Loader Is Right Machine for Year-Round Work

Bulldozer sits idle while S250 stays busy

Brian Ayre still uses his 90-horsepower bulldozer at times. He uses his S250 skid-steer loader all the time.

During the nine years he's been in business, the owner of Ayre Excavating, Clinton, Wis., has upgraded his Bobcat� equipment inventory � from a 742 to a 773 to his first S250 � while using his dozer less and less. Now with a new, loaded-with-options S250, he has a machine that best fits his year-round needs, especially site prep and snow removal.

Grabbing and carrying odd-shaped objects, like this log, is no problem for Brian Ayre and his S250 skid-steer loader. He prefers the Bobcat loader to a bulldozer for most jobs because of its attachment options.

"I prefer the S250 because it's so much more versatile and cost-effective than my dozer," he says. Ayre does site prep work for new buildings � he recently completed one for a fire department and another for a school district � which often involves a variety of assignments, including removing topsoil, digging footings, installing parking lots and building water retention areas.

Unlimited abilities

"That's why I need equipment that can handle different phases of a project," he says. "With my Bobcat loader and attachments � auger, trencher, pallet fork, hydraulic breaker and mower � I can do a variety of work. With the dozer I'm limited."

Economically, the Bobcat loader makes more sense, too. "It costs a lot less to operate the S250," he says. "By not using the dozer, I don't have to spend money on expensive undercarriage parts, steel rollers, or pins and bushings. By using the loader I avoid those costs."

Options drive productivity

His newest S250, purchased from Bobcat of Janesville, has an enclosed, heated cab with radio, along with ride control, two-speed transmission and Power Bob-Tach� attachment mounting system. He enjoys the benefits of these options all year, but especially during the snow season. "Ride control is really great when working on uneven ground," Ayre says. "I've reduced bucket spillage, have a more comfortable ride and I'm less fatigued at the end of the day."

The two-speed function allows him to travel up to 12 mph simply by activating a rocker switch on the steering handle. "It's real handy when plowing snow."

So, too, is the Power Bob-Tach system as he switches from snow blade to light material bucket to spreader (salt and sand). "Changing non-hydraulic attachments without leaving the cab, especially in winter, is great," Ayre says.

From snow removal to excavating, and plenty of other jobs as well, Ayre relies on his S250. "It's just the right equipment for what I do."

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