Skid Steer Questions

[Soggy Bottom]

I'm kicking around the idea of buying a used skid steer. It will be used mainly for shredding, digging post holes, and moving small brush piles. Any recommendations of a reputable place to buy a used one? Also what size range and brand should I be looking at. Machine will be only used a weekend or two a month. For shredding small mesquites would one with tracks be better. Any other info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[mjhaverkamp]

I'm kicking around the idea of buying a used skid steer. It will be used mainly for shredding, digging post holes, and moving small brush piles. Any recommendations of a reputable place to buy a used one? Also what size range and brand should I be looking at. Machine will be only used a weekend or two a month. For shredding small mesquites would one with tracks be better. Any other info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Catepillar makes an awesome skid steer, they have track machines or you can buy aftermarket tracks that go over or around the tires, Bobcat and Case also have really good machines. If you want to get a used machine that has been religiously serviced then I would recommend getting one off their rental fleet, usually low hours and there will be some warranty left most of the time, you will pay more but you will have peace of mind, good luck.

[Smithwr]

Just make sure to get one with a big enough cab, not just big enough to "get by". I'm 6'3" and after a few hours of use the foot controls become a real pain to work on a small machine.

[Philip-TX]

Just make sure to get one with a big enough cab, not just big enough to "get by". I'm 6'3" and after a few hours of use the foot controls become a real pain to work on a small machine.

Or get one with hand controls

[Smithwr]

Ive only ran rented ones so not a whole lot of experience with all the options. But 100% hand controls seems like the way to go.

[cosmiccowboy]

Hand controls for sure and the bigger the better. If you are going to run a shredder you want to make sure you get enough hydraulic pump to run the shredder you want. You don't have to go with tracks. You can run a conventional skid loader with solid demolition tires and not have to deal with flats.

[jmangrem]

For what it sounds like you'll be using this thing for I would recommend a ~50 hp, 4-wd front-end loader tractor. It will do everything you've listed and be more versitile for ranch work, especially getting around.
I love a skid steer, don't get me wrong, I've run track and wheel type skid steers quite a bit (definately go 100% hand controls) but for my ranch work I use a JD 5203. Now I wouldn't mind having a skid steer also...

[ladrones]

Do you have a budget in mind?

[rlwenzel]

I bought mine from Jordan equipment in Gonzales have zero complaints. They have some nice machines

[Soggy Bottom]

What can I be looking to spend on a used one in pretty good shape? $25,000?

[BrianL]

I would love to have a skid steer, but shredding would be much better with tractor and shredder. skid steer will be rough riding, slow, and very dusty. If you go skid steer make sure you have a cab and a/c.

[double lung]

Cab / AC are a must for shredding applications. Tracks will provide more power, but I think the "flat free" tires would be a better option for you. Smoother ride and allot easier to maintain.

We have had very good luck with the Terex line.

[Saltgrass Mikerr]

Hi Soggy Bottom.
I am the parts & service rep for Adobe Equipment. We are the JCB dealer, a leader in skid steer technology.
We rent, have used and new. I would be happy to help you with your questions ! the drivers door, on the side, is a great safety feature.

[JeffJ]

Hand controls for sure and the bigger the better. If you are going to run a shredder you want to make sure you get enough hydraulic pump to run the shredder you want. You don't have to go with tracks. You can run a conventional skid loader with solid demolition tires and not have to deal with flats.

Good advice here. We dont have mesquites but we do have cedar. We have our tires foam filled. Never had a flat. We have a 75hp and run a tree shear and shredder easliy. Get an enclosed cab with AC. It will make your life a lot easier in the summer. During the dead heat of summer I love running ours in shorts and flip flops...have spent 5 straight hours doing it without breaking a sweat. By far the most useful, versatile piece of equipment on the ranch. A grapple bucket isnt a necesity to stack with but we love ours.

[JeffJ]

I would love to have a skid steer, but shredding would be much better with tractor and shredder. skid steer will be rough riding, slow, and very dusty. If you go skid steer make sure you have a cab and a/c.

regular old flat pasture without rocks and I would agree. For our purposes the skid steer shredder handles rocky areas and tight spots a lot better. I can clean a mature oak of small cedar and brush in a couple minutes. With the shredder it would take foever and forget me hand cutting it.