besides tractor, anyone own a skid steer? will it tear up the lawn?

playboybill · Jan 30, 2011

Hello Everyone, I have a john deere 4200 1998 and i recently started having engine problems with it. its beeen used a lot! so, my friend has a bobcat for sale and ive never owned one, so i was wondering if any of you have?
The question i have is, I do a lot of tree work and things where im on customers lawns....The John deere is minimal damage with the turf tires i have on there so it was nice....im wondering though, since bobcats are a skid steer will they tear up the lawn a lot more? I have a z-rider mower so i know about not pivoting and making wide turns when cutting the grass..but never owned a bobcat...so is this possible to do okay on the lawns if i know how to use it the rite way? or no matter what their going to tear up? thanks everyone.

Diamondpilot · Jan 30, 2011

Yes, kind of. And yes. My neighbor had a Mustang Skid steer and it tore everything up but did lots of work quick, about twice as quick as a tractor with the same size FEL. Another good friend 1 mile down the road has a BobCat and its just as bad. Good part is I can borrow it when needed and he uses my log splitter in return.

Either get your tractor fixed or get another one with turf tires to protect the customers lawns.

Chris

Calvert36 · Jan 30, 2011

My JD 7775 can make a wide-wide-wide turn on the aphalt driveway and still leave a rubber trail. I wouldn't dare put it on my lawn.

turbo466 · Jan 30, 2011

I have an old case 1845 on my farm. I would say that if you take it easy and turn very gradually (like with your Z-turn) you should do ok, but yes, the skidsteer will be more prone to damage lawns than your tractor

BarryinMN · Jan 30, 2011

I have a Deere skid steer as well 36 HP.

It will tear up the lawn far more than the tractor.

OTOH it will run circles around the tractor in productivity.

CompactTractorFan · Jan 30, 2011

Check out this Bobcat:

A300 All Wheel Steer Loader Specifications - Bobcat Company

It's an all wheel steer which is supposedly better on turf, and you can get it with turf tires...

deere5105 · Jan 30, 2011

My experience is that they will do significantly more damage to a yard. There are definitely things the skid steer can do better than the tractor. We use one with a grapple frequently but on several occasions had to come behind it with a box blade to straighten woods roads to knock out the ruts created from turning in a small area.

2458n · Jan 30, 2011

Straight in straight out you are okay. In some factories skid steer tire marks are a big cause for concern. Plywood was used there. Offer a rent to own week and see what it does around your place. The all -wheel steer will be a useful feature, but not alot of them sold.

kennyd · Jan 30, 2011

playboybill said:
Hello Everyone, I have a john deere 4200 1998 and i recently started having engine problems with it. its beeen used a lot! so, my friend has a bobcat for sale and ive never owned one, so i was wondering if any of you have?
The question i have is, I do a lot of tree work and things where im on customers lawns....The John deere is minimal damage with the turf tires i have on there so it was nice....im wondering though, since bobcats are a skid steer will they tear up the lawn a lot more? I have a z-rider mower so i know about not pivoting and making wide turns when cutting the grass..but never owned a bobcat...so is this possible to do okay on the lawns if i know how to use it the rite way? or no matter what their going to tear up? thanks everyone.

Welcome to TBN

Everyone else addressed the SSL issue-it sure will tear things up! They don't call them Skid Steer's for nothing

Now, what is wrong with the 4200? The Yanmar engines in those are pretty bulletproof. What is doing? How many hours on it?

GGB · Jan 30, 2011

In a word-yes! Consider that most skid steers will typically weigh 2-4 times as much as your 4200. Then remember how they turn versus your 4200. If the ground is wet you'll get even more damage, especially when turning. And you'll probably find it's almost impossible to make wide enough turns to not see some turf damage. If you've got helpers, laying down plywood will avoid most of the problems.

GGB