Skid Steers, anyone have any experience with them?

[Cuda Cody]

Does anyone own a Skid Steer?  What are the good brands and are there any models to avoid? 

[7E-Bodies]

 I've never personally owned one but I've driven a ton of them. Caterpillar and Case were my favorites, For American. Hard to give the nod to Cat as they're decimating Peoria with greed driven out sourcing though. Takeuchi was probably the most expensive, Cadillac I'd ever operated but out of reach for most beginning buyers, as it was loaded with options and even at base was very expensive. Nice unit though. Definitely want diesel for power and nothing beats tracks over tires. Deere is a very well liked name in skids as well. I have two Deere Farm machines and love them.

[captcolour]

No info on owning, but just curious what you plan to do with it?  Unless you need it for a significant amount of time and repeated use, why not just rent?

If you buy used, make sure it is numbers matching for resale 

[Racer57]

Deere, Cat and Case.

Tires for hard surface and tracks if in a lot of loose surface and mud.

Check color of hydro fluid. Should be clear.

Get in and move hydraulic levers make quick changes in direction. Listen for banging/rattling with the bucket/boom  to see if bushings are worn out.

If owned by construction companies, then they have had different people running them with various amounts of experience. And thats putting it nicely. 

[Cuda Cody]

Everyone talks about how great the Bobcats are, but I don't like the foot controls as much as I like the normal hand controls the Cat and Case's use.  Glad to hear the Cat's and Case's have a good reputation. 

With a few properties that I need to take care of and looking at a couple times over the next few years of needing to rent one for a couple weeks plus long projects I thought it might just be time to find a used one to buy.  I'll make sure to look for the fender tag and matching numbers!       

[Chryco Psycho]

I have operated almost all of them , I really dislike Bobcats too touchy [undampened]
I like the Cat & Case , Thomas is good too
Build sheets & fender tags are very important as well as # matching

[RUNCHARGER]

I rebuilt a CASE and it was okay except the one Hydraulic pump was hard to find and expensive. I can't remember how old it was but I think only 10 years. It was smaller than a 185 Bobcat. The small ones can be tight to work on. I was happy to sell it

[Plumcrazzy]

Cody: Have owned my skid steer for several years and it has served me well. It is a used New Holland, rubber tires, 36 HP, deisel with foot controls for the boom and bucket. New Holland uses 10W30 for ALL the lubrication systems and for the hydraulic system--makes it handy in that regard. Mine also has auxiliary hydraulics in the right hand steering control for forward attachments. I have had issues with electronics on mine---you know---the standard crap---seat belt switch---wiring issues---etc. But, being an old Street Rodder, nothing beats a well placed jumper to solve most of those problems. I could never understand why they have to build everything to be "Dummy Proof" until you can hardly get equipment to run. When my seat belt switch gave up, I just bypassed with a jumper. Then the seat switch(s) went South. Called New Holland and the only thing they could say was you need a new seat switch harness---to the tune of nearly $800.00--HA. Found out the switches were not a New Holland item---they were regular old seat switches for any number of buses. Just pulled the switches out from under the seats and by-passed them with some solid core 12-2 wire. I would recommend a track machine over a rubber tired one for more versatility and better traction. Make sure you get the full tour when/if you buy so you can make sure EVERYTHING is correct and working properly. These things can be ba$tards to work on so just be careful. Good luck

[screamindriver]

The hand controlled skid steers allow you to use your feet to help stabilize you as the machine moves around{this happens more than you realize}...You just can't get the speed or accuracy out of the foot controlled units no matter what the brand..Bobcat is an entry level machine most rental stores have them around here for Mr. homeowner to try his hand with..For some reason Case decided to extend the back of the newer machines and in doing so created a huge blind spot even with the back-up camera..Making for some tough maneuvering in tight areas..We ended up with a new cat track machine this year..The performance plus the factory warranty made the choice an easy one...AC, heated seat,bluetooth radio and back-up camera give a nice operator oriented machine...

[73440]

Used a Cat at last job, easy to operate, always hated the Bobcat foot pedal ones.
https://www.specguideonline.com/search/skid-steer-loaders
Website to compare specs .


https://www.ritchiespecs.com/  Another website for specs

[BigSig 6 Barrel]

.

Lots to consider in selecting the skidsteer that's right for you and your needs.
Don't think you can go wrong with any reputable brand that's been around awhile and stood the test of time.
What and how it will be used will determine what size & features best suit your needs and your budget.
Like most things, skidsteers keep improving year by year, so it's unfair to compare a three year old brand X with a brand new brand Y.

I have a different opinion then some have expressed about Bobcat.   Though mine's a big older 953 model. lacking many of the newer comforts and features, it still does everything I ask it to do.  I'm pleased with it and would certainly consider Bobcat again should I ever feel the need to upgrade.

Perhaps Bobcat is the overwhelming favorite of rental shops, not because they're "entry level" machines, but because .... as a watch company once advertised . . .  "They take a lick'n, and keep on ticking"
Rental skidsteers are the most abused skidsteers out there, because everybody figures they're going to get their money's worth out of them.

Some people prefer Fords over Mopars . . . . go figure !!


.

[73440]

Short article about the different control systems.

https://www.forconstructionpros.com/equipment/earthmoving-compact/article/10271250/skid-steer-control-options

I like Bobcat for their mini excavator, own one , just dont like the foot pedal controls on the skid steer.

[73440]

https://youtu.be/0LtxDhKWFJA

Here's a unique skid steer from JCB , one arm design and telescopic boom.

[Cuda Cody]

Thanks for all the help guys.  I'm going to look for one that is hand control.  I think it will be easier for me to operate.

Going to look at this one tomorrow.  It's crazy how expensive these little things are! 

[Cuda Cody]

Where do I get the "2 wheel wheelie" attachment?