Tips, bying 2nd hand skid steer

[Alex_K]

Hey gyes im going to be bying my first skid steer (2nd hand)for building motocross tracks and was wondering what I should be asking and looking for (oil leaks, bearings, etc) when bying one I dont want to get ripped of so anything you can think of I would appreciate.

Im looking at 763's they seam to be the most common around here (Australia).
I'll be doing a bit of digging, scraping for dirt, is there any problems that the 763's might have in doing this, say not enough horse power?
The gye at my local track has got the same one so I guess there not bad for what im wanting to do.
Thanks for any help.

 

[Nat]

Alex, I've owned skidsteers for 20 years, but don't have 1 presently. I still feel qualified to answer. One of the main things to look for is hydostatic drive problems. The current generation of machines is so good that if it works when you get on, it will work anytime. if the 763runs and works good, no leaks in hyd,rad,cyls, then it is probally a good machine. The amount of work that can be done with a good skidsteer and a good operator, will amaze you. The 763 uses a kubota engine, around 46 HP, I think a lift capacity of 1500 lbs. a good solid machine similar in size and capacity to a NH 555or Case 1840. Hope this helps some, Later, Nat

 

[Tigerotor77W]

Hey there! There are a few threads about skid steers here and at www.lawnsite.com If your thread here can't help you, read around and hopefully you'll find something that works.

First of all, building motocross tracks. If this involves hauling dirt around, spreading it, building it into large mounds, and moving ramps, a 763 might be a little small for you. For your information, by the way, the 763 has been replaced directly by thr S150. The S160 has 1600 lift and a 56 horsepower, turbo engine, but is the same size as the S150. The 160 might be a better fit for you -- if not a larger machine, period.

The Case 1840 has also been replaced; in this case, by the 40XT. The 40XT has a larger engine and is physically larger than was the 1840. It isn't significantly larger, but the added weight and power will help you quite a bit.

I would actually recommend going a little larger if you can afford the increase in cost. The Cat 236B is a very nice machine and should have all the power you will ever need. It's still a radial lift machine, which means you can dig quite a bit without worrying about the lift arm being weakened. It has an anti-stall feature which will allow you to dig without worrying about stalling your engine. Physically it is not too large, but should be large enjoy to handle your digging and lifting needs.

If you want a vertical lift machine, it will be difficult to beat the Cat 232B or Deere 317. The 232B is similar to the 236B but it has a vertical lift path and fewer horsepower. The 317 is still new; it hasn't really been commercially tested yet and probably won't be popular for another few months.

I'm not sure what you do to build a motocross track so can't really tell you what you need. I recommend considering a few aspects of skid steer design, however. First, the dealer itself. Is it interested in your business? How willing is it to help you and demo its equipment? Second, the equipment itself. Does it have a good reputation? Can it handle the tasks you will use it for? Third, the smaller aspects of the skid-steer. Servicability, operator comfort, mudability, handling. These can only be tested when you demo -- not by product literature. Make sure you test some out before deciding on one to buy.

Good luck. Let me know if you need any more information.

www.bobcat.com
www.cat.com
www.deere.com
www.casece.com (note: I am not sure if they sell SSLs in Australia)
www.newhollandconstruction.com (note: I am not sure if they sell SSLs in Australia)
www.thomasloaders.com (note: I am not sure if they sell SSLs in Australia)
www.gehl.com (note: I am not sure if they sell SSLs in Australia)
www.mustangmfg.com (note: I am not sure if they sell SSLs in Australia)
www.komatsuamerica.com (note: I am not sure if they sell SSLs in Australia)
www.jcbna.com (note: I am not sure if they sell SSLs in Australia)
www.volvoce.com (note: I am not sure if they sell SSLs in Australia)

 

[RobertN]

S160? You mean S185 56hp turbo?

The S185 is a very capable machine; I have a few dozen hours on one. I would look too at the track-loaders. I've used the smaller ASVi machine(RC30) and the 57hp Cat(not sure of model number, think it was a 247B). Both use the ASVi suspended track system. Sure is more comfortable than bouncing around in a skid steer... They both ran from joysticks too; that worked pretty well.

Others offer track machines, but I do not think anyone else has a suspension system.

 

[Tigerotor77W]

No, I meant S160 56 hp. It's the turbo version of the S150 (much as the 185 is the turbo + 100ROC of the S175.)

You are right -- Cat/ASV are the only manufacturer to offer a suspended undercarriage.