Help Around the House Equipment

Santa Craig Cringle · 2025-07-28T14:48:56-0400

Recently, I moved my compact tractor/loader/backhoe out to my remote property. Although I wasn't getting full use of it on a single acre of land in a neighborhood, there were times when I was glad for the lift capability of the loader and its usefulness for moving material and pallets around the yard and garden, etc., loading and unloading pick-up trucks, and even minor outdoor construction projects, etc.

However, now that I've moved it to my remote property, I've got nothing really to take its place at my suburban house.

I don't really need a full-on tractor, but just something with a loader and a set of pallet forks would be really useful around the yard and house. Seems like something a mini-skid would be perfect for, but there don't seem to be many options, including used ones, for a typical household budget.

I really think these mini-skids could be as common as lawn mowers if they were priced right - one in every suburban and rural garage, don't you think?

Is there anything decent and comparable to a mini-skid in a lawn-mower-sized budget (under $3k - even that makes my eyes water for a little ride-on mower)? I thought about looking for a little 8n or 9n with a loader, but that combination seems to be pretty rare.

2manyrocks · 2025-07-28T14:58:03-0400

The smaller 14hp Chinese mini skid steers have sold for $3,000 plus auctioneers fee of about 10% in Middle Tennessee. They will come with a bucket, but forks will be separate and cost more.

For a US made machine, the Power Trac PT425 is about $16,000 plus cost of bucket and forks. Power Trac .

Santa Craig Cringle · 2025-07-28T15:30:47-0400

2manyrocks said:
The smaller 14hp Chinese mini skid steers have sold for $3,000 plus auctioneers fee of about 10% in Middle Tennessee. They will come with a bucket, but forks will be separate and cost more.

For a US made machine, the Power Trac PT425 is about $16,000 plus cost of bucket and forks. Power Trac .

I've been watching for the used Chinese mini skid steers. Not many available in the used market at all - still too new I guess.