skitheeast wrote:I do like the 350, tons of power, speed, and a good climber, But we have a 275 with 9000 hours and still the original Cummins. We just rebuilt the drive system at 8800. It may not be as fast or have the power of a 350, but still a very solid cat. We are a small resort and the 275 works great for us and doesn't devour tracks.
I completely agree w/the bold face. Additionally, I think it's a GREAT trainer cat, due to it's simplicity, basic nature, and slower operating speeds. A rookie can get into a lot of trouble, real quick in a 350. Lastly, I do have an emotional attachment to that model; "old faithful".
HOWEVER; it just isn't competitive anymore. It guzzles fuel to the tune of 6-8 gph, while covering acreage at a snails pace...resulting in a dismal GPA, by today's standards. The 350, set up and driven properly uses less fuel per hour, while simultaineously covering WAY more ground, way faster, and it can push circles around a 275.
As much as I have a soft spot in my heart for that great model...it just doesn't make the "number crunch", in our observation. Today, we're covering more acres, with less cats and less staff than where we were 10 years ago w/275's. Hard to argue w/that.