Skid steer questions

[ScottLowry]

I'm looking at buying a skid steer. I'm trying to decide if i should go used or just get a new one. I'm wanting something in the area of a 2k pound lift. What do you guys suggest. It will just be for fram use and lifting logs. It will be used with steel tracks and a grapple bucket most of the time. please give me the advantages and disadvantages of the different brands. I don't know anything about equipment. I have noticed that all the different makes are priced close to the same.



Thanks Scott

 

[MAshley]

For the use your talking about I would consider used, but you need to find a unit that isn't all beat to hell. I own a rubber tracked John Deere CT 332, bought it new and it is a great machine, but it cost more then my beloved CTD... . But I allso make my living using it so it worth it to me. What you really need to do is find a decent dealer, and look around at different units for sale, I would recomend buying the bigest in capasity you can afford, nothing worse then lifting a load and tipping over, I have almost 600 hrs on mine and it works great, but almost all of the majior brands build a decent skid steer. Also remember a graple bucket is heavy, and expensive, so when you think of a load remember the bucket weight as well.



Also look into tire options, they have air filled, foam filled, flatless tires, ETC they all have advantages and disadvantages, If I ever get a skid steer with tires, I would go with the flat less ones, no air or foam. cost a few $$ more but, you never have to deal with flats.



Hydrolic flow or power would be a wise option to pay attention too. As in the hook ups. High flow is cool and you can do a lot with it, I don't have high flow and wish I did, in my situation the differance in GPM was only like 9 but, in Power wise it's 20 HP different and I wish I had it, and on my machine its a factory only option,



If you have any specific Q let me know



David

 

[RGardner]

Been seriously considering a JD CT 332, it seems that you are pleased with yours so far. Is there anything that you don't like about it? Other than the high flow hydralics, are there any other options that you wish you had?

 

[MAshley]

well to be honest I have all the options except for the high flow. High end security system, or warning light, I do have the chrome tail pipe :--) Bling Bling Oo.



I would even consider selling mine just to upgrade to the high flow. I really want to do some brush cutting, and the high flow makes it a little easier to do. Honeslty if you don't have a need or desire for some of the really high flow tools, such as cold planner, "asphalt cutter" brush cutter, remember you can still do these items just a little slower in production time. We have lots of brush around here.



Heat and AC are totaly worth it, the first 6 months I owned it I was working down in New Orleans and the AC paid for it self many times over, 80 + outside and brrrrrr inside. but if I was going to stick a worker in the unit, and never run it my self, I might not pony up for the extra $$. the heat and AC cost. I have a cab too, its all glass, and If I did it again I would get the cab with the demo door, 1/2 plexiglass instead of real glass, I haven't' broken it but for the few demo jobs I have done I would have liked a better window in the door, also closing the door is nice when loading materials because you don't end up wearing what every your moving. In the mud its great as long as you can walk in it without going past your calf you can drive in it and haul stuff around. worked many of days in the muck in Mississippi. and got out of the unit dry, and clean.



Oh big complaint, but an easy work around... . anything past 1/2 tank of fuel you need to watch how steep of ground you work on, in some cases under 1/2 tank to 1/4 tank I have run out of fuel. I think most if not all of the 3-4 times " don't learn very quick" I have done this I was close to 1/4 tank, and in some steep angles, steep = 45+ degrees, Pointing down hill. once stuck in a steep hole, once in a ditch, and again in a large hole 400+ yards. . actually planning on filling up in about 5 min, don't' remember the other time. easy fix, just add fuel and pump the primer while pinching the return line, once the hand pump gets firm pump a few more times and try to start, should start after a second or 2, purrs out in 20 - 30 seconds. by the way the tank is about 25 gallons or so, so a full hard days is easy to acomplish.



I haven't looked lately but I have at least 550 hrs now, no major issues.



Minor issues

wiper motor failed

Heat temp motor failed "cab heat"

Ran over one of the motor covers Doh :{

Belt fell off one day, have no idea why, hasn't been an issue again.

2 burnt out lights

2 wipper blades





Let me know if you have any Q I can answer



David 253 - two 5 Zero - two nine 4 9

 

[RGardner]

Have you run a wheeled skid steer with the steel tracks? If so what are the major differences? Are the tracted loaders worth the extra bucks?

 

[lil red cummins]

i've run 2 different Gehl models with the steel track over the wheels.



they really help keep the unit level when trying to grade. they also help the tractive effort (less wheel spin) when digging into a hard pile.



only downside is trying to drive or turn on concrete. don't do it unless you have to. it really tears the tracks up.



jim

 

[Flinty]

I run a case 1845c with a 4cyl cummins in it, this rig has never failed to start and they are priced reasonably. Well suited to steel tracks, too. I don't know your location but Canada is where we got ours. I will also add they are built stout. Our second machine is a JD 250 with a 3cyl turbo diesel. Really quick and nimble but not as solid as the Case, cheaper, too. A third grader could fix the Case, they're really simply put together and parts are a cinch to find. I guess my biggest gripe about the Case is it's slow, but still my favorite. Luck in your choice, they're all fun to play with!

 

[jonlane]

hey steve



I was in the same boat about 1 year ago. I asked around and every one told

me the case was a better machine than bobcat. It is definitly heaveir duty.

Plus it had a CUMMINS. So I bought a 1845 c . 3000 hrs ,it was what I could afford( dont use it every day) payed $11,500 with new forks, and 72" bucket.

HERES what I found out. TAKE ANY prospective (any brand used) to your local hydralic shop,they can check line pressure and motor drive pressure with gauges,to see the condition of machine.





I didnt do this, and my main pump got weak. The shop ,of corse would sell the parts. But , and there always is a but, they have a deal called contamination. When these wearout small metal pieces get in the whole system. So I did wheelmotors also,hoses,ect. NOT CHEAP $5200



My advice buy something with medium hrs. Pay me now, or pay me later.

Also I love my machine!!!!! Slow ,compared to new 2 speed hi flo. But starts always ,runs great ,does what I want. I dont run tracks, because when Im diging ,when the tires stop spinnin Im out of power. But they smooth out the ride with a bigger footprint, and add wieght down low were you want it.





just my 2 cents. good luck.

 

[Babyfat]

Maybe Look Into A Mini Wheel Loader Like Kubota R420 Or R520,

Won't Tear Ground Up And Rides Alot Nicer.



Jost My 0. 02

 

[d90boy]

My favorite skid steer that I've had is the takeuchi TL150. I like the rubber tracks that ride a lot better than tires bouncing and hobby horsing all over. The front glass raises up overhead so you can run with the front open to hear what someone is saying or enjoy the weather. The main thing is that I won't own again is a skid steer without joystick controls. Moving the whole levers forward like the bobcat is a pain especially when you hit a bump that throws you forward which moves your arms forward, goosing the loader and knocking the hell out of you with more hobby horse action.



I do like the weight brackets on the Deere, I think some don't have enough weight in back. you'll appreciate this when you fall face first into the side of a dump truck bed

 

[MAshley]

Rubber tracked machines and Tire based machines with steel or rubber tracks are not the same, there are many differances. they look simular but there not. Bobcat and john deere both advertise the 2 as seperate tools...



Think of the tracked machine as a dozer with a front loader on sterioids.

John Deere calls it a CTL compact track loader.



Think of the tire based units skid steeer as a bobcat, or tractor thats skids around.



A few advantages Rubber tracked machine have



Lift capasity, and stability... . the front roller "track" is farther forward then on a tire machine, the machine is hard to tip.



Ground PSI is about 4-5

no bounce, very stable

traction is increadable

Side hill work is crazy, it will go up down and sid slope like nothing on tires.

Heavy enough to get traction

I can drive up or down hills I don't have to back up them.



Downside is



$$$

track life on asphalt is horable and they are spendy to replace

rocky soil isn't great eithor

heavy. about 12- 13 K lbs with a bucket







Tire machines advantages



cheaper !!!!!!!

no tracks to deal with

lighter in weight



disadvantges



get stuck easier

flats

bouncy

more of a tractor





advantages of both ... . They use the same quick connect for impliments :--)





What do you want to do with this machine ? Maybe we should help you pick the right machine for the job Oo.

 

[RGardner]

I will be using it on the farm for many things, unloading semis and trailers full of round bales of hay, digging out ponds, repairing and replacing terraces that have washed over time, etc. The ct332 may be overkill but several years ago I bought a 45hp fwd tractor that I was assured (by the dealer) would do everything that I needed it to do. Now it is a nice little machine for mowing and light dirt work, but gets mighty light on its feet with a 1500 bale on the stinger! I won't be underpowered again. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Summit]

I had a cat 262 with the loegering steel tracks that go over the tires. tracks add a ton of traction but can be a pain sometimes.

sold it and bought cat 257b with the rubber tracks, i wont ever go back to tires, balance is sooo much better / smoother on unever terrain. night and day diff. its like a mini dozer with all the attachments.

 

[jp8819]

Dad uses a 98 model case 1845 on the farm with no problems at all handles round bales like they aren't there. The steel tracks on them help in soft ground and floatation but they will dig up the ground worse as well. Kinda a pain to put on and off by yourself as well. I have ran one of the newer cases a 90xt and that thing is a beast basicly a turbocharged version of the 1845 and newer joystick controls which made it alot nicer to operate. Dad was running a jd 555 trackloader and I was in the case and I could dig alot faster than him in red clay. Not alot of experience with the track machines but everyone I have talked to that ran one loved it if you can justify the cost of it and maintence of the tracks.

 

[MAshley]

Well, I'll be honest when I was shopping I didn't look at all the brands, didnt' have time. I needed one like yesterday, The JD shop is about 5 miles from home and I pass it every day, but on the cover of the brochure http://www.deere.com/en_US/cfd/construction/deere_const/media/pdf/ctl/DKACTL.pdf

they have the CT332 carrying 2 ecology blocks they weigh about 4K lbs each. that was enough for me to believe that they can lift and haul a lot. And when I was buying it I wanted to load trucks... . I test drove around the lot a tire machine and track, dirt, gravel and asphault. the bounce or lack there of was the deal setter, I didn't want to spend the extra $$ but it was well worth it.



I talked to the dealer a lot and I felt comfortable with him, a few things I have learned sense owning it, Not all tracked machines are easy to adjust the track tension. Deer and I think Tacahuchi use a grease gun, about 10 min max, some of the other setups, Cat and ASV take about an 1 hr each side. other maintance items look to be simple and easy, so nothing wrong and I didnt' have time to look at other dealer + they had what I needed in stock ready to go. so as emerald say BAM deal was set.



if your looking to load bails of hay, and your on asphalt or concrete all day long you might not want the tracked machine, a fork lift might be better, tracks are spend... . but if your on lose dirt or in a field not an issue. I haven't personally picked up any bails of hay, but I wouldn't hesitate to pick up a large round bail. remember that steel track to put over tires are expensive to buy, about 3-4K for a good set, and with a tire machine in soft areas, full hight lift with a bail might be a little tipsy in soft ground, I know the track machine wouldn't be an issue, also if we compare the biggest tire machine built by Deer the tipping lbs is 6350 lbs, the track is 9200 lbs a difference of 2850 in favor of the tracked machine, I'm sure this is the case for all brands, bobcat, case, Tackahuchi, ETC As summit stated it a mini dozer... . in fact the smallest dozer, deer sells has a smaller motor...



Check out http://www.skidsteer.com/ if you haven't already, I know it's deer based and I talk a lot about them, mainly because I own one and love my machine. Kind of like my CTD Im sure any brand will work, and work good for you, I know there are some small difference in all the brands, but if your on a farm, diging ponds or dugouts and don't want a Excavator, a rubber tracked machine is going to make you happier then tires with tracks, if your just going to install tracks on a tire machine and leave them on all year, buy a track machine.



Go test drive one, there night and day difference if your interested in Used I might part with mine.





No extreme mud photos but the one Iamb digging out a foundation, a tire machine would have been stuck, thats standing water in the photo...

 

[PToombs]

Check around the area for rental houses, or the dealer. Rent what you might be interested in, and run the snot out of it. Best way to tell if that machine will work for you.

By the way, a Case machine won't run out of fuel until there is none, or you flip it over!

 

[natemcclure517]

I run a Bobcat S220 everyday and am very happy with it. I have ran just about every name brand and Bobcat is my favorite. They invented the skid steer and have a lot of experience. You said you wanted to run steel tracks if you do be sure to check tire pressure before operating. If they are low it will pop the tire off the rim.

 

[MKlages]

when you are looking at different brands check out servicability and access to engine and hydraulics. I am biased to the Deere because I fix em for a living. we have had trade ins of all the brands and I think the Deeres are the best.

 

[telliott]

i too work on JD Skids, and as far as i can tell, they seem as good as any. the problem i see with the ct 332 vs a skid with tires, is the tracks are so heavy and it takes so much power to run them, you are much less fuel effecient and you may be losing power in other areas. they seem to be slower moving, and if you plan on using them in the snow, they are terrible. We tried to use our ct 332 to clean our lot during the big colorado blizzards, and if you get on the slightest side hill the tracks just slide down. also if you are pushing any weight, the tracks to no good. the tires are much better in this situation. We took a New Holland LS 190 in on trade, and i have to say, that machine seems very comparable to the deere as well.

 

[PToombs]

when you are looking at different brands check out servicability and access to engine and hydraulics. I am biased to the Deere because I fix em for a living. we have had trade ins of all the brands and I think the Deeres are the best.

That's funny right there! I work for a Case dealer and they're the best! :-laf I do agree on access to work on them, some really suck! I went to work on a NH and found out you had to buy a special tool to raise the cab! It looks like a 4 ft ratchet binder, it bolts to the front top of the cab and the bottom frame and cranks the cab up and down.