Looking for opinions for micro-skid steer build.

   / Looking for opinions for micro-skid steer build. #1  

itsmecord

New member
Joined
Apr 27, 2012
Messages
9
Location
Panhandle, Texas
Tractor
john deere
I am in the design/planning stage of this so it could be awhile before I start so lets call this a desktop build. I want a sit in unit,and I have looked at the name brand units online like the bobcat S70 and the case 1816 and want around that size unit. For starters,what would you guys say the minimum weight I could get away with and it still be usable ? It's a micro so I dont have big plans for it...I recently bought a little condemned house that we have have rebuilt located on about a quarter acre of land.I also own a half acre lot with large shop across the street,and between the two properties I have more than enough work to keep a little unit like this bizzy but cannot justify purchasing such a unit. I build hotrods on the side so I would use this to drag projects in/out of my shop,on/off the trailer,move dirt around,push debris into piles to burn,or haul off.I could also see clearing snow of my property,building a driveway with it as well.My wife is on board with the plan because she wants to use it for yard/garden work hauling mulch and other stuff around.I am a fabricator,welder,and mechanic so I have the skill,and ability to build this no biggie !
 
   / Looking for opinions for micro-skid steer build. #2  
Sounds like fun; but by the time you build it, tweak it, etc; I'll bet you could pick up a used unit in decent shape for less money.

There are a number of mini-dozer projects on this site that may help you decide if you're getting in over your head by trying to DIY a micro skid-steer.
 
   / Looking for opinions for micro-skid steer build. #3  
10 seconds with Google found this page
Mini Skid Steer
I am sure there are other plans out there available too.

Home build skid-steers are nothing new. its basically just a hydraulic pump on an engine with a couple of hydraulic motors and a 4 way valved lift arm. or am I missing something?
 
   / Looking for opinions for micro-skid steer build. #4  
I would aim for 2000lbs to be able to do anything. Rops is a must. Go for approximately square wheelbase / width. 60 to 70 percent weight on the back
 
   / Looking for opinions for micro-skid steer build. #5  
Surplus center.com is a good resource for this project. Honestly you'd be time and money ahead to rebuild a non working unit. Scrap the bad parts and buy generic equivalents. Change all of the flexible hoses out as they degrade from uv. You don't want an injury or hydraulic spill.
 
   / Looking for opinions for micro-skid steer build.
  • Thread Starter
#6  
10 seconds with Google found this page
Mini Skid Steer
I am sure there are other plans out there available too.

Home build skid-steers are nothing new. its basically just a hydraulic pump on an engine with a couple of hydraulic motors and a 4 way valved lift arm. or am I missing something?

My meaning behind my saying "I am in the design/planning stage" is that I dont want to use somebody else's plans,or design. I also don't recall saying it was a new thing ? I found the link you posted months ago. So I also spent my 10 seconds on google !

As to the other guys that had useful comments I appreciate them ! I had looked into buying,and redoing a used unit but couldn't find the smaller style I am looking for. MY nature a fab guy always says build it rather than by it so I do struggle with that as well.
 
   / Looking for opinions for micro-skid steer build. #7  
If you are set on building one go to your bobcat dealer and take measurements and pics. The little ones have almost no room inside. If it were me I'd make mine a little bigger inside. You don't need a lot of hp. Go for torque so it will be quieter. Put insulation under your seat and use something like a welders blanket to put next to the motor. Make the belly pan bolt on because you will have to clean it. It would be cool to put a quick attach on the bucket and have the option to run hydro attachments like shears or a grapple. Make sure you have some sort of parking brake if you don't want to get squished. The arms should lift high enough to get into a 1ton dump. Build a set of forks while you are at it and put a lift eye on the machine. It will also need a hitch and counterweight. The cab should be held on with 4 big bolts for easy servicing. A removable rear door and side panels with dzus fasteners are also recommended.
 
   / Looking for opinions for micro-skid steer build. #8  
Another thing to consider is your valving. If you use 4 motors you need to run each side in series or you will get a front/rear differential effect. Personally I would do this rather than 2 motors and chain drive to make it simpler. I would plumb with hard lines where possible and run the bucket curl lines on the inside of the arms so they don't get torn off. I mentioned a hitch before... a counterweight that plugs into your receiver would very versatile as you could tweak the amount of weight easily and remove it if you wanted to tow a trailer or attach the trailer hitch to it.
 
   / Looking for opinions for micro-skid steer build.
  • Thread Starter
#9  
Thanx for all the advice ! I am gunna take some notes,and get some prices on parts,and supplies.
 
   / Looking for opinions for micro-skid steer build. #10  
I have a friend that built one similar to what your building, He used some of the wheel motors like a Power Trac from Surplus Center. He used 15 inch tires, He made his a copy of a CHeetah Roofing loader.

http://www.tigerequip.com/images/pdflowcheetah.pdf

He made a seat and a small cage for his, He used Cheetah and the Avant skid loader as an example.
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

Rhino 156 Chisel Plow - NO RESERVE SELLING ABSOLUTE (A51039)
Rhino 156 Chisel...
2015 FORD F-250XL SUPER DUTY TRUCK (A51406)
2015 FORD F-250XL...
2000 FORD F450 SUPER DUTY SINGLE CAB FLATBED TRUCK (A51406)
2000 FORD F450...
FUEL TANK/TOOL BOX COMBO (A50854)
FUEL TANK/TOOL BOX...
BUSH HOG 32601 - 6' ROTARY MOWER (A51243)
BUSH HOG 32601 -...
New Lewis Brothers MFG DB2 Poultry Housekeeper (A51039)
New Lewis Brothers...
 
Top