Skid Steer's what to get?

[Yotkilr]

Going to get a Skid Steer sometime before spring. probably going used but not real old. Will mostly be used for chores on the ranch. Looking for opinions on brands, always assumed would get bobcat but recently got a Volvo at work and really like that set up. only have 20 hours on it so still don't know on there reliability. Whats everyone have and like?

 

[Vollmer]

We have had CAT, Bobkat, and Volvo at work. The CAT's are the best imo. They hold up the best. I think they have the best track design. And they seem to lift better. Can't beat Butler for service.

 

[Obi-Wan]

Bobcat hands down we have had Bobcat, Cat, and John Deere. The cat was constantly in the shop for electrical issues and had the motor replaced around 800 hrs, we traded it off for another Bobcat. We are now trying a John Deere with tracks, we still have 4 bobcats, and the guys seem to like it but as it is fairly new the verdict is still out. With the JD we chose to go with the 3 controls option which gives the men the choice of controls that they are most comfortable with.

 

[Kurtr]

we have 7 cats and 3 bob cats the oldest is 3 years old no one fights over the bobcats

 

[huffranger]

I bought a 2001 773 bobcat for building my shop and projects around the house. Its easy to work on and there are allot around, some with high time but still good ones to be had. My skidder is also joystick style. Foot pedals hurt my back.

Don't buy any skid steer from a cement outfit, they are used WAY hard.

We have a cat at work and they are great machines but good luck finding one for the same price as a bobcat.

IMHO, find a Bobcat with low hours, you will be happy and it will sell fast when that time comes.

 

[7mmMag]

I'd look at a Mustang. My cousin has a 2700V that I ran a lot this summer. They are awesome machines. Hes had it for over 2 years now and hasnt had any troubles with it. If I bought a skid steer Id be buying a Mustang thats for sure. JGE Inc out of Aberdeen if you are looking for one.

 

[Biglunch]

I like bobcat and new Holland. Have had good luck with both of them. Not sure where you are from but I don't think there are a ton of Volvo dealers in the state compared to other brands, something to keep in mind for parts and service

 

[eyexer]

I have a bobcat and it's a nice little machine. parts are cheaper than the other brands too. but I've also owned a JCB and have ran Cat's a bunch. The Cat's are the Cat's ass. But for what I do the Bobcat suits me just fine.

 

[Wild and Free]

Getting a skid steer is a very vague statement.

Need to throw out some details on weight it needs to lift on a regular basis then tracks or wheels and type of boom setup and on and on.

I have been around numerous brands over the years but not too many of the newer ones built in the last 5 years and as a diesel Tech that has worked on many of the brands out there would have a hard time steering me away from Case machines.

 

[Putz ND]

I run a CAT 257D for landscaping, beach maintenance, and snow removal. I picked up this machine through Butler and have been blown away by both it and the service/buying experience from Butler. Its a high flow, 2 speed machine, and honestly, I look forward to when it snows - crazy fun to operate! The tracks make it ride fairly smooth too. Heated seat, pressurized cab, and joystick controls. Game on!!

 

[tman]

Cats are a joy to run compared to bobcat in my opinion if I were buying I would definatley look at cats

 

[Farmer]

Check the height of the machine if you have a standard garage door. Bobcats will fit in where comparable sized cats won't. Hate to have you surprised when you bring one home.

 

[riverview]

I have a bobcat s185 use it for snow removal and as a fork lift. I like bobcats because they are made in the usa . problem with cat is if you ever have a problem you are paying industrial prices. If you buy one and use it for a couple of years and decide to sell it you wont loose much if any money.

 

[Traxion]

I have been through John Deere, Bobcat, and New Holland. JD is last on my list for lots of reasons. Bobcats are tough and dealers are everywhere. A little crude at times even with newer machines. We have a brand new Bobcat and New Holland and I would personally take the New Holland any day of the week. Quieter, smoother, and just better all around.

I don't know how new you are going but if possible I recommend joystick controls. Yes, more to go wrong, but worth it. The people that say they are harder to run just haven't spent enough time in one. They eliminate 3/4 of the fatigue of running a skid steer IMO. Way, way better for the operator. Good luck!

 

[MT11]

I have a bobcat and it works ok for putting round bales in the feeder and cleaning out the corners in the corral and calving sheds. But every time I hook up the hydraulic post hole digger and I am by myself makes me want a JCB side boom which would also be handy for taking the strings off the bales. Kinda pain in the ass having the front door on my bobcat sometimes.

 

[BrokenBackJack]

Bobcat parts are cheaper than Cat. Bobcat is usually better for resale when selling to a private party.
Each have their perks.