Skid Steer vs Tractor

tessiers · May 10, 2011

I run a small farm and I have several tractors but only 1 with a loader. I need a second loader a hand full of times a year, but not enough to justify buying one I guess, because I haven't done it. I recently found a skid steer for a steal, it belongs to a friend of mine and he offered it to me for $1100. It has a linkage issue, the bucket lifts and lowers properly except the pedle dosn't center itself,so it continues to lift or lower until you stop it, simple enough I think. When I commented it was not safe he told me haul it to a repair shop, get it fixed and pay him the ballance of the $1100. It is a Thomas with a Kubota Diesel, 1700 lb capacity, decent tires, mid 90's, no idea on hours but in fair to good shape.

Long story longer, how many of you have or run both tractor and skid steer? I will mostly use it to clean out the barn, and load manure into a small spreader, maybe use the pallet forks and or a bale spear a little. My barnyard is mostly flat and firm ground, and concrete. This will free my loader tractor from daily chores to be used in the field. Just a little aprehensive about buying something I won't use.

Any opinions would be appreciated, Thanks

hrcarver · May 10, 2011

For that price, try it and see. No way to lose. Probably worth that for scrap.

RobertN · May 10, 2011

What you describe is what the skidsteer was designed for. Although they were embraced by the construction industry, skidsteers were originally designed by a farmer to work in his barns.

I've used CUT's, Utility tractors, and a few different sidsteers. If I was cleaning barns, I would rather use a skidsteer.

tessiers said:
I run a small farm
Long story longer, how many of you have or run both tractor and skid steer? I will mostly use it to clean out the barn, and load manure into a small spreader, maybe use the pallet forks and or a bale spear a little. My barnyard is mostly flat and firm ground, and concrete. This will free my loader tractor from daily chores to be used in the field. Just a little aprehensive about buying something I won't use.

Any opinions would be appreciated, Thanks

Heavy Metal Doctor · May 10, 2011

RobertN said:
What you describe is what the skidsteer was designed for. Although they were embraced by the construction industry, skidsteers were originally designed by a farmer to work in his barns.

I've used CUT's, Utility tractors, and a few different sidsteers. If I was cleaning barns, I would rather use a skidsteer.

Agreed.....
This is why I only have a plain, 2 wheel drive, tractor - I can use the skid steer for lots of rough work safer than the tractor (I'm inside a roll cage). I do nearly anything you'd want to use a bucket for with a skidsteer and use the tractor mainly for working with 3 point attachments.

And as for the condition of the machine in question - I'd bet the engine alone is worth more than that if it doesn't have a million hours on it - fixxing the linkage to get it to center correctly should not be that hard - it's really just gonna depend on finding a decent repair shop if not an actual dealer for that brand.

SixHoeBob · May 10, 2011

Once you start using the skid steer you will wonder why you did not buy it years ago. I would guess the spring on the spool of the control valve is the issue. Carefully take the cap opposite the linkage off of the control valve. A nut and washer may fall out and try to get lost.

nwngunner · May 11, 2011

I have been looking in to skid loaders as well. I need one for cleaning barns and barn yards along with putting up hay. Also planning on a backhoe attachment for fixing some fonduations.

I have been using on neighbors of mine for the past few weeks. I cant imangine using anything but a skid loader for this type of work. So much faster then a tractor. Also trying to put hay up is hard on your clutch in your tractor being you try to inch foward. I would suggest getting the skid loader and pulling the loader off of your tractor.

RPW · May 11, 2011

Each has there pros and cons. I have both a tractor (2wd) and I picked up an O.L.D. bobcat SS for $1500. I've invested about another $1500 to $2000 for new tires, some shop work and other misc. items. I really enjoy using the machine. I'll be putting it through it's paces quite a bit on our new property. Unfortunately I blew a hydraulic hose (or at least a sever leak) and just haven't had time to get back to it to fix. Real easy to repair also. If your mechanically inclined or at least willing to get dirty and greasy have at it.

Good luck.

Tenn_Blue · May 13, 2011

As many have said, once you get used to running a skid, there is nothing like them.
Just put a load of crush/run down on the driveway to renovate it. While the tractor COULD have done it, the skid (Bobcat 765) moves and spreads faster and better. The skid is more manuverable (turns in it's own length) and, aside from the back corners, you can see the bucket and what you are doing better.

We have a skid and minix, so get by with a smaller tractor than we would need if we only have the tractor.

BUT, if you break/wear out stuff, the skid wil be more expensive to fix, and harder to work on than a tractor. Everything is packed pretty tight in a small frame, so there is not a lot of room to work on many things...

fredhargis · May 13, 2011

I gave up my SS and bought a compact tractor. The tractor does more and is definitely more useful, but the SS had a lot of advantages (short turning radius being a big one) and I really miss it. With the deal you have, it would be hard to pass it up, and it will be a great addition for your chores.

Cat_Driver · May 13, 2011

I first went with a tractor as that is what you did when you has a few acres. Soon I realized I don't plow fields so I needed a tool more suited to my needs.

I went with a track loader and wonder why I didn't do it a decade ago. I no longer have flat tire and it seemed I was always at the repair shop with flats on the tractor. I can spin on a dime do a 360 in place. The lifting capacity exceeds my needs rather than the other way around.

In a typical day I can drop and attachment, roll up to a new attachment hit a button and I'm connected to the new attachment. All done in seconds. I'll never forget the one time I took the bucket off my tractor and wanted to put a set of forks on. It took three guys and almost an hour trying to line things up.

I go from various buckets, tree crane, trencher and back hoe all in a single day. I never had the ability to do this with a tractor.

it's all about your needs. If you need the "victorinox" of tractors get a skid steer.

TripleR · May 13, 2011

Very interesting thread. We had always thought we wanted a skid steer. A friend was moving and needed a place to store some construction equipment and left his Bobcat 864 at one of our farms as we were swapping out work and equipment. After using it for a couple of months or more and having another friend using a similar sized Gehl on our other farm, we decided while they did some things great, soil damage was too much and they just were not needed for what we do.

For some they really appear to be the ideal tool though.

jbooth · May 13, 2011

I am in the opposite position. I own a skid steer but need to do some light farming/food plots. I have aquired a 3 point hitch for my slid steer and use it for disking small areas to be planted. Works good but I have to back up with it all the time. I could turn the disk gangs around and push the disk but then I would have to travel over the disked ground. One nice thing about the skid mounted disk, no weight is required as you can put all the down pressure you need on the disk. Traction is not as good as with a tractor, but my disk is only 7' wide so most times it is adequate. Original plan was to purchase the skid steer for land clearing, but most of that is done and now I'm into planting some of the cleared areas. I absolutely could not get along without the skid steer and would like to have a tractor also. Oh well, poor people have poor ways of getting the job done.

I believe the 3 point hitch hitch adapter for the skid steer would be beneficial for moving 3 point implements around for the small farmer. Sure is easy to hook up as everything is right in front of you. My skid steer 3 point adapter is a quick hitch and is adjustable to cat1, cat2, and maybe even cat3. 3 point adapter also has a reciever hitch built in for moving trailers also.

deere5105 · May 14, 2011

For the price offered, it would be worth trying to see how you like it. If you don't like it you should easily be able to get your investment back. We have a friend that purchased a Bobcat S250 for storm clean up. Was able to use it and pay for it with contract work during that time. He has no place to store it and it stays under our barn and he lives 75 miles away. This machine has a 72" grapple and 72" bucket. We have been given permission to use as we wish. In five years we have not put the bucket on the machine. I also have a FEL on my tractor so therefore it hasn't been needed. I have used the grapple quite a bit to clear new trails/roads and clean up existing. The work this machine can do in tight quarters can not be equaled by a tractor, but if I was forced to pick one I would stay with my tractor for the work I do. The skidsteer would be a better rental use for me. As others have menitioned, the ground damage from this machine is high. When working in roads/trails I usually have to come behind with box blade and level the ruts. I believe tracks would help this.

TripleR · May 14, 2011

deere5105 said:
The work this machine can do in tight quarters can not be equaled by a tractor, but if I was forced to pick one I would stay with my tractor for the work I do. The skidsteer would be a better rental use for me. As others have menitioned, the ground damage from this machine is high. When working in roads/trails I usually have to come behind with box blade and level the ruts. I believe tracks would help this.

Actually, both units we used were tracked and like you, I had to go behind them and repair the damage with my tractor and box blade. I am sure smaller units wouldn't be as bad though.

tessiers · May 14, 2011

Got her on the trailer this week, drop it at the mechanic tomorrow, he is going to service the wole thing, all new fluids and filters. Fix the linkage issue and run it through the paces.

I will be running it on hard surface most of the time so digging up is not really an issue. I know it will never replace the tractors, I just want a small manuverable loader. The more people I talk to the more excited I get to try it out, I decided the skid steer is just what I need around here. I have looked quite closely at the mounting plate and I am pretty sure I can fabricate an adapter plate to mount my JD attachments the the loader. I have rock bucket, bale spear, pallet forks, push blade, and 2 buckets for the JD so that will make it a little more versatile.

Thanks for the input, it helps me out hearing from you guys (and gals). I feel like there is a lot of knowledge at my fingertips here.

SSdoxie · May 14, 2011

tessiers said:
Got her on the trailer this week, drop it at the mechanic tomorrow, he is going to service the wole thing, all new fluids and filters. Fix the linkage issue and run it through the paces.

I will be running it on hard surface most of the time so digging up is not really an issue. I know it will never replace the tractors, I just want a small manuverable loader. The more people I talk to the more excited I get to try it out, I decided the skid steer is just what I need around here. I have looked quite closely at the mounting plate and I am pretty sure I can fabricate an adapter plate to mount my JD attachments the the loader. I have rock bucket, bale spear, pallet forks, push blade, and 2 buckets for the JD so that will make it a little more versatile.

Thanks for the input, it helps me out hearing from you guys (and gals). I feel like there is a lot of knowledge at my fingertips here.

Loader control not coming back to center could be broken centering spring. FYI Thoms used a Salami control valve for quite awhile, may still do. In case you need to look for parts.

Tenn_Blue · May 17, 2011

If most of your work will be on pavement, throw a little sand on it where you will be running. Less wear on your tires, and less marks on the concrete.

RobertN · May 17, 2011

I read the Bobcat story some time ago; it is pretty interesting how these skidsteers came in to existence. Here is the link; you have to select the chapters as you go...

Our Story - Bobcat Company

tessiers · May 17, 2011

I don't think I need sand, the cattle make all the cushion a man could want. Actually several people I know run studded truck tires for traction in the wet manure. I don't care about marking the concrete, and tire wear is inevitable, at $100 each the skid steer tires will seam like pennies compared to tractor tires.

The story is interesting, I didn't get to read it word for word but I browsed through several chapters and it sound like they invented the machine for me.

Thanks for all the replies, I appreciate it.

jbooth · May 18, 2011

Quote:
Originally Posted by deere5105
The work this machine can do in tight quarters can not be equaled by a tractor, but if I was forced to pick one I would stay with my tractor for the work I do. The skidsteer would be a better rental use for me. As others have menitioned, the ground damage from this machine is high. When working in roads/trails I usually have to come behind with box blade and level the ruts. I believe tracks would help this.

Actually, both units we used were tracked and like you, I had to go behind them and repair the damage with my tractor and box blade. I am sure smaller units wouldn't be as bad though.
__________________
I do agree that a skid steer tears up the ground, but I can't imagine needing to repair with a box blade. I can back drag with my skid steer and smooth out any tracks I have left. Not so in a lawn situation, but certainly true on any road or trail.