What skid steer to get.

[RedMF40]

I run bobcats 40 hours a week. One difference of rubber tire and tracked machines are lifting ability. Tracked machines are much, much more stable with a near capacity load. You can nose over a rubber tire machine easier and a track machine of the identical model number will lift more.

I saw this with a job I hired out. They came with a Bobcat tracked loader to demo a Thick concrete patio and grade afterwards. The machine picked up one end of the patio and the operator let it drop, breaking it into pieces they could load. I forget the exact dimensions but it was a big slab of concrete. I was impressed.

 

[G1000VISTA]

15 years spent operating bobcat track machines doing excavating work. Started with hand and foot controls, then case controls then joystick , then pilot controls.. Liked the case controls the best but can run all styles. For the work you want to do I would go tracks. Better flotation, more lift capacity which you will need with a mulcher. Our bobcats can pick up a jersey barrier on the forks. those weigh 6500 lbs. Far as track s lasting, it's all on the operator. We have LOTS of limestone in this area. Can kill a set of tracks quick. BUT if you don't turn ON the rocks, don't spin on the rocks you can get hours out of a set of tracks. 2000 hours plus wasn't unheard of on a set where I worked. Some guys got more. Just the difference in operators. I will also say, the gravel running into the tracks isn't anything to worry about. If you watch the track most of it stays outside the rollers and what does get in there falls out thru the gaps. Also, with a most hydraulic operated stuff will be easier to control when running full throttle. full throttle is nothing to worry with. If buying used, look at the bucket and loader arm pins closely

 

[jddrawbar]

One important thing I forgot to ask, I have not been to the dealer yet to ask them, Do these modern diesels require DEF?

Over 75 hp. will require DEF.....If you are going to effectively run a mulcher, you will need to go big, SVL 95 or 97

 

[Bruce from Can.]

I have had skid steers on the farm since 1987, The way I use a skid steer wheels are best option for me. I used the skid steer to remove manure from barns , and move hay and straw in and out of storage. Probably running 99% of the time on a solid hard surface like concrete or even a gravel driveway. Tracks would not be any improvement to my skid steers ability to preform the tasks I needed done, and would probably have more problems with the tracks filling with manure. While our dairy farm was operating I ran the skid steer 365 days of the year.
My advice is determine what type of work you intend for your skid steer to preform before you buy one.
One point I should mention is that because skid steers have so little ground clearance, they really aren’t well suited to situations where they will be working in deep mud or on very soft ground. They just bottom out

 

[Destroked 450]

I have had skid steers on the farm since 1987, The way I use a skid steer wheels are best option for me. I used the skid steer to remove manure from barns , and move hay and straw in and out of storage. Probably running 99% of the time on a solid hard surface like concrete or even a gravel driveway. Tracks would not be any improvement to my skid steers ability to preform the tasks I needed done, and would probably have more problems with the tracks filling with manure. While our dairy farm was operating I ran the skid steer 365 days of the year.
My advice is determine what type of work you intend for your skid steer to preform before you buy one.
One point I should mention is that because skid steers have so little ground clearance, they really aren’t well suited to situations where they will be working in deep mud or on very soft ground. They just bottom out

When I was searching for a skid steer ground clearance was a concern, knowing it would be used on soft ground and having bellied out a couple of rubber tired rentals I only wanted a track machine
I don’t know about the new Terex machines that replaced my ASV but it’s high ground clearance was one of its main selling points for me, plus high flow was standard equipment for the size machine I was looking at
Every brand I looked at had 8-9 inches of ground clearance except ASV, My RC85 has 14 inches of ground clearance, it also is under 80 inch tall so it fits under the equipment in my poultry barns

 

[Destroked 450]

I’ve run both tired and rubber track machines of different brands, I own a track machine, they both have their advantages and disadvantages
On hard surface only I’d probably go rubber tire even though that would be giving up some lifting capability, tracks are the only way to go on soft surfaces but do have traction issues on wet grass or slick mud, I was going up a fairly steep grade on wet grass once and my track machine spun out, then slide backwards down the hill for about 30 ft
I have not run a steel track over tire machine but a friend had one the went pretty good, down side was removing and installing the steel tracks when needed, he has since switched to Kubota track machines
A track machine cost more to maintain especially if the tracks are abused, tracks for mine are 1900-2300 per track, a nephew has a similar machine to mine, recently he was clearing some ground and got ruff with it spinning and hard turning on limestone ground, he’s now looking a $7000 worth of tracks and boggie wheels

 

[Bruce from Can.]

I’ve run both tired and rubber track machines of different brands, I own a track machine, they both have their advantages and disadvantages
On hard surface only I’d probably go rubber tire even though that would be giving up some lifting capability, tracks are the only way to go on soft surfaces but do have traction issues on wet grass or slick mud, I was going up a fairly steep grade on wet grass once and my track machine spun out, then slide backwards down the hill for about 30 ft
I have not run a steel track over tire machine but a friend had one the went pretty good, down side was removing and installing the steel tracks when needed, he has since switched to Kubota track machines
A track machine cost more to maintain especially if the tracks are abused, tracks for mine are 1900-2300 per track, a nephew has a similar machine to mine, recently he was clearing some ground and got ruff with it spinning and hard turning on limestone ground, he’s now looking a $7000 worth of tracks and boggie wheels

Ouch !!

 

[Fixingfarmer]

One important thing I forgot to ask, I have not been to the dealer yet to ask them, Do these modern diesels require DEF?

so our 262d wheeled one does not need def. It still has a catalyst it relies on heat generated from the exhaust to keep it clean. its not perfect but there are alot of manufaturers that make a 74hp machine for that reason. no def required. The big 299d and everything since then with tracks and over 75 hp yes sir def required.

 

[jm.]

I know I haven't said anything recently But I have read all your comments and have been doing extensive study.

I am looking at a new machine or a dealer machine a year or two old. Also we are going with tracks.

Personally I believe it comes down to New Holland or Kubota for me.

Or local Case is known for terrible customer service, and they own all the dealers for 300 miles around. Knowing Bobcat changed hands and having researched that, a lot of people say they are not the same quality. John Deere is frankly too expensive compared to the others, as is Terex and Takeuchi.

I like the options New Holland has to offer, and the local Kubota is known far and wide for it's great customer service.

Hopefully this coming week, I will be able to go and examine the two in person.

IF you do your homework you will go with the KUBOTA ..Kubota sells 5 to ever one that New Holland sells there is a reason

 

[jm.]

It's your money and it is your choice, but as I said, I work on this stuff daily and New Holland anything is getting a really bad name in my area. it is well known that Fiat is trying to unload New Holland. Parts are hard to get and really expensive. Kubota is just the opposite. Good parts service and a good reputation. New holland would be my last choice.

Agreed will probably not even be in the market in the next 4/5 years

 

[Bruce from Can.]

IF you do your homework you will go with the KUBOTA ..Kubota sells 5 to ever one that New Holland sells there is a reason

The Kubota dealer that I deal with sells many loads of skid steers and mini excavators ever year. Both farmers and contractors buy the Kubota machines.

 

[88Sooner]

Not sure if this is the right spot to post this, If not let me know.

I would like peoples opinions on skid-steers. What brands, models, flow rate, years old VS hours, tires VS tracks.

We are looking at purchasing one for farm work and possibly some work for hire.

Would like to be able to run a forestry mulcher, I believe 25+GPM are needed for that.

Any input is appreciated.

My choice is and would be Gehl

 

[88Sooner]

Not sure if this is the right spot to post this, If not let me know.

I would like peoples opinions on skid-steers. What brands, models, flow rate, years old VS hours, tires VS tracks.

We are looking at purchasing one for farm work and possibly some work for hire.

Would like to be able to run a forestry mulcher, I believe 25+GPM are needed for that.

Any input is appreciated.

My choice is and would be Gehl

 

[Bob Bancroft]

When I was searching for a skid steer ground clearance was a concern, knowing it would be used on soft ground and having bellied out a couple of rubber tired rentals I only wanted a track machine
I don’t know about the new Terex machines that replaced my ASV but it’s high ground clearance was one of its main selling points for me, plus high flow was standard equipment for the size machine I was looking at
Every brand I looked at had 8-9 inches of ground clearance except ASV, My RC85 has 14 inches of ground clearance, it also is under 80 inch tall so it fits under the equipment in my poultry barns

I think they're the same machine.

 

[Alvin 41]

Not sure if this is the right spot to post this, If not let me know.

I would like peoples opinions on skid-steers. What brands, models, flow rate, years old VS hours, tires VS tracks.

We are looking at purchasing one for farm work and possibly some work for hire.

Would like to be able to run a forestry mulcher, I believe 25+GPM are needed for that.

Any input is appreciated.

What about the JCB with easy side entry and extendable boom, like a telehandler?

 

[Texgasser1]

My choice is and would be Gehl

First time I have seen mention of a Gehl, Can't say I have ever seen a dealership.

 

[Texgasser1]

What about the JCB with easy side entry and extendable boom, like a telehandler?

I have seen those and think they are neat, But do they have the ability for the same range of different attachments?

 

[Texgasser1]

Would like to hear from anybody who has one of those JCB boom arm track loaders. There are none within 300 miles of me, or Dealers for that matter. Might be a nitch worth getting into, depending on capability.

 

[Bob Bancroft]

Would like to hear from anybody who has one of those JCB boom arm track loaders. There are none within 300 miles of me, or Dealers for that matter. Might be a nitch worth getting into, depending on capability.

Seems that I heard that the JCB one arm CTL is incredibly expensive. Compared to what, I don't know. Neighbor has a JCB telehandler which he likes, but getting parts is a battle.

 

[UncleTom]

I first started running a skid loader for the county parks. We had a couple of wheel Bobcats. With all the tree cutting and mowing we did in the hills the boss traded for a tracked machine. I loved the joysticks. Tires are a less harsh ride, tracks will go almost anywhere. But we were always putting tracks back on. It takes 2 people to do it also. I talked to the dealer and they said tighten them up a little more. Still the tracks fell off. Usually when turning. Im not bad mouthing tracks. They have there purpose. We started carrying extra grease and a grease gun and crowbars to put the tracks on every time we took it out.