Hot take: Case is better than CAT for most

[MoneyMike]

Case machines are cheaper and easier to work on. You wont deal with all the special parts like you do with CAT. Their solid and get the job done! Cost less to maintain, the cab’s more comfortable to. Which helps when you're in there all day.

CAT’s the toughest without a doubt, but unless you’re doing heavy work all the time, Case is the way to go.

 

[winston_wisdom]

Most of the time someone says "hot take" it's followed by total garbage. But I might actually have to agree with Magic Mike on this - only because you put the "unless you're doing heavy work all the time" caveat in there.

If you're working your machine daily (running a busy business or renting) or it's going to take a beating - CAT is the way to go. Disagree on how hard it its to get parts, Case will likely be similar - but cost should be less for parts. Most operators have experience with CAT controls so they get a plus there. And CAT seems to hold it's value better for high hour units if you sell.

But guys buying a machine for a smaller business or personal use I can't argue with CASE. Lower initial cost and availability of deals is a big plus there. Usage intensity probably won't be much of a problem which means maintenance costs probably even out. As long as your local dealer is solid and responsive you should be in good shape.

 

[heavydutytech]

any other recommended brands other than CAT and Case? Any to absolutely stay away from?

 

[Andrewcollins]

any other recommended brands other than CAT and Case? Any to absolutely stay away from?

Deere and Komatsu can be a great alternative. Komatsu is known for its strong hydraulics and durability, while Deere has a good resale value and operator comfort. What type of work are you planning to use the machine for?

 

[winston_wisdom]

any other recommended brands other than CAT and Case? Any to absolutely stay away from?

Bobcat has a big following for a reason.

My sons swear the Takeuchi's are solid but I haven't gotten in one. They got a few in their rental fleet. Most guys opt for what they're familiar with but after runnin they say people have good feedback. But that lack of name recognition means you can usually get a good deal on a used one.

 

[Rigroller]

I see where you're coming from, but I think it really depends on what kind of work you're doing. Case definitely offers great value for the money, and for lighter tasks, it's hard to beat in terms of cost and ease of maintenance. However, when you’re working in more demanding conditions or putting in long hours, CAT's durability and resale value can’t be overlooked.

That being said, dealer support is key no matter the brand. If you’ve got a solid Case dealer with good parts availability and fast service, it can really make a difference. In the end, it’s all about finding the right balance for your needs!

 

[Sawdust123]

Case is definitely a solid choice for cost and maintenance, but if you're running machines hard every day, CAT still wins.

 

[LoggerMike]

Good points all around! Case is definitely a great value, especially for owner-operators or smaller outfits that aren’t beating on their machines daily. But yeah, CAT’s resale and durability are tough to beat. Curious, does anyone have experience with running a mixed fleet? Does switching between brands cause any headaches with maintenance or operator preference?

 

[Mr.LiftOperator]

Case definitely has its advantages- lower cost, easier maintenance, and a comfortable cab go a long way. But yeah, if you're running machines hard every day, CAT’s durability and resale value make a difference. I guess it really depends on how much you’re using it and what kind of work you’re doing!

 

[Luke Gibson]

Case is a great option for cost and maintenance, no doubt, but CAT still holds the edge for those running hard every day. I think it really comes down to what you're using it for—if you're in a high-production environment, CAT’s long-term durability and resale value pay off. But for a smaller outfit or personal use, Case is hard to beat!

 

[Sean Henrich]

Lots of solid points here! Case definitely shines when it comes to cost and ease of maintenance, but I’d argue that resale value matters even if you’re not running machines full-time. CAT’s durability means you’re more likely to get a decent return when it’s time to upgrade. That said, does anyone here run Kubota or New Holland machines for similar work? Wondering how they stack up in terms of reliability and cost.

 

[Richard Thompson]

Totally agree! Case is a solid choice if you're not beating the machine up every day.