Buying Advice Trade in skid steer for..?

[Industrial Toys]

I was washing equipment yesterday to put away and was using our Loader Tractor and Wheel loader for moving things around. What a clumsy contraption a tractor loader is. It only ever came about as a means to deal with manure, and in my opinion, that's about all it's good for.

I don't own a skid steer but can't for the life of me see going from one to a tractor loader. You might as well get a blindfold as well.

 

[2458n]

How about a beat up hay wagon hauling 4 round bales on end? Hitch on back door of skidsteer.

 

[Tractorable]

I was washing equipment yesterday to put away and was using our Loader Tractor and Wheel loader for moving things around. What a clumsy contraption a tractor loader is. It only ever came about as a means to deal with manure, and in my opinion, that's about all it's good for.

I don't own a skid steer but can't for the life of me see going from one to a tractor loader. You might as well get a blindfold as well.

Well, certainly wheel loaders, skid steers, and telehandlers are better suited to loader work than tractors, but outside of lawn mowers, most of us can't afford to have single-purpose machines around for every task. Tractors are versatile and do quite a few things reasonably well. I'm sure most folks find their tractor loaders quite handy.

 

[Industrial Toys]

No doubt. We had a 2wd tractor for decades without loader and of course I would have loved one. I do see them as an unfortunately evolved add-on however. A so-so SS operator can open a bottle of beer! I guess, for moving bales, that's probably not a very precise task anyway.

 

[Streetcar]

No doubt. We had a 2wd tractor for decades without loader and of course I would have loved one. I do see them as an unfortunately evolved add-on however. A so-so SS operator can open a bottle of beer! I guess, for moving bales, that's probably not a very precise task anyway.

Is the bottle opened by breaking it.
Skidsteers are great for loader work and as power source. Tractors are multipurpose tools.
Telehandlers are great if you can afford it, view it as a better traveling skidsteer

 

[BLSXJ]

I've realized tractors are like swiss army knives.... they're handy and can accomplish many things BUT when you need a knife a good old fixed blade is what you want. and if you need multi tool the new leatherman style knifes that have pliers built in, are now superior to the old swiss army knife.

 

[bspeedy]

I've never owned a skid steer so I can't compare too well. They look hard to enter and exit and I assume the ride is terrible. Also I'm sure they cost to maintain.

You didn't mention budget. Can you keep the skid and still spend 25 grand on a tractor or is that not likely? What's the value of your current machine if you trade or sell and where does that leave you? Any of us can suggest wild ideas, but without a budget we are simply guessing.

 

[boomer1025]

They are 5x6 coastal round bales.. so at least 1000 lbs each.

Here is some links to give you an idea of what to look for. This one would work with you hay spear and forks from your loader. This size tractor should be able to handle 2 round bales on the rear 3 point and one on the loader.

2 New Holland Boomer 8N Tractor - Scottsville, KY | Machinery Pete
.
TractorData.com New Holland Boomer 8N tractor information

 

[boomer1025]

They are 5x6 coastal round bales.. so at least 1000 lbs each.

Here is some links to give you an idea of what to look for. This one would work with you hay spear and forks from your loader. This size tractor should be able to handle 2 round bales on the rear 3 point and one on the loader.

2 New Holland Boomer 8N Tractor - Scottsville, KY | Machinery Pete
.
TractorData.com New Holland Boomer 8N tractor information

 

[Industrial Toys]

The beer bottle has to be held somehow and the cap flipped off with the bucket edge.

I had a telehandler, albeit a full size 12 ton monster. Miss the 8000# capacity and reach, plus ease of exit and entry, but not the one sided visibility, complexity of frame leveling and all wheel steer.

I would choose a wheel loader any day of the week for all around visibility, view to your tool, articulation, large equal size wheels, impressive lifting capability plus break out force, simplicity of design, heavy solid axles, and just the fun of use. The ones with an extending boom I must say are quite intriquing giving you some telehandler type reach.