Articulated or skid steer?

[stanz]

I need a loader for yard work on grass surfaces mostly. Loads around 200 pounds, oh and snow removal next year! Snow loads will be much greater, my town plows the street onto one of my sidewalks. It's a bear going through with my snowblowers.

Which drive system is best for grass, articulated or skid steer. I understand that skid steer might tear up the grass. I don't need to make more work for myself.

Skid stear units turn quicker so they look better at snow removal in tight places.

tnx

 

[MossRoad]

Go down to the Power Trac Forum forum here on TBN and start reading...

Also, look at the Power Trac website by clicking here.

 

[AlanB]

Not trying to be the english police, but when you say Skid Steer, I take that to be a wheeled typed loader, what would commonly be referred to as a Bobcat, and not one of the newer "tracked" type machines, called a Track loader that would be like a Bobcat with tracks.

That said, a standard wheeled SS is terrible on grass, the nature of utilizing the SKID part of SKID Steer is that two wheels are dragging sideways.

I don't remember what Bobcat calls their newest ones that are a SS but the axles turn, kind of like articulated only different

Anyway, the short answer is that a true SS will destroy any lawn that you put it on, (and operate aggresively on) Someone will be sure to jump on here and tell me how they can drive their SS smoothly across a lawn and leave no marks, but that guy is the exception I can promise you.

 

[mars1952]

Hi Stanz: I agree with the other posters that the skid steer will tear up your lawn. You didn't mention your budget, how much land you have or what other things you will use the equipment for. Here is a possible alternative:
Ventrac website
Ventrac with FEL
Ventrac with Slip Scoop
The articulate Ventrac is very easy on lawns and does an excellent job mowing.
Good Luck, Marshall

I need a loader for yard work on grass surfaces mostly. Loads around 200 pounds, oh and snow removal next year! Snow loads will be much greater, my town plows the street onto one of my sidewalks. It's a bear going through with my snowblowers.

Which drive system is best for grass, articulated or skid steer. I understand that skid steer might tear up the grass. I don't need to make more work for myself.

Skid stear units turn quicker so they look better at snow removal in tight places.

tnx

 

[stanz]

Thanks for the information, it was what I expected. I needed a sanity check.

I posted it here because I plan to build it with as many used/scavenged parts as I can. New only when I have to.

My budget is whatever I have in my pocket from doing side jobs. Usually $50-$100. I drive to the scrapyards and see what I can buy.

 

[JoeL4330]

you may want to check this out: ASV RC-50 Turf Edition

 

[Johndeere3720]

From my experience, track skidsteers are terrable on slick surfaces. A few months ago, I took my dads new JohnDeere track skidsteer (CT322) out to push the snow out of the driveway. I found that the tracks only slide on packed snow and get minimal traction on icey conditions. The compact tractor works great for snow removal. Maybe look on craigslist for cheap tractors with loaders. A wheel loader might be the ticket. Oh, the new bobcat is an all wheel steer A300 with the ability to turn the tires when on grass and reduce tire wear on pavement. The A300 can be equipped with turf (grass friendly tires) or industreal R4 (construction tires). Do great in snow when equipped with steel tracks or tire chains.

 

[simplicityguy92]

i can drive my old school bob cat acros lawn with out recking it but you have to take real wide turns but it dont work every time

 

[framer]

I cant drive my skid steer on grass very well.That is why Bought B7800
Framer

 

[Taylortractornut]

You could build an articulated machine faily cheap. Ive got 2 skidsteer Case loaders I use around here and in my business. and i need a smalle TLB and utility tractor. My brother bought 2 Vermeer trenchers that are rigid frame one had a cable plow withe a 6 way blade on the front and a backhoe on the front to. It had a good motor but was an older machine. He had a newer Vermeer and it was a good looking machine and it had a blade and hoe on the front and a chain trencher onthe back but a bad motor. I helped him change the motors and for a surprise he gave me the rest of the old machine. The backhoe has the same mounting plate on the back as the front goesso the hoe will go there. I need alot of weight on the fron end ecause of the hoes weight and I also want a sturdy loader arm. Im gonna use soli 1 inch plate on my table burner to make my arms like a real loader. Im putting the blade on my skidsteers.
I also want to build an articulated machine. Cas had one based on their trenchers what was a tlb, You may find an old Casetrencher somewhere for parts. The number on them was Case FH4. You can scour equipment yards and repair shops and probably find a chassis. Ive seen a few homebuilt articulated rigs that looked good. I know of 2 skidders that were made here in the 60's that were artics. I want to build a small articulated dump truck for a job I have at the lake next winter.