Question for Skid Steer or Track Loader Owners

[TerryW]

I'm in the market for a track loader. 

 

I'm really leaning toward a Bobcat for several reasons. 

 

1) Bobcat invented the first skid steer.

2) most attachments available.  I know almost all, if not all, the attachments attach the same(Bobcat) way.

3) looks like the easiest to maintain after looking "under the hood" of the units.

4) Bobcat was the only dealer to come out while we were poking around their lot.

 

All of my reasons are very superficial. 

 

Anybody else with experience have a good, bad or ugly reasons not to go Bobcat?

[Guest Eaglestroker]

We've owned a Series II 250 John Deere for about 10 years. It has a low center of gravity and we get it stuck often, if I were buying over again I'd recommend buying one with tracks. The Bobcats and newer JD's seem to have a higher center of gravity so you don't get hung on a pothole :)

 

 In regards to the attachments anything that they make for the Bobcat has fit the JD just fine. We have a backhoe, bucket, forks, post hole digger, tree sheer, grapple hook, and a stump grinder. The latter really needs the newer high pressure lines to be truly effective.

 

 Sounds like you want the Bobcat so just buy it already!

[swim615]

I have a New Holland with bucket, forks, and a backhoe and it has been a good machine. Lots of hard working hours and only a few blown hoses over the years. I also have metal over the tire tracks for the wetter times and they work great.

 

Don't get one with foot controls and your knees will thank you for years to come. :wave:

 

If you want a little seat time to find out what you like and don't like about one I am building a pond at my place and am always on the lookout for free labor.

 

Bring something to shot while you are on break. :popcorn:

 

I think most have a universal quick attach now as well. Anytime I need one I don't have I just rent it and they all hook up to mine. (to expensive to buy everything)

[seez52]

I've got a new Holland and it's been a good unit. When I was shopping it seemed the JD and the bobcats where higher priced for pretty much the same thing. Never used any of the others so I really can't compare. They are handy as can be. Originally thought I'd buy it then sell if off when most of my house construction was done and get a tractor with a bucket. But, really can't imagine a tractor being as useful or a replacement for a skid steer. We finished the house about 7 years ago and I've still got it even though I don't use it much. When you need it though, it's hard to beat.

[TerryW]

I have a New Holland with bucket, forks, and a backhoe and it has been a good machine. Lots of hard working hours and only a few blown hoses over the years. I also have metal over the tire tracks for the wetter times and they work great.

 

Don't get one with foot controls and your knees will thank you for years to come. :wave:

 

If you want a little seat time to find out what you like and don't like about one I am building a pond at my place and am always on the lookout for free labor.

 

Bring something to shot while you are on break. :popcorn:

 

I think most have a universal quick attach now as well. Anytime I need one I don't have I just rent it and they all hook up to mine. (to expensive to buy everything)

You know, I will take you up on this.. Guess what one of the things I'm wanting to do?  Fence and more fence.  Sound familiar?  lol

[TerryW]

I've got a new Holland and it's been a good unit. When I was shopping it seemed the JD and the bobcats where higher priced for pretty much the same thing. Never used any of the others so I really can't compare. They are handy as can be. Originally thought I'd buy it then sell if off when most of my house construction was done and get a tractor with a bucket. But, really can't imagine a tractor being as useful or a replacement for a skid steer. We finished the house about 7 years ago and I've still got it even though I don't use it much. When you need it though, it's hard to beat.

 

 

I can see using it quite often.  The back part of my property is very hilly and loads of trees and I can't see getting a tractor, of any size, back there very easy. 

[swim615]

You know, I will take you up on this.. Guess what one of the things I'm wanting to do?  Fence and more fence.  Sound familiar?  lol

PM sent

[Murgatroy]

I have run skid steer on and off for 20 years, nearly to a fault it has been an IR Bobcat. 

 

I prefer a track system, but if you know what you are doing, you won't get stuck with tires.