looking for Used Skid Steer any warnings

bildo · Dec 3, 2016

Hello all i am in the market for a good used Skid Steer. Any warnings about particular brands or models to stay away from? Right now i am going to see a 2000 JD260, 2004 Cat 268B, a case 85XT, any thoughts on these or any particular ones i should look for. I really like Bobcats (used them the most) but having a hard time finding affordable ones. I am looking for big HP or High Flow for attachment usage. I would love a cab but its not a deal breaker. Im in ohio so i know some dealers aren't close. All thoughts are appreciated.

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Xfaxman · Dec 4, 2016

What will be the main thing that you use it for?

bildo · Dec 5, 2016

Xfaxman said:
What will be the main thing that you use it for?

I am sorry i forgot to add that. I am doing some land clearing, property maintenance and then maybe plowing and so on. But that is the majority. I have recently found a Bobcat S250 which has peaked my interest. Any thoughts would be great. Thanks.

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Shaneard · Dec 5, 2016

No matter which brand you choose I would run it and get it to operating temp. Make sure the hydraulics don't leak down when it gets hot. I had a Case 1845C that did that when it was warm and it was aggravating. See if you can dig a hole with it or something.

Rocky J · Dec 5, 2016

I agree with Shaneard 200% , give it a good workout, even if there is nothing wrong you might feel it is a little under powered or do not like the fit of the work station, blind spots , if it is a dealer maybe he will lease it to you for a week with your purchase at the end if ??? .The lease could be 1/4 of the repair that is hid in front of the engine.

Redlands Okie · Dec 5, 2016

If its a keeper check on the maintence access. Some models are quite difficult to change filters and such.

Industrial Toys · Dec 5, 2016

I would resist the temptation to buy something too cheap. A friend bought a used abused JD SS, cheap, and just took it to JD, and said just fix it up. I forget what the bill was, but it was astronomical. He got the machine back and it wouldn't start. Then it had a bad leak. He never did pay the whole repair bill, but it was a nightmare of an experience.

I think when buying used equipment that, spending a little more than you were planning on is often money well spent.

Another friend has a used Case 1845. Good machine, but he has rebuilt a lot of the hydraulics, partially because he can, being a machinist and selling hydraulic hoses and fittings, plus he is a perfectionist. It seems to be a basic, reliable straight forward machine. Around here, you hardly see paving contractors without one.

I test drove a bunch of machines. The Deutz in the old A300 Bobcat gave me a blinding headache in no time. I have had perkins in the JCBs do the same thing.