New to skid steers, chance to buy 753

[pharmvet]

I have never used a skid steer. I have a vet clinic and we keep a 65 hp tractor with a FEL to load manure from pens cleaned by hand and a wheel barrow. We then take the manure out into a hole in the pasture about 200 yards behind the clinic. Pens are 10 ft. wide as are all alleys and gates. From time to time we have to load a dead cow or horse into a flat bed or covered trailer. We also keep our parking lot in shape by spreading white rock with bucket and box blade.

In the past I used the tractor on my farm as well, but recently got a larger 4x4 tractor that is better suited to the farm. Now Im thinking I can sell the small JD tractor and replace it with a cheaper Skid Steer.

I have a chance to buy a local Bobcat brand model 753 open station (no air). Supposedly it is in very good shape and has 2400 hours on it. It has a standard bucket. Asking price is $8500.

Question is, can this skid steer handle the tasks currently being done with the JD tractor with FEL? Can this particular model load a 2000# dead bull into a trailer? Can I spread rock with it? What attachments are available?

Any information is appreciated. Is this a fair price if the condition is good?

 

[skidsteer.ca]

A 753 is rated to lift 1300 lbs and has a tipping (forward) capacity of 2600 lbs. Assuming the load is not protudeing out in front much, it should lift a 2000 lb bull, but you would need to be careful and carry the load low, not drive forward down a down hill slope and try to stop suddenly or you may tip forward. (the short wheel base of a skid makes them behave this way)

The sky is the limit on available attachments. They fits between all brands made in the last 10 plus years, however must be the right size or match the loaders lift capacity.

Price sounds about right if its a G series 2000 year or newer. (they have triangle head lights) Imo you might want to compare prices on a 773 though, the extra 450 lbs rated lift (900 tipping) would make it feel more stable with the 2000 lbs out front and the price likely won't be too much more(say 2k) for a machine in the same condition.
Ken

 

[RPW]

I purchased an OLD 742 (ford gas) for $1500. I'm new with SS's and have found that they supplement a tractor very well. With the narrower width and shorter wheelbase what was done by hand "may" be done by machine i.e. you can turn an SS 360deg within a 10' area. Where my JD requires a 6' side to side clearance to pass between my SS can do the same with a 4' clearance. As far as attachments like it was said the sky is the limit. However as a general rule SS attachments are more expensive than what you'd pay for your JD. IMO I'd get the SS for those tasks that are in a tight area and the tractor for the heavier tasks etc.

 

[CurlyDave]

Unless I could get a lot more than the $8500 the skid steer costs, I would be inclined to keep the JD tractor with its known maintenance and repair history. It does everything necessary.

My experience has always been that an $8500 used machine will need this, that and the other thing and suddenly I am looking at a $10,000 used machine with an unknown maintenance history.

 

[amazincaucasian]

Yeah I agree.....those skidsteers sure are versatile and can reduce hand labor dramatically. You might check and make sure it has auxillary hydraulics if you plan on using any different attachments! I may be wrong but seems like the older ones didn't have aux.

 

[magicheater]

Make sure you like to drive it before you buy it, way different than a tractor.

 

[two_bit_score]

I have never used a skid steer. I have a vet clinic and we keep a 65 hp tractor with a FEL to load manure from pens cleaned by hand and a wheel barrow. We then take the manure out into a hole in the pasture about 200 yards behind the clinic. Pens are 10 ft. wide as are all alleys and gates. From time to time we have to load a dead cow or horse into a flat bed or covered trailer. We also keep our parking lot in shape by spreading white rock with bucket and box blade.

In the past I used the tractor on my farm as well, but recently got a larger 4x4 tractor that is better suited to the farm. Now Im thinking I can sell the small JD tractor and replace it with a cheaper Skid Steer.

I have a chance to buy a local Bobcat brand model 753 open station (no air). Supposedly it is in very good shape and has 2400 hours on it. It has a standard bucket. Asking price is $8500.

Question is, can this skid steer handle the tasks currently being done with the JD tractor with FEL? Can this particular model load a 2000# dead bull into a trailer? Can I spread rock with it? What attachments are available?

Any information is appreciated. Is this a fair price if the condition is good?

I'd recommend calling a local Bobcat dealer and ask what needs to be done to a machine like that at about 2500 hrs. Then see what maintanence records are avialble on it and check it ou reallly close. My understanding is that about 2500 hrs is when the heavy duty (expensive) repairs/maintainence start to kick in on a SS.

 

[radman1]

I had a Bobcat 873 and now S300. I don't think a 753 will even come close to lifting a 2000 lb dead animal. The weight is way to far out front. Maybe 1500 lbs but I am guessing even that is too much. The 753 is not a big skid steer.
If your pens are cement flooring then the skid steer will do great at cleaning. If dirt, it will do poorly in wet/muddy conditions.
The price is probably close if it is in good conditon. You can probably get a 773 with vertical lift, more lift for 10-11K and much more machine but I don't think it will lift 2000 lb dead animal either.

 

[skidsteer.ca]

I had a Bobcat 873 and now S300. I don't think a 753 will even come close to lifting a 2000 lb dead animal. The weight is way to far out front. Maybe 1500 lbs but I am guessing even that is too much. The 753 is not a big skid steer.
If your pens are cement flooring then the skid steer will do great at cleaning. If dirt, it will do poorly in wet/muddy conditions.
The price is probably close if it is in good conditon. You can probably get a 773 with vertical lift, more lift for 10-11K and much more machine but I don't think it will lift 2000 lb dead animal either.

A 773 will easily lift a 2000 lb animal.