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Compact Track Loaders


PhilBobcat
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Having worked in an office for far too many years, I am seriously thinking about setting up an owner/operator business with a compact tracked loader (Bobcat or Caterpillar), something that will get me outside and doing something practical with construction equipment.

 

I am evaluating which markets I can target as a sub-contractor, and the wide range of forestry attachments available for these machines made me wonder about the arboriculture industry. So my question is, do you guys all own and use your own machinery, or are there occasions where you might hire in a little man with a tracked loader + brush cutter, log grab, chipper etc. to help out on bigger jobs? I guess I'm a bit worried that even if some tree surgeons hire in subbies, they will already have an established network of them and it might be difficult for a newcomer like me to establish a customer base.

 

I was going to buy a mini excavator, but I'm thinking a CTL would be more versatile and enable me to get work in a wider range of industries. Plus the fact that there aren't anywhere near as many contractors who have them compared to mini diggers!

 

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you might have,

 

Phil, Chelmsford.

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We once hired a tracked skid steer with flail to mash up loads of overgrown mess on a huge traffic island, perfect for the job. Struggled a bit to find 1 as mts had them all out on sites erecting wind turbines. 99% of our jobs wouldn't have access for a machine of that size anyway, I would have thought there would be more work for a mini digger with a good operator.

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For many jobs, in gardens, the tracked machines would be too wide and cut up the turf, but for site clearance jobs they are brilliant. I have hired one in the past, but would just have happily had it with op. Whether there are enough days work around you is another matter entirely. Good luck with the venture if you do.

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My advice is buy equipment/machinery you HAVE demand for currently. Do not buy equipment for what you WANT to be supplying.

 

Without an established market you could find yourself with £25k worth of ornaments sitting in the shed. Costing space, insurance, etc.

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