Thinking about trading tractor for a skid steer, am I dumb?

Cat_Driver · Sep 1, 2020

I did it years ago. I bought a 2006 CAT tracked loader that was amazing. It did everything I asked of it AND MORE. I loved that I could pull up to attachments and hit a button t release that attachment and hook up the new attachment and hit the button again. The lifting power was incredible.

I was at the point that I wanted to have less stuff so I sold everything and all my nearly dozen attachments. The funny thing was I paid 29K for the loader used in 2008 and sold it for 29K ten years later.

Then I figured I needed something so I got the Kubota 4060 just to have around the property. No comparison. I miss that CAT every day. The Kubota doesn't have the power, lifting capacity maneuverability of the skid steer.

I'm not looking again at getting a track loader because I never plow anyway and I need the lifting capability and maneuverability.

shooterdon · Sep 1, 2020

Gomer pyle said:
I own 20 acres with about 11 of it that is overgrown and kinda rough. I find myself doing a lot more loader work and wanting to do more rough bush hogging. I have a pond to clean out, dirt to move, trees to pile with grapple, and underbrush to cut. So, I've started looking at tracked skids. My tractor(2017 Kubota M7060) only has 250 hours, I hate to get rid of it but I don't have room to park it out of the weather if I get a skid. I know the 8 acres of bush hogging will be slower on the skid. I don't want to destroy my tractor/loader trying to do a lot of digging, so have put stuff off and rent on weekends to get by.
Any opinions?

It seems that the only task your tractor cannot handle well is digging out your pond. Or am I missing something? If that is correct, rent an excavator or hire that out.

Mat4644 · Sep 1, 2020

Most likely a track hoe will be needed for the pond.

Gomer pyle · Sep 2, 2020

shooterdon said:
It seems that the only task your tractor cannot handle well is digging out your pond. Or am I missing something? If that is correct, rent an excavator or hire that out.

No, I’ve got a lot of underbrush that a tractor/bush hog won’t cut, at least I won’t use my tractor on that, plus it’s a lot of weaving in and out of big trees. I also have quite a bit of dirt work besides the pond to do.
I would like a Harley rake, auger, and a few other attachments that don’t do as well on a tractor.

shooterdon · Sep 2, 2020

You can have a carport installed for $2k. You may regret not having a tractor.

Industrial Toys · Sep 2, 2020

I have moved piles of dirt, driving over and through some, with my harley and tractor that I am not sure a SS mounted unit could have done.

My neighbour that skoffed at me having a tractor over a SS did get a harley albeit without an enclosed cab on the NH SS. The dust the operator has to endure in dry conditions is indescribable.

Mat4644 · Sep 3, 2020

70 hp FWD tractor over 6,000 pounds with loader and only 20 acres. Sounds like someone wanting to play with a SS vs need. Nothing wrong with enjoyment running equipment.

npalen · Sep 3, 2020

This thought just occurred to me after reading this thread: Why do motorcycles not have cabs? A rhetorical question perhaps?

Mat4644 · Sep 3, 2020

two_bit_score · Sep 3, 2020

Gomer pyle said:
No, I’ve got a lot of underbrush that a tractor/bush hog won’t cut, at least I won’t use my tractor on that, plus it’s a lot of weaving in and out of big trees. I also have quite a bit of dirt work besides the pond to do.
I would like a Harley rake, auger, and a few other attachments that don’t do as well on a tractor.

I'd be in favor of keeping the tractor, building another shed or carport and getting the CTL with brush cutter, doing the clearing and once you get it to the point you can maintain it with a good commercial mower or the tractor bush hog, sell the CTL/brush cutter.