GEHL Skid Steer

[jimont]

I understand that Gehl is out of the ag business, but are they still producing skid steers????? If they are still building them, what is your opinion on their machines? Thanks guys.

 

[Fordfarmer]

Out of the ag business, but still building industrial machines - skid steers, mini excavators, telehandlers, etc. Never owned a Gehl skidsteer, but have rented a couple, and talked to owners. Controls seem touchy, not as smooth as other brands I've run, and I've been told that their hydraulic systems (or was that hydrostatics?)don't hold up long-term.

 

[R. John Johnson]

Gehl is still producing Skid steer loaders. It's a been a money maker for them for years. They have been built in a dedicated plant in SD for decades. They were not making money on the other Ag stuff, and hadn't for a long time, so they dropped it. For a long time Gehl was proud of their parts support, and I doubt that has changed. You will be able to get repair parts for ag machines for a long time.

I am biased, but I think Gehl makes a great skid steer.

John

 

[Anonymous-0]

Mustang bought Gehl if I remember right or it's the other way around. Compare them and you'll find they are almost the same. They might have different engines. Dave

 

[JMS MN]

My 4625SX is twelve years old, I"ve had it for nine- only minor problems in 3800 hours. Coolant heater, one hydraulic solenoid, an "O" ring on the hydro. I"ve rented a new Bobcat that had more slop in the arms than my Gehl does now. Would certainly buy another. I like the hand controls- feet stay flat on the floor except when using the grapple. One hand controls speed and direction, other runs the bucket.

 

[n8terry]

I bought a new one in 2005 and would recommend a Gehl to anyone. To me they were easier to get in and out of. My old Mustang had a 3 cyl Yanmar, as well as my 2005.

Bobcat, I am told, was bought out by South Korea company.

 

[JMS MN]

Yes- a few weeks ago. Company in a town about 15 miles south of me still/was making attachments for them. Original machine was invented by two brothers in a blacksmith shop in NW MN, at the request of a local turkey farmer. Keller Bros., Rothsay, MN, Farmer was Eddie Velo. Late 50s- start of a whole new industry!. Went to Melroe, in Gwinner, ND, bought out by Clarke Machine, sold to the Koreans.

 

[jimont]

Many thanks for all your input fellas!! We're getting back into livestock (sheep and beef) for our son's meat business and feel that a skid steer is the way to go in confined areas. Gonna try to hold back on the decision of which make to buy until we've investigated all possibilities. Made a rule for myself, when buying my own line of machinery, that I would consider all makes for at least 6 months before making the final purchase. Time has proven that process to work very well. Now, I have to convince the next generation to do the same!!

 

[JMS MN]

If you are willing to look at several makes, I would recommend that you rent machines that you are interested in. I like hand controls, others like hand/foot controls. It is very definitely a personal issue- what you are comfortable driving. That is the biggest issue among makes. $25-30 per hour to try some out? Years ago I had a Case 1530- more down time than uptime, so often rented a machine for the little I "had" to do back then- cleaning low sheds. "98 I bought the Gehl 4625SX. Used to think that when I retire, I"ll keep the loader tractor. No........now I"ll keep the skidsteer. Best machine I ever bought- first thing to get fixed when it goes down...only minor problems, but, I can use it virtually every day.