I love the steel rrack idea. I have a cat 299D³ xe lm. I have 860 hrs on it and i inspected my rubber tracks, id say tgey are still at 90 plus percent. A few cuts but not bad. 75% of that is mulching. But i plan to replace this machine end of next year and plan on steel tracks.
One thing I don't like on mine, especially with the mulching, is the AC condenser location and the inability to clean it without taking the whole set of engine compartment panels off on the top of the engine compartment. I would like it to be like their smaller machines and being easily serviceable like on the panel you lift up to open the rear door. I don't have the rippers on mine, so tend to bump the door or the bumper on the back. Have bent the camera guard up a few time when a Tree gets in the blind spot of the mirror and the camera. Gotten better at not doing that. One other thing I don't think you mentioned, is that all the drive motor hoses are all enclosed as part of the cab, not hanging out like they do on the ASV, where I have seen many folks rip a hose off and have to replace.
The AC condenser system is very irritating to clean, nearly impossible. I have brought this up to the Case’s director of product development and we are going to see if they can redesign that cover to allow for easier access. There are several things that I didn’t mention in the video as it was already 50 minutes long. I could speak on this machine for hours!
Man. Was looking at the asv and the difference int he review was mind blowing. No a/c all season. Trying to get it fixed 2 times. Fire hazards from the dpf. Blowing cooler lines to the heater core, and much more. I couldn't believe what was falling off. Light covers, etc.
Don’t get me wrong, I think the ASV is a great machine but…the Minotaur is so well built and so versatile. They each have their place but the Minotaur will be my pick every time.
@@HKLandSolutionsLLCI really appreciate you doing this review! How do you feel the Minotaur would compare to the ASV 135 Forestry on steep slopes? Thanks!
@@travisgilbert8416 The ASV is no match to holding a slope compared to the Minotaur. I have a good friend that runs an ASV and he even claims that the Minotaur is a beast on the slopes. The shear weight, balance, and the single grouser tracks dig into the hillsides so well. Hopefully this helps!
@@HKLandSolutionsLLC Absolutely!! We're looking at buying some property in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC and am concerned about safety on steep grades. Which one do you think would be better on the steep stuff the narrower single grouser or wider triple grouser? Thanks again!!
@@travisgilbert8416 I would assume that the wider triple grouser would hold a slope slightly better. You have much more ground contact and lower center of gravity (slightly heavier tracks). The huge cleats on the single grouser are unbeatable when it comes to traction though.
@@Wilkzack I do. I pull it with the 6.7 High Output Cummins (4.10 gears). The Ram hauls it very great. 115 degrees outside currently here in south Alabama and engine temps never rise about 215 and transmission temps never get above 168.
@@zx6rkawi09 like any other skid steer, it is a very tightly packed machine. The skid plates are very easy to remove (this machine has lots of ground clearance) which makes cleaning out the underside fairly easy. The cab lifts up very nicely which allows full access to your hydraulic pump, hoses, etc.
