EngineeredConstruction
New member
I have 2 seemingly good options of different machines for sale in the area, but I just can not decide which way to go. I am purchasing my first skid steer and my initial primary use will be for running a brush cutter. I found the following machines for sale and just can't decide which will be the most efficient purchase over the next 5+ years. I hope to pick up a few jobs cleaning up overgrown farmland with some odd jobs such as driveways, drainage improvements, etc. That may or may not truly happen....the brush cutter is my primary focus now.
2003 LS180 with 800hrs. 19gpm flow. This comes with a 72" Wildkat Brush Cutter, 72" bucket, forks, truss boom. Seems to be in good shape but traction and floatation are very significant concerns. I will inevitably be going through wet areas (several on my own property) and can not get this 8,500lb setup stuck out in the middle of nowhere! I found a set of metal tracks off a L185 that should fit it but I'm concerned about damage to lawns, driveways, my garage's concrete floor, and wooden decked bridges. My primary concern with this machine is how much the metal tracks will really help in soft areas, especially with a 1,400lb cutter hanging off the front. Also, how easy are these to take on and off? Could I take them off each time I'm putting the machine in the garage?
2005 RC60 with 2,750hrs. 17gpm flow. Has a 62" bucket but I have local access to a few decent options for new 60" brush cutters that are reasonably priced. Tracks and undercarriage seem to be decent - I'd say 50%. I love the idea of this machine and it seems tight and runs great. Owner seems to have taken great care of it since he bought it in 2009 with 600hrs. I'm very nervous about the additional potential expense of this machine considering the rubber track system and 2,000 more hours. My primary concern with this machine is the hours. Any looming big expenses? I don't think I'd need to put big money into the track/undercarriage for a while.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I just can't seem to make a final decision and it's a lot of money for us to spend with no guaranteed payback! Both seem to be clean, well maintained machines for good prices. The fully setup price of the RC60 will be about $2,500 less than the LS180. I need to decide based on intended use and long term value. I'm also curious what you guys think each machine might be worth to make sure I can turn around and sell without a big loss if needed. Thanks for any input!!
Matt
2003 LS180 with 800hrs. 19gpm flow. This comes with a 72" Wildkat Brush Cutter, 72" bucket, forks, truss boom. Seems to be in good shape but traction and floatation are very significant concerns. I will inevitably be going through wet areas (several on my own property) and can not get this 8,500lb setup stuck out in the middle of nowhere! I found a set of metal tracks off a L185 that should fit it but I'm concerned about damage to lawns, driveways, my garage's concrete floor, and wooden decked bridges. My primary concern with this machine is how much the metal tracks will really help in soft areas, especially with a 1,400lb cutter hanging off the front. Also, how easy are these to take on and off? Could I take them off each time I'm putting the machine in the garage?
2005 RC60 with 2,750hrs. 17gpm flow. Has a 62" bucket but I have local access to a few decent options for new 60" brush cutters that are reasonably priced. Tracks and undercarriage seem to be decent - I'd say 50%. I love the idea of this machine and it seems tight and runs great. Owner seems to have taken great care of it since he bought it in 2009 with 600hrs. I'm very nervous about the additional potential expense of this machine considering the rubber track system and 2,000 more hours. My primary concern with this machine is the hours. Any looming big expenses? I don't think I'd need to put big money into the track/undercarriage for a while.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I just can't seem to make a final decision and it's a lot of money for us to spend with no guaranteed payback! Both seem to be clean, well maintained machines for good prices. The fully setup price of the RC60 will be about $2,500 less than the LS180. I need to decide based on intended use and long term value. I'm also curious what you guys think each machine might be worth to make sure I can turn around and sell without a big loss if needed. Thanks for any input!!
Matt
Last edited:
