I know, I know same old thread. Lol Help me choose.

sea2summit · May 20, 2021

NS Gearhead said:
I know this is a tractor site, but should I be looking at a used skid steer instead? I realize I'd be loosing the rear 3pt, but I'd be gaining maneuverability, likely weight and power. I could add over tire tracks as well as chains. However lawns would all but be untouchable.

Speaking of maneuverability, I sure would like cutting brakes on my tractor but I think kubota's the only one to offer this feature.

If you think you want to move snow with a FEL for earning money you absolutely need to go to a skid steer IMHO. Yes you gain maneuverability but you also gain something that's met to be used more like a bulldozer and less like a light duty forklift, by being more maneuverable you increase speed (time is money plowing), you also significantly increase what you can do with the FEL (actual blade work, front mounted blower, front mounted broom, etc). The more you focus with jobs for the front of the tractor the more you need to look at a skid steer and you didn't mention anything about the back end other than an offset blade, and the back end is what tractors are really designed around IMHO.

Egon · May 20, 2021

For snow removal in Nova Scotia:

chains, perhaps all four wheels? If pavement travel is anticipated consider studs.

The front blade may not be feasible for heavy wet snow. You may not be able to move snow far enough to the side.

Bucket or snowblower for snow.

No comments on tractor Make. A heated cab would be nice for winter work. Skid-do suit and full face helmet with heated gloves and boots might be an alternative.

workinonit · May 20, 2021

If I didn't need the ability to use ground engaging equipment it would be a no-brainer for me. I would own a Kubota skid with tracks and that badass bush hog/tree grinder. That thing is amazing. Anything you need to do with a front end/loader style implement is 100 times easier and more effective with a skid. Unfortunately I have to have a tractor.

dodge man · May 20, 2021

I’ve never owned a skid steer or operated them other than to move one around but I have been around them through my work. Just my opinion but they are more expensive to maintain as they get older and the implements often cost more. On the other hand they are a piece of construction equipment and can do a lot more work. There it’s also a very wide variety of attachments for them.

Username Taken · May 20, 2021

sea2summit said:
If you think you want to move snow with a FEL for earning money you absolutely need to go to a skid steer IMHO. Yes you gain maneuverability but you also gain something that's met to be used more like a bulldozer and less like a light duty forklift, by being more maneuverable you increase speed (time is money plowing), you also significantly increase what you can do with the FEL (actual blade work, front mounted blower, front mounted broom, etc). The more you focus with jobs for the front of the tractor the more you need to look at a skid steer and you didn't mention anything about the back end other than an offset blade, and the back end is what tractors are really designed around IMHO.

A skid steer also can't be beat for digging post holes. Those things will dance for you! And you can put the auger right on the money.

But Skid Steers ain't cheap. And they have their limits. Not sure what they aare, but they have them

metalbender · May 20, 2021

If your loader work involves getting out of the machine with the loader above the ground, the skid may not be a good solution. For instance hooking up or aligning forks for a lift.

NS Gearhead · May 20, 2021

Yeah, as much as I'd like a siney new tractor, if I went the skid steer route it would have to be used... probably 10-15 years old with 1,000-2,000 hrs would fit in my price range for a mid sized machine. I feel like a SS would be more robust, and that would likely effect how well it lasts. Speed isn't a huge factor...I keep to my subdivision for plowing. I've had between 3-10 driveways not including mine (and she's a doozie)

Username Taken · May 20, 2021

NS Gearhead said:
Yeah, as much as I'd like a siney new tractor, if I went the skid steer route it would have to be used... probably 10-15 years old with 1,000-2,000 hrs would fit in my price range for a mid sized machine. I feel like a SS would be more robust, and that would likely effect how well it lasts. Speed isn't a huge factor...I keep to my subdivision for plowing. I've had between 3-10 driveways not including mine (and she's a doozie)

Yeah, I was looking at an LS advertisement that was talking about a freeloader with a new tractor purchase.
I had one of those for a few years, don't ever want another one.