Thomas Skid Steer (Opinions)

[No.2Diesel]

There is a skid steer for sale by me that I'm considering purchasing but I'm not familiar with this brand of machine. I have many hours in the seats of Gehls and Bobcats, but until today I never saw a Thomas. I think they're manufactured in Maine or New Brunswick Oh Canada. Its a T170 model. About 6,500lbs. It's 1989 vintage.

The machine has 3,000hrs. on it but has new kubota with 55hrs. new hyd. hoses and tires. I'm not sure about the maintenence history of the drive chains or hyd. pump. He's asking $5k for it. Anyone know about these? Opinions? Thanks in advance.

 

[Towerguy1]

Its not a terrible machine, but not as nice as a Bobcat, Gehl, Deere, or those. The Kubota engine should last well and be able to get parts for. As a whole with 3k hours and being a secondary brand I would not want it for a front line workhorse, but might be fine as a "homeowner" machine or at least be in a position to be without it a few days to get parts now and then...

 

[alphadeltaromeo]

I have a Kubota and I believe it to be the best diesel for these types of vehicles. The run and run and run some more. Quite frankly, I think the Bobcats, etc. are quite over priced. If there isn't lots of rust, just regular wear and tear, I'd buy it for that price without question...but that's my humble opinion.

 

[rdixiemiller]

The Kubota engines are good ones. I would be more concerned with the rest of the machine. Are parts available? That would have a large bearing in my decision.

 

[alphadeltaromeo]

http://www.thomas-equipment.com/ is one of the oldest makers of skid steers. Parts should be fairly easy to come by I'd think.

 

[rdixiemiller]

If you read the company info, it sounds like they are in some form of bankruptcy. They have been de-listed from AMEX, and have just restarted production after a hiatus of some sorts. I did a little research, they started making skid steers when the original Bobcat patents expired, along with just about every other equipment manufacturer on the planet. Looks like they are mostly owned by the S Koreans.
Nothing against their equipment, I would just be concerned about parts on a 20 yr old machine.

 

[alphadeltaromeo]

Good points...but for 5k with new guts I'd personally go for it...I'm sure there are a few out there that would serve as parts machines.

 

[BEASTMASTER]

the co. i used to work for had one , we used to deliver palletts of stone with it and do everything else under the sun.we ran it for 9+ years and had very little trouble with it.except when the owners kids used it and would run it out of go juice.

 

[rdixiemiller]

10-4. I just remember having an old Scott outboard motor. Good motor, but you couldn't buy any parts for it. So, when the water pump quit, I ended up junking it. I tend to be a little leery of stuff if I am not sure of the parts situation.
That's why I love my deuce!

 

[alphadeltaromeo]

I don't think we can beat the value of the deuce...right on!

 

[No.2Diesel]

Thanks everyone for your input. I'm doing more odd jobs that require a machine but never have enough up front cash. It is a real pain sometimes to rush knowing you have to spend time during the workday fueling and washing your rented machine and hauling it back before they close. After comparing similar machines on Rock & Dirt and Machine Trader, the asking price is fair. There are quite a few Ford Utility tractors around so the jury is still out. If I get something rough I'll deff. paint it OD or three color.