Tractor vs skid loader lift comparison?

[TSO]

My tractor is a GST and I'd actually prefer that to HST, though I could go with a HST if necessary.

The cab adds unnecessary cost - I think I'll buy a plow truck so I can do my other properties for next winter, so a cab is not necessary right now but would be nice



Ooops! It's actually a DK55 with a KL551 loader. Similar ratings.



That's very true, but part of that is also stability... that tractor has a much larger wheelbase than my skid loader, and ballasted that weight is much further from the lift point.

The skid loader for me has worse visibility... it's very difficult to see/monitor whats behind you, which makes it very nervous for me to work around people/pets. I might miss a small part of the leading edge of the bucket, but I can see the rest.

Only thing in the specs I don't like on the DK55 is the fact the lift at 24" is only 2600 lbs, where as my L3650 is over 2000. 600 lbs seems like somewhat on the low end of an increase between the two models, but I guess it's all relative. I've never been really disappointed in the L3650's 3-point lift so far.

Have you checked out the LS U5030 ? It's a Synchro-Shuttle. 55hp with 48hp @ the PTO. Rear 3pt lift is 4,079 lbs. Loader lifts 2900 lbs to full height. You can probably pickup the open-station version for around $26k. There's also the new Tier4 version of that, the XU5065, which has a hydraulic Shuttle and 65HP... not sure what they're selling for tho.

Loader specs:
Maximum Lift Height, in. 115.5
Clearance with Attachment Dump, in. 84.9
Reach at Maximum Height, in. 27.1
Maximum Dump Angle, deg. 46
Maximum Rollback Angle, deg. 46
Digging Depth, in. 4.9
Overall Height in Carry Position, in. 66.6
Lift Capacity (@ Pivot Pin), lbs. 2900
Breakout Force (@ Pivot pin), lbs. 4790
Approx. Weight (Loader w/o Bucket), lbs. 1276

U5030 « LS Tractor USA

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If that tractor came in HST, it would be sitting in my barn now instead of this Massey.

 

[OrangeGuy]

I own both an 863 Bobcat skid loader and a Kubota Grand L3430 tractor with loader. Both units have their pluses and minuses. For loader work the Bobcat is the hands-down winner. For light loader work and 3pt capabilities, the tractor wins out. The Bobcat is also great for attachments I have rented such as; heavy duty brush mower, stump grinder, heavy duty rototiller, landplane, Harley power rake, and heavy duty auger w/36" bit. The Bobcat also handles much larger pallet fork lifting and an extra large snowbucket. I also just ordered a heavy duty tree/post puller from Post and Tree Puller to remove those pesky 1" to 3" saplings and buckthorn. It will fit on both rigs, but the Bobcat will be the superior machine for this attachment.

All this said, I won't give up my cabbed Kubota. It's an all-around machine that earns it's keep. I vote to keep what you have. The resale is great on both of the machines you own. If you must get rid of them for something new, sell both of them yourself. You'll probably end up with enough extra money to purchase much more in a new tractor.

 

[Fallon]

A tractor makes for a very poor loader platform. Look at every other lifting platform out there... Forklift, engine on the back with a counterweight & a beefy front axle. Same with an articulating loader, skidsteer, excavator or any other number of lifting machines. Now look at a tractor... Small steering axle & engine up front where the loader is, no counterweight & the beefy axle in back.

The tractor as a platform is made for pulling, not lifting or digging. The utility tractor ends up being a compromise to fulfill many rolls because it makes for a decent platform.

If you want something as a digger or loader go with something designed primarily for that. I'm happy with my little utility tractor & its loader, but I recognize its a compromise to accomplish a lot of different tasks with 1 machine.

 

[Rustyiron]

I have both a SS & tractor and would not want to have to make a decision on what one to keep, In other words, I think as much as you'll love that new shiny tractor, you will miss the SS. And as mentioned, the "official" r.o.c. of skid steers is 50% of the tipping load. unless one (or both) of your machines are giving you serious trouble, I'd keep 'em.

 

[ishiboo]

A tractor makes for a very poor loader platform. Look at every other lifting platform out there... Forklift, engine on the back with a counterweight & a beefy front axle. Same with an articulating loader, skidsteer, excavator or any other number of lifting machines. Now look at a tractor... Small steering axle & engine up front where the loader is, no counterweight & the beefy axle in back.

The tractor as a platform is made for pulling, not lifting or digging. The utility tractor ends up being a compromise to fulfill many rolls because it makes for a decent platform.

If you want something as a digger or loader go with something designed primarily for that. I'm happy with my little utility tractor & its loader, but I recognize its a compromise to accomplish a lot of different tasks with 1 machine.

Great points, but I wouldn't say a very poor loader platform, it's just designed for ground-engaging first and lifting was added on. Remember a skid steer is also designed to be highly manuervable in small spaces, and the counterweight's size and position makes up for the fact the wheelbase is SHORT. This is also a big negative when running ground-engaging attachments, towing, snow plowing, etc. It's also very low to the ground compared to a tractor, and of course has much smaller wheels/tires.

My L3650 is almost enough loader for me for loader work (the bucket is small, so an increase in bucket size with additional lift capacity will be a big improvement), except for the occasional heavy lift. I realize that the skid loader is going to be a much stronger loader alone, which is why I'm looking at replacing a 1700 lb lift skid loader with a 2600-2800+ lb lift tractor to get reasonably close to the functionality I have.

Loader work is a small part of what I do, and to be honest the L3650 is almost always sufficient. The skid loader is very lacking however when I am lifting something on a trailer, off the ground, etc. as I want to be able to get on/off which I can do on the tractor. While a tractor makes an okay loader, a skid loader makes a TERRIBLE tractor... so that's why I think it makes sense to upgrade.

I think for this summer, I'll keep both... and save for a new tractor with cab next year. Once I have that for a while, I'll figure out whether or not I can toss the skid loader or not I have some projects where it'll be nice to hook the dump trailer up to the tractor, load with the skid loader and move/dump with the tractor. LS/TYM will also be on my list going forward.

Thanks all for the great help and info to all!