I am about to buy a used skid steer, what brands should I avoid?

[xephonics]

Hello all, I am new here and new to skid steers in general. I am looking to buy a used CTL skid steer for around $20k or so. I am trying for under 3500 hours. My usage for it will be for clearing my own land/farming chores, and maintaining a 3000 long gravel drive.

My main question is which brands should I avoid? I have seen a lot of issues on here with ASV/Terex, so I think they are out of the running. Are there any others I should steer clear of?

I am also willing to take suggestions on which ones I should definitely check out.

Thanks for any and all help.

 

[AchingBack]

Based on youtuber, Andrew Camarata's video on his skid steers, he recommends only Japanese built machines. He had a lot of down time with Bobcat.

Buying a new skid steer - Andrew Camarata - VideoBring

 

[laurencen]

over the years had a few machines, first was a older Thomas, worked but lots of upkeep but that's the life with a 15 year old machine, next had a Deer, its used at the lake last few years, only issues in 14 years were radiator overflow bottle and fuel shutoff solenoid had to be replaced, today for the last 5 years had a Bobcat 590, got 2000 hours only issue was the heater resistor died, I would buy Deer or Bobcat again.

 

[Jchonline]

I think ASV split from Terex and is now making their own SS again.

I looked hard at Deere, Bobcat, Cat. These 3 would be my top choices. I have dealers relatively close. In my area, Bobcat is the king.

 

[ddbackhoe]

Hello all, I am new here and new to skid steers in general. I am looking to buy a used CTL skid steer for around $20k or so. I am trying for under 3500 hours. My usage for it will be for clearing my own land/farming chores, and maintaining a 3000 long gravel drive.

My main question is which brands should I avoid? I have seen a lot of issues on here with ASV/Terex, so I think they are out of the running. Are there any others I should steer clear of?

I am also willing to take suggestions on which ones I should definitely check out.

Thanks for any and all help.

Really depends on your ability/desire to fix stuff. ASV 4810 was almost indestructible. The reviews here for ASV aren’t good with mulchers, but are you going to use one? I had a pt-50 that was great, moved to a PT-100 both worked great for what I used them for. For work, I’m leasing some Kubotas and not overly thrilled with them At the farm, I have a 96 scattrack (now Volvo), got it dirt cheap. It needed two batteries and oil change. No fancy electronics, no high flow, no heat or a/c but it works when we need it for farm chores. Some parts are easy to get, some have to be adapted but between my shop and my buddy, there isnt much we cant fix. JD and bobcat are both ok, but parts are usually at a premium.

 

[ddbackhoe]

Based on youtuber, Andrew Camarata's video on his skid steers, he recommends only Japanese built machines. He had a lot of down time with Bobcat.

Buying a new skid steer - Andrew Camarata - VideoBring

I watched a couple of his videos, not sure i would consider him an expert.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Watch the Andrew Camarada Videos on Youtube about his Bobcat experience. He sold his and will never buy another. Although his beef is maybe more against computerized machines.

Friends of mine just bought a used Bobcat SS. They have had NOTHING but grief! But that could be true for any used SS.

 

[AchingBack]

I watched a couple of his videos, not sure i would consider him an expert.

I'm not sure what it takes to be considered an expert.

 

[Industrial Toys]

No, not at all. He also makes no secret that he buys the cheapest stuff he can get. BUT, I do agree with the computers. You are screwed and reliant on the dealer if that stuff quits. As for the computer he bought. Just to add insult to injury, they sent the wrong one, AND then in the end the machine started doing the exact same thing again.

I read a discussion with some big time earth movers a while ago. I will never forget what one said. "You don't need computers to move dirt."

Can you just imagine a world where these computers where dirt cheap as they should be? And software was open source, laptop diagnostic software came with the machine or available free for download.

So, I say, avoid that expensive trap altogether. We should all be walking into dealerships and asking for computer free machines. When they say it's not possible, turn and walk out with your money. Send a message.

 

[4570Man]

No, not at all. He also makes no secret that he buys the cheapest stuff he can get. BUT, I do agree with the computers. You are screwed and reliant on the dealer if that stuff quits. As for the computer he bought. Just to add insult to injury, they sent the wrong one, AND then in the end the machine started doing the exact same thing again.

I read a discussion with some big time earth movers a while ago. I will never forget what one said. "You don't need computers to move dirt."

Can you just imagine a world where these computers where dirt cheap as they should be? And software was open source, laptop diagnostic software came with the machine or available free for download.

So, I say, avoid that expensive trap altogether. We should all be walking into dealerships and asking for computer free machines. When they say it's not possible, turn and walk out with your money. Send a message.

First off it’s probably not possible with all the emissions crap they have to meet. Second, you think the dealer has any say in the design of the machine?