Skid Steer Advice

dlcj

Hey guys. I thinking of getting a skid steer and need a little advice on what to look for in used machines. Brands ,sizes, hp (would like at least 50hp). I dont really have a specific purpose for one other than just to help not do so much by hand anymore. I will do a little dirt moving around our foundations, and maybe contract the rough lanscaping afterwards too. Move materials around the job or just to clean my back yard. Drill post holes and deck foundations or load a junk car to haul off. What is conciderd high flow hydrolics? I may build a side buisness around the machine and would like to be able to rent and or buy and run any attachment. Im looking in the 5-8k range with 10k being the upper limit. Im partial to bobcat as i have rented a few and gotten fairly good at operating one. Looking for a tire machine as i already have a set of over the tire tracks if i need them. One more question i know we dont like to hear here but what is the average rate for bobcat work? Not looking to make a killen (at first ) or not even pay for the machine. I just want one. If things go good, in the future i might buy a newer one. Thanks

rbsremodeling

Go online and find a united rentals. They have lots of used machines for sale. Buy a warranty with it. It covers almost all the repairs if necessary.

They will usually have a machine and matching trailer for sale.

I bought a use bobcat 753 from them. They work on them and parts are easy to find if you need them

I paid 6500 for the unit and trailer and another I think 500 for the warranty. This was a steal of a deal. The unit look like it was dipped in concrete and they gave me a good price. I think 5-8k is a good budget for it. They finances the units as well if you need to.

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SLSTech

Discussion points for Mini's vs Bobcat
http://www.contractortalk.com/f50/mini-skir-steer-vs-bigger-one-48212/

More info on is it worth it?
http://www.contractortalk.com/f50/why-didnt-i-do-sooner-48191/

Average rate around Central AL is anywhere from $40 & up min 3 or 4 hours - there are cheaper but I wouldn't trust them (don't forget your normal TMOH&P + PM Costs)

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dlcj

Appreciate the feedback. I just rememberd that some family of some friends operates a sunbelt rental store. I'll ask what they have for sell. I just wanted to know some points to look at in a used machine like how many hours is too many? Wear points?Best brand for parts availability? What accessories need high flow and what is concidered high flow?
As for minis i think there great and wish i could get both but i think the skid will suit me better as i will use it for higher lifting such as shingles, decking to roof or maybe a hoe attachment and dig footers.
On pricing i was thinking 40-50 also but may depend on what attachment using or just moving a pile from one place to another.

rbsremodeling

try to get one with less than 2000 hours if its a rental. Bobcat usually has the best part availabilty but that is subject to your location.

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NorthstarNC

Reliability, power, lift height, tipping load and visibility; my choice is New Holland.

wazez

Gotta agree with Northstar we have a LS180 with wheels and love it though I'd like to have one with tracks. I've used some Bobcats and the New Holland would blow them away in all the aspects mentioned above!

tgeb

I am with the last 2 posts, NewHolland will kick Bobcats all over the site.

As far as rates, I won't work me for 40/hour, sure won't work me and a $25K machine for that.

My rule is operator hourly rate plus rental rate for machine. you can find out the rental rate at Sunbelt/United.

Make sure you have the required insurance as you enjoy your hobby and compete with the guys that do excavation for a living.

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Tom

www.gebcon.com

dirt diggler

cat

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Thanks in advance!!!

seifconst

Bobcat S185 (same as 773) great sized machine. I'd stay away from the rental machines unless you trust their service work. Rental machines are just that -- rented to a variety of operators (weekend warriors to road crew workers). To me, if a machine looks beat up, it most likely is. Look for a private seller or reputable dealer. Stay under 2k hours like stated earlier. Don't forget to check for broken and repaired welds on loader. The older style vertical lift pattern for bobcat is difficult to see out of the side. This was corrected with a new design. I can't speak for other brands, but my 02 773 is extremely easy to maintain- motor is turned 90 deg. to the pump, exposing injectors, filters, drain hoses, battery, etc. I would definitely reccomend a diesel over gas motors for torque and power reasons. Good luck.

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A smart guy won't say anything and a dumb guy don't know the difference!

seifconst

Bob"cat"

or

"Cat"ipellar

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A smart guy won't say anything and a dumb guy don't know the difference!

dlcj

I read another thread where someone was looking to get a new skid but i cant afford one so is why i started this thread on used machines. Anyway he had many votes for the New hollands too. Im not familar with the numbers so what model NH is comparible to the Bobcat 773/s185 (50-60hp) and average price for a 2000hr machine of that size?
As for the votes for Catapiller ,i can only wish. Every time i pass a cat dealer on the highway ,i drool on the car window glass. I have no personal experience on how they compare to others but i know that everybody with a big operation usually have all cat machines. Unless i find someone giving one away under $8k and 2k hrs i cant have one.
One question that has not been answered. What about high flow hydrolics? What accessorries need more than 16gpm (BC 175) or 26 gpm (BC 185). Thanks again

NorthstarNC

A great site to start your search for a machine:

http://www.machinerytrader.com

Also, if purchasing through a dealer, don't be afraid to as to demo the machine at your house/job site. When I bought my New Holland (used through a New Holland dealer) the salesman offered to let me demo it at my convenience for a few days. He even delivered it 45 min away! These are big purchases, they are willing to work to sell to you.

seifconst

high flow hydro's are for attachments that require large volumes of fluid- sweepers, snow blowers, some demo hammers, etc. In the five years I've had mine, I never ran into a situation when I needed it. My machine is not equipped with high flow and on the same token I don't use many attachments. Maybe an occasional auger (doesn't require). I worked for a company who ran NH's, can't say too much bad about them from my experiences. As with most equipment- it's going to last/perform best with routine maintanence- grease (very important) fluid changes, operator usage, etc. Higher hr. used machines would scare me if the prior history is unknown. Look on iron planet. They are an auction service and they give great detail towards the mechanical diagnostics of what they are selling.

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A smart guy won't say anything and a dumb guy don't know the difference!

dirt diggler

caterpillar

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Thanks in advance!!!

Blas

T250!!!!!!!!!!!!BOBOCAT!!!!!!!!!! I am biased.

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"It is what it is"

rbsremodeling

The bobcats are decent machines. are they the best? no but they are reliable and easy to maintain and repair.

IF you can fix a ford truck you can repair your bobcat. Or take to the rental yards and have maintence done to it cheaply. Everything is wide open

Also look on ebay. Lots of equipment for sale there

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joasis

I just ended up with Ford CL 40 in a trade....it is cheap!

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dlcj

Yeah im leaning to bobcat as well. Ease of maintaince is important sense i try to do it all myself anyway and there plenty dealers around for parts. There are allso plenty John Deere dealers in my area. Anybody have a opinion on jd skids? One time i thouht new holland was owend by ford. Is that true? Dont really matter just curious.
About ebay, yeah i am tracking about 18 differnt machines now. Not ready to buy just yet just getting an idea on what they go for.Looking on craigs list too.

Digz

I have a Komatsu CK 35 that craps on every other skid ive ever been on...