Evaluate Cat 259D Skid Loader Performance and Service

What happens here

The third worst machine is the Cat 259D, but this is described as a 'love/hate relationship' due to Cat's excellent service department. The primary and recurring flaw is the routing of hydraulic hoses that feed the drive motors. These hoses run through an open track assembly, which repeatedly fills with dirt and debris, causing the hoses to rub, chafe, and eventually burst. This issue has occurred four times, including once with the boom arm hoses and three times with the undercarriage hoses. Each burst hose drains the entire hydraulic reservoir, costing approximately $500 in hydraulic oil per incident. The host estimates nearly $12,000 in one-off repair costs (head gaskets, lights, etc.) and an additional $11,000-$12,000 in lost time and labor costs due to downtime for these recurring hose failures. To prevent future issues, one could replace all hoses and spray foam the exposed areas, making it easier to replace specific hoses by pulling them through the foam. Despite these significant flaws and costs, Cat's service department is highly praised for its responsiveness and willingness to guide owners through repairs, a factor that makes owning the machine bearable.

Goal: Understand the specific design flaws of the Cat 259D and assess the impact of its excellent service support.