the work on fairly flat ground? These machines are not stable at all on hilly or rough terrain, especially with a bucket full of dirt.
If the ground is fairly level and you have the time, I would guess it could do the job.
I don't think you have to worry about wearing the machine out, they are built to dig. |
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Western Iowa | the 440 will work, but you would really benifit from a toothed bucket. It will help a lot for dirt digging. Make sure you get a 440 with the 8" wide tires and 42" bucket. Ones with the narrow tires and a 36" bucket will be too tippy. You will be tippy enough as it is. A little bigger machine, like a 542 or 543 will be slightly better, but still don't dig dirt too well without a tooth bucket (or tooth bar) |
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Western Iowa | Oh yea, $5500 is a bit steep unless it is really cherry or has several attachments |
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| the terrain im workin with does have alot of elevation change. thanks for the tip about how unstable they are. thanks for the advice guys |
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NC Iowa | here is a 440b for sale for $5000 obo, so $5500 might be high. this one looks to set up narrow, so it will tippy. no fun to lay one down. it is the newer version of the 14hp 371, and one other 16hp.
http://fortdodge.craigslist.org/grd/2868863286.html
don't know is this is close to you, but will give an idea on price.
http://www.bobcat.com/historical_specs/skid_steer |
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Walnut Grove MN USA | I have put a lot of hours on an old 371 and owned a 542B for a while too. For dirt moving in the older bobcat line I would look for a 7 series. Little ones are tippy in all directions, The 542B I had was the most undependable machine I have ever owned, mine had the ford gas engine, constant ignition problems and yes it was electronic. A 743 or 751 would be a good dirt mover. Lots of comprimises in the smaller ones for the sake of size. |
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Eastern Montana | I have a 440B. They are too light and unstable for what you want to do. With nothing in the bucket they are so light in front that its hard to get the bucket in the ground unless its already loose. I bought mine for about $4000 for a construction project and just kept it. |
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| thanks for the tip |
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| We've got a little Case 1816b, about the same size as the Bobcat 440. When you're trying to dig in hard ground, don't empty the bucket out all the way keep the bucket about half full and you will have much better luck getting it to cut. The little narrow skids are extremely tippy. Working around down tree branches is a recipe for laying one on its side. Back over a 6"-8" log with one side with the bucket up in the air a little bit and you'll be laying on your side, btdt only it wasn't a log. |
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MN | Like others have said they are light for doing much digging. I once had a L600 rounder (similar to 440) had a 540 for a while and now have a 543b. The 543b diesel is the most reliable for the most part but still isn't great for digging. I do think a tooth bucket would be a must with any smaller unit if you want to dig with it. I think the price is pretty high for a 440 unless it is near new. I think I paid 5-6k for my 543b. If you are willing to spend 6k you might be able to find an older 743, not real familiar with them but they are much bigger than a 4 or 5 series. |
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| I agree. A good 743 or 753 Bobcat with a tooth bucket would work good for building trails jumps with. I want a set of tracks for my 753 when in wet conditions. |
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thinkin of buying a 440b bobcat. i but i have ??s
