Sell Skid Steer for FEL tractor?

Coyote · Mar 8, 2007

I've got a 50HP skid steer that lifts about 2000lb. I use it to maintain my dirt roads mostly. Don't know that I've ever lifted close to the max amount. Also have a 24HP 2WD Yanmar for bushogging, disking etc. I'm thinking of selling the SS and YM and buying one 30-40HP 4WD tractor with FEL so I can have it all in one unit. What do you think? Anybody gotten to this place before? How much can the FEL's lift?

john_bud · Mar 8, 2007

I haven't seen any rules of thumb on FEL capacity vs tractor size, but putting on the thinking cap --> it appears that there is about 35-50 pounds of lift per net hp. So a 25 hp tractor would be in the range of 875 - 1250 pounds of "real" lift. Not the pivot point lift in the sweet spot of the loader, but an honest bucket full to full height.

A 2000# lift would need a tractor in the 40-60 hp range.

It's a real fuzzy issue as the manufactors don't print specs in a clear way so you can compare easily. Plus it's a marketing point, so fudgy sugar coated specs seem to be the norm.

kwolfe · Mar 8, 2007

What kind of lift capacity do you need. Kubbota's B series would probably be closer to the size of your Yan. The FEL capacity runs around 800+lbs. If you want a larger tractor with up to around 40hp, the Kubota L series will give you a longer stance tractor with more FEL lift (up to 2500+lbs). It sounds like for your applications, One machine could replace both.

Darn, John you posted right before me. They new grand L4240 has a loader capcity of 2500lbs (19in forward from pins). It is 42hp (35hp PTO). That is good lift.

schmism · Mar 8, 2007

TC40 would be my vote

mytoys · Mar 8, 2007

Ok, let me start by saying, don't listen to me. Having said that, i have an L5030 with a backhoe and i also have a rear finish mower that i use for about 4 acres of lawn and a field. It works perfectly for my uses. I maintain my gravel drive, do lots of landscaping and rock movinf/diging with the backhoe, etc.. I also do the occasional side job to make a little cash. The thing that really annoys me about this setup is the swithching back and forth between the backhoe and the RFM. It seems as soon as i put on the mower, i need the backhoe and vice versa. I dream of having two tractors for each purpose (like you have). I know this is extravagent and ultimately i'm lazy but, i had to say it.

Birdhunter1 · Mar 8, 2007

What kind of skid steer do you have and how old is it?

bx23barry · Mar 8, 2007

I too think you have more with the two you have than going to one unit. Why do you want to change?

schmism · Mar 8, 2007

the upshot to the NH brand is there stock QA FEL is the same as all skid steer QA attachments. THe same can not be said about some of the other QA styles.

philbuilt · Mar 8, 2007

I am a fan of the SS for most dirt related projects that don't require alot of travel. Long driveway grading better to use a york rake or box blade. Picking and loading dirt from a pile and quick manuverablity the SS. Multi-uses machines are great if you don't mind changing tools around. I agree with
Mytoys
"Ok, let me start by saying, don't listen to me. Having said that, i have an L5030 with a backhoe and i also have a rear finish mower that i use for about 4 acres of lawn and a field. It works perfectly for my uses. I maintain my gravel drive, do lots of landscaping and rock movinf/diging with the backhoe, etc.. I also do the occasional side job to make a little cash. The thing that really annoys me about this setup is the swithching back and forth between the backhoe and the RFM. It seems as soon as i put on the mower, i need the backhoe and vice versa. I dream of having two tractors for each purpose (like you have). I know this is extravagent and ultimately i'm lazy but, i had to say it. "
Good Luck
Phil
Ps. Go RED ie.Massey

texasjohn · Mar 8, 2007

Your profile says you are taking care of 100 acres. That's significant acreage and you will find more things to do with larger equipment, I predict.

To me, it is truly worth looking at a larger tractor if you find you are spending extra time or working too hard because of your current equipment.

My Kubota L5030 (about 50 hp) and attachments is, for me, an ideal match for my needs on 200 acres. I moved up from a 30hp tractor and was surprised by the large jump in things I can now do and reduction in time to do them. I am in love with the HST transmission and highly recommend it.

I have solved the primary pain of exchanging rear implements with a hydraulic top link, a remote detachable handle so I can make top link adjustments from on the ground in the rear and Pats Easy Change three point hitch attachments.