Best used skid steers

ScottAR · Feb 19, 2003

The Cat's use a Perkins, but as Cat owns perkins you are correct.

gerard · Feb 21, 2003

We use gehl at work and the guys seem to like it. I've seen Thomas units go brand new at auctions for about 10-12K for a 45 hp unit. They use a Kubota engine and think the units made in Canada. They look like ok machines but they seem to be a lot less expensive than NH or deere. Anyone have any expereience good/bad with Thomas?? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

gatractorman · Feb 22, 2003

I would say in my experience a skid-steer is the most abused, neglected piece of equipment you will find on a jobsite, many times they are made to do a job they are not designed for but people keep pokin' and proddin' till they finally get it done, 2000 hrs. on pumps and motors eeeehhh, could kinda go either way theres not a cut-off point to say like with 1999 hrs. the pumps are still good then with 2000 their bad I've seen them with alot more still going strong but I've also had to rebuild them with less, it goes back to the operating and maintenance issues, its the same deal with the cracking boom arms with one exception I'll get to in a minute, I too see alot of boom arm cracking and can only attribute it to age and abuse they are too strong for their own good, be wary of an 873 B/C that has non-factory welds and patches on boom arms they have a new style arm for the 873's that I haven't heard of any problems with. As far as engines to avoid I dont know if any other manufacturers use it but B/C messed up once and put a Peugeot diesel in a machine (751) theres not many of them out there but beware of this you dont want one of these.

ric · Feb 24, 2003

Thanks for all the insight on these untis. I will refer to this post in the futrue as I get closer to making the decision. I am still leaning towards a later model Deere, but have not finally decided. Price will be something of a factor.

If you think of anything update this post as I check it from time to time.

ric

jamieac · Feb 28, 2003

Hello, i own a 2002 thomas 1700 and love it. There are made in canada and have a kubota 50 hp engine. I use the machine hard and havent had any prob in the 500 hours iput on it this year. The best thing is i bought it brand new with 5 year warrenty for 14000. and if you wait for an auction to come to your neck of the woods you can find one for 12-13000. For the money i think it is better then any used one you can buy. hope this helps jamie