Anyone own a skid steer loader?

[dianeschlicht]

I would like advice on them. We are thinking we want a small "Bobcat" skid steer instead of a tractor for our new log home and acreage. Any advice from anyone who owns them? I am especially interested in what you think of buying used versus new.

 

[bubie2.5]

bump

 

[jimmytammy]

We own one. Ours is a John Deere. It is a medium size. It was new so no opinion about new vs used. Make sure the size will accomodate for heaviest use, especially if using as a forklift. You can buy weights for them to balance.

They are multitask for sure, with lots of attachments. Good trash removal with proper attachment. We use for unloading plywood a lot and trash removal.

Used is probably OK if it has been taken care of. If you see enough of them you can tell if it has been abused or not. Paint cant cover but so much

 

[dianeschlicht]

We are looking at a Bobcat S130. It is rated for 1300 pounds of lift and has counterbalance already on it. We plan to get a front mounted brush mower for it as well. I thought it would work great to maintain our 700-800 foot driveway both in winter and summer. It also would be able to cut the thick cannary grass in the marsh in a dry spring.

 

[browneyes]

Diane, my SO would love it if I could talk that kind of language. We don't own a skidder. Good luck finding one.

 

[dianeschlicht]

LOL, Bowneyes! The salesman at the equipment place was surprised at me too! I spent a lot of time at my Grampa's farm and I was an only child, so I learned a lot of things about EVERYTHING growing up!

 

[monkeyboy]

First let me say I would love a Bobcat
well I don't have a yard, but it would be cool to have one.


Double cool that you have a log cabin

 

[dianeschlicht]

This was taken last year after the logs were errected. This is less than half of the total driveway we have to maintain!

 

[jimmytammy]

Hey Diane, yall wouldnt have a secret love for Wilderness Lodge going on, would you? Just a little inside DVC humor!! Very nice looking log home.

Sounds like that Bobcat would work fine for what you need it for.

 

[SOBDOSNV]

Why don't you try renting first? Many places rent them by the hour, and you could try out a couple to see what you like. I work for a CAT dealer here in Nevada, and our skidsteers come with many different attachments just like all the others. They are extremely popular around hear. A lot of housing developments are using them. You can also get them with rubber track instead of tires, if you get a lot of snow this could be the way to go. Rubber tracks also have a lower ground pressure, which mean it would be gentler on the lawn. Not sure if the others offer this or not. The phone number is 1-800-RENT-CAT, and it will put you to the nearest CAT Rental store. One of the major differences between the brands is the control locations and how they work. Find one that is comfortable before you buy one. They are a big investment to get one you can't operate very easily. Good luck, by the way, they are a blast to use. Even if you're just playing around

 

[dianeschlicht]

Thanks, SOBDOSNV. We have used the one our contractor has (a Bobcat 773), and while it is hard to learn how to use it, I am sure we would figure it out! I have looked at both the Bobcat and John Deere ones, but I do have a CAT dealer nearby to check out. The Bobcat and John Deere are made in this upper midwest area, so they are easy to get maintainance on around here. I believe the Bobcat model we looked at has a removable track so you can use it with or without track.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Maybe....................?????

 

[dianeschlicht]

LOL, Dan! I KNOW I couldn't drive THAT! This is more my speed!