Keep the Kubota Sub Compact Tractor OR buy a new mini skid steer? Help me decide!
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rademamj1
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If you truly need a mini skid steer, don't purchase but rent first. You can find them around for rental. Keep it for a whole week. Get some work done and see exactly what these mini skids can do. And try to determine if you need a tracked skid or if you can live with the wheel version. In the hands of an experienced user, a mini skid can out work your BX subcompact tractor.
You can find used mini skids at many equipment auctions when your ready to purchase. You may also consider upgrading to a larger tractor and insure it has adequate bucket size to handle your material moving tasks.
You can find used mini skids at many equipment auctions when your ready to purchase. You may also consider upgrading to a larger tractor and insure it has adequate bucket size to handle your material moving tasks.
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ruffdog
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I only used one mini...a bobcat MT50. It was a walk behind only and small. It did more work than I thought it could but I didn't like to walk behind. Give me a platform to stand on anyday! I agree that the OP should rent one for a week before he buys.
ruffdog
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Here is a better video of the new articulated Bobcat loader:
TimberXX
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i rent mini skids a couple of times per year and love them. Its a diesel track unit. I would like to get a used one, but so many are beat up, and the "clean" one always have crappy paint jobs.
JJZ 109
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Never used a mini skidsteer. But I've had a Bobcat S185 for several years now and this summer bought a BX2380 with loader, 60 inch mower and turf tires.
Originally the BX was to be for mowing a lot I own next to the house that's a little rougher than the lawn to save wear and tear on our 4 wheel steer John Deere riding mower. Before the tractor shipped to me I opted to have Barlow's install a loader. Turned out to be a good move.
With it's lighter weight and the turfs I can use the loader around the house when the yard is soggy without sinking and causing ruts or tearing grass up like the Bobcat does. No matter how gradual I try to turn something will get torn up with the skid steer.
Meanwhile the skid steer is handy for heavier driveway stone and dirt moving & grading as well as having forks. I also have a custom made boom to load 3-400 pound rolls of seamless gutter coil onto my gutter machine. At snow removal time the bucket usually suffices but I just bought a 66 inch snow pusher for heavier storms. The 72 inch blower I had just wasn't needed 90% of the time.
I'd say if you can keep the tractor and get whatever you need in a skid steer, go that route. You may find that you have uses for both plus it's nice to have a backup mower if your primary breaks down.
Originally the BX was to be for mowing a lot I own next to the house that's a little rougher than the lawn to save wear and tear on our 4 wheel steer John Deere riding mower. Before the tractor shipped to me I opted to have Barlow's install a loader. Turned out to be a good move.
With it's lighter weight and the turfs I can use the loader around the house when the yard is soggy without sinking and causing ruts or tearing grass up like the Bobcat does. No matter how gradual I try to turn something will get torn up with the skid steer.
Meanwhile the skid steer is handy for heavier driveway stone and dirt moving & grading as well as having forks. I also have a custom made boom to load 3-400 pound rolls of seamless gutter coil onto my gutter machine. At snow removal time the bucket usually suffices but I just bought a 66 inch snow pusher for heavier storms. The 72 inch blower I had just wasn't needed 90% of the time.
I'd say if you can keep the tractor and get whatever you need in a skid steer, go that route. You may find that you have uses for both plus it's nice to have a backup mower if your primary breaks down.
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tradosaurus
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I was in the same decision making process a few years ago and decided to rent a skid steer from Kubota.
Thank goodness I did because I quickly realized that the machine was just too heavy with the implement (total 12,500 lbs) to do the chores I needed.
I would suggest renting a skid steer before making your decision. A new skid steer will cost you close to $80k too.
Thank goodness I did because I quickly realized that the machine was just too heavy with the implement (total 12,500 lbs) to do the chores I needed.
I would suggest renting a skid steer before making your decision. A new skid steer will cost you close to $80k too.
