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Overview of the Thomas 1700A ProTough
The Thomas 1700A ProTough skid steer loader represents a transitional moment in compact equipment design—where rugged simplicity met the pressures of market expansion. Released in the early 2000s, the 1700A was part of Thomas Equipment’s attempt to broaden its North American footprint through auction-based distribution. While this strategy disrupted traditional dealer networks, it also placed durable machines like the 1700A into the hands of everyday users at accessible prices.
Key Terminology
The 1700A ProTough was engineered as a stripped-down version of Thomas’s standard skid steer line. It featured mechanical foot controls instead of electronic joysticks, a basic operator cab, and minimal electronics. This simplicity made it ideal for users who valued reliability over sophistication. The machine was powered by a Kubota 4-cylinder fuel-injected diesel engine, known for its longevity and ease of maintenance.
Owners often praised the machine’s intuitive handling and responsive hydraulics. The bucket float feature, in particular, was highlighted for its effectiveness in driveway grading and snow removal. Despite lacking advanced features, the 1700A delivered consistent performance in landscaping, tree removal, and light excavation.
Auction Strategy and Market Impact
Thomas Equipment’s decision to distribute the ProTough series through liquidation auctions was bold but controversial. The goal was to sell over 4,000 units across North America, bypassing traditional dealerships. While this move made machines like the 1700A more affordable—some selling for under $11,000—it also alienated dealers and complicated parts support.
This strategy mirrored similar efforts by other manufacturers during the early 2000s, when auction platforms like Ritchie Bros. and IronPlanet began reshaping equipment sales. However, the long-term impact was mixed. While users benefited from lower prices, many struggled with service and parts availability, especially as Thomas Equipment’s presence waned.
Field Anecdote: A Divorce, a Deal, and a Driveway
One notable story involves a homeowner who acquired a nearly new 1700A from a neighbor undergoing divorce and bankruptcy. The machine had only 212 hours and had been used to build a house, dig a pool, and clear snow. After a week of trial use, the buyer was impressed by its performance and considered keeping it for long-term property maintenance. The experience highlighted how personal circumstances and auction strategies intersected to place industrial-grade equipment into residential hands.
Performance and Practical Use Cases
The 1700A ProTough excels in:
Challenges and Limitations
Despite its strengths, the 1700A has limitations:
Thomas Equipment was once a respected name in compact machinery, especially in Canada and the northeastern U.S. However, aggressive expansion and reliance on auction distribution eroded dealer relationships. By the mid-2000s, the company faced financial instability, and its machines became harder to support. The 1700A ProTough stands as a relic of this era—durable, capable, but orphaned by its manufacturer’s decline.
Case Study: Equine Property Maintenance
A family seeking land for horse keeping considered the 1700A for long-term use. Its ability to clear brush, grade paddocks, and move feed made it a practical choice. While resale was an option, the machine’s utility and low operating cost tipped the decision toward retention. This reflects a broader trend of skid steers becoming essential tools in rural property management.
Best Practices for Ownership
The Thomas 1700A ProTough may not boast the brand recognition of Bobcat or Caterpillar, but it delivers where it counts. For users who value mechanical simplicity, reliable performance, and a hands-on ownership experience, the 1700A is more than a budget machine—it’s a gateway into the world of compact equipment.
As one first-time operator put it: “I didn’t know anything about machines, but this one taught me fast—and I’m not letting it go.”
The Thomas 1700A ProTough skid steer loader represents a transitional moment in compact equipment design—where rugged simplicity met the pressures of market expansion. Released in the early 2000s, the 1700A was part of Thomas Equipment’s attempt to broaden its North American footprint through auction-based distribution. While this strategy disrupted traditional dealer networks, it also placed durable machines like the 1700A into the hands of everyday users at accessible prices.
Key Terminology
- Skid Steer Loader: A compact, engine-powered machine with lift arms used to attach a wide variety of labor-saving tools or attachments.
- Tooth Bar: A removable steel bar with teeth that bolts onto the bucket edge to improve digging capability.
- Bucket Float Feature: A hydraulic setting that allows the bucket to follow the contour of the ground without operator input, ideal for grading and smoothing.
- FI Diesel Engine: Fuel-injected diesel engine offering improved combustion efficiency and cold-start reliability.
The 1700A ProTough was engineered as a stripped-down version of Thomas’s standard skid steer line. It featured mechanical foot controls instead of electronic joysticks, a basic operator cab, and minimal electronics. This simplicity made it ideal for users who valued reliability over sophistication. The machine was powered by a Kubota 4-cylinder fuel-injected diesel engine, known for its longevity and ease of maintenance.
Owners often praised the machine’s intuitive handling and responsive hydraulics. The bucket float feature, in particular, was highlighted for its effectiveness in driveway grading and snow removal. Despite lacking advanced features, the 1700A delivered consistent performance in landscaping, tree removal, and light excavation.
Auction Strategy and Market Impact
Thomas Equipment’s decision to distribute the ProTough series through liquidation auctions was bold but controversial. The goal was to sell over 4,000 units across North America, bypassing traditional dealerships. While this move made machines like the 1700A more affordable—some selling for under $11,000—it also alienated dealers and complicated parts support.
This strategy mirrored similar efforts by other manufacturers during the early 2000s, when auction platforms like Ritchie Bros. and IronPlanet began reshaping equipment sales. However, the long-term impact was mixed. While users benefited from lower prices, many struggled with service and parts availability, especially as Thomas Equipment’s presence waned.
Field Anecdote: A Divorce, a Deal, and a Driveway
One notable story involves a homeowner who acquired a nearly new 1700A from a neighbor undergoing divorce and bankruptcy. The machine had only 212 hours and had been used to build a house, dig a pool, and clear snow. After a week of trial use, the buyer was impressed by its performance and considered keeping it for long-term property maintenance. The experience highlighted how personal circumstances and auction strategies intersected to place industrial-grade equipment into residential hands.
Performance and Practical Use Cases
The 1700A ProTough excels in:
- Driveway grading: Using the float feature for smooth finishes.
- Snow plowing: Compact size and responsive hydraulics make it ideal for tight spaces.
- Landscaping: Tree removal, soil movement, and site preparation.
- Light excavation: Digging trenches or preparing foundations for small structures.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite its strengths, the 1700A has limitations:
- Parts availability: With Thomas Equipment no longer widely supported, sourcing components can be difficult.
- Resale value: Auction history and brand obscurity mean resale prices may be lower than expected.
- Attachment compatibility: Missing accessories like the tooth bar reduce versatility unless retrofitted.
Thomas Equipment was once a respected name in compact machinery, especially in Canada and the northeastern U.S. However, aggressive expansion and reliance on auction distribution eroded dealer relationships. By the mid-2000s, the company faced financial instability, and its machines became harder to support. The 1700A ProTough stands as a relic of this era—durable, capable, but orphaned by its manufacturer’s decline.
Case Study: Equine Property Maintenance
A family seeking land for horse keeping considered the 1700A for long-term use. Its ability to clear brush, grade paddocks, and move feed made it a practical choice. While resale was an option, the machine’s utility and low operating cost tipped the decision toward retention. This reflects a broader trend of skid steers becoming essential tools in rural property management.
Best Practices for Ownership
- Routine inspection: Check hydraulic lines, tire wear, and engine fluids regularly.
- Manual acquisition: Secure operator and service manuals for troubleshooting.
- Custom fabrication: Use local machine shops to replace unavailable parts.
- Preventative maintenance: Grease fittings and clean filters to extend lifespan.
- Community knowledge: Engage with other owners for tips and workaround solutions.
The Thomas 1700A ProTough may not boast the brand recognition of Bobcat or Caterpillar, but it delivers where it counts. For users who value mechanical simplicity, reliable performance, and a hands-on ownership experience, the 1700A is more than a budget machine—it’s a gateway into the world of compact equipment.
As one first-time operator put it: “I didn’t know anything about machines, but this one taught me fast—and I’m not letting it go.”
