Looking to build a mini skid steer loader. Any plans around?

[robotix]

Hi all,

I am looking at building a mini skid steer loader type machine as a bit of a side project and was just wondering if there were any plans available? I've seen that you can buy some kits online with all the laser cut parts but I don't really want to go that way. I have access to most of the machinery required to construct/fabricate the machine. Welder, lathe, mill, drill press, plasma, oxy, mag drill etc. Some of the hardware 23hp motor, some hydraulics, steel, fasteners etc.

Any suggestions would be good.

Thanks

 

[GLyford]

I have not seen many plans, except for the few you have already found.

I think from a kit/plans perspective, for an entry level machine most people start with something already built (garden tractor) and just make a loader for it.

People who outgrow a small tractor and homemade loader will either get a bigger tractor with a loader, or a real skid steer. There are a lot of skid steers out there, in various states of repair, so as long as you aren't opposed to changing out engines and pumps you can often get something that mostly works for less than the cost of the materials and components (pumps, motors, valves and hoses add up fast)...and there are often dealer parts rather than having to make everything yourself. Speed of repair can mean a lot even if you aren't trying to run a business, just want to complete a project.

Starting with a skid steer is sort of breaking the cheapest/least work sweet spot that most of the plans guys have focused on, because people who need/want more than that usually just throw money at the problem and buy the machine they need.

There are a few people that show up every now and then that either make their own skid steer, mini-skid (dingo equivalent) or make their own tractor and then put a loader on it, but those guys are usually accomplished enough that they aren't the ones buying plans either.

So I suspect you aren't going to find much else out there.

Another way to go to get ideas for something of your own design is to go looking through all the old skid steer patents.

 

[Xfaxman]

What is the maximum width?

How much does it need to lift?

What will be the main use?

 

[4570Man]

I have not seen many plans, except for the few you have already found.

I think from a kit/plans perspective, for an entry level machine most people start with something already built (garden tractor) and just make a loader for it.

People who outgrow a small tractor and homemade loader will either get a bigger tractor with a loader, or a real skid steer. There are a lot of skid steers out there, in various states of repair, so as long as you aren't opposed to changing out engines and pumps you can often get something that mostly works for less than the cost of the materials and components (pumps, motors, valves and hoses add up fast)...and there are often dealer parts rather than having to make everything yourself. Speed of repair can mean a lot even if you aren't trying to run a business, just want to complete a project.

Starting with a skid steer is sort of breaking the cheapest/least work sweet spot that most of the plans guys have focused on, because people who need/want more than that usually just throw money at the problem and buy the machine they need.

There are a few people that show up every now and then that either make their own skid steer, mini-skid (dingo equivalent) or make their own tractor and then put a loader on it, but those guys are usually accomplished enough that they aren't the ones buying plans either.

So I suspect you aren't going to find much else out there.

Another way to go to get ideas for something of your own design is to go looking through all the old skid steer patents.

A real mini tracked skid steer is a far cry from a lawnmower with a loader. You can’t buy the stuff to build a good skid steer for less than buying a used one. If the end goal is to have a skid steer just buy one. If the goal is you want the challenge of building one than that’s different.

 

[/pine]

I think for less money than you would spend on new steel etc. to make something from a kit...you would be better off starting with a trashed (sold for scrap) machine with a worthy frame and start from there...

Anytime you can utilize an OEM or third party part at a reasonable price it beats the heck out having to fabricate/mill every individual part etc...

 

[4570Man]

I think for less money than you would spend on new steel etc. to make something from a kit...you would be better off starting with a trashed (sold for scrap) machine with a worthy frame and start from there...

Anytime you can utilize an OEM or third party part at a reasonable price it beats the heck out having to fabricate/mill every individual part etc...

No offense but that sounds like a terrible idea. There’s a good reason you usually just buy a whole machine and not all the individual parts to build it. Most machines are built to tight tolerance. Good luck just finding a bunch of parts and cramming in it. I’ve only seen one homemade machine that was as good ( and his was better) than a commercial machine.

 

[robotix]

The machine I am looking to build would be along the lines of dingo, kanga, toro. Yeah I know if I were to buy all the parts new I would be better off with a new one. A lot of stuff that will be used will be second hand. A tractor would be cheap as they are everywhere, but I don't have the space for one.

I think I am more in it for the challenge, even though I can probably afford to buy a already completed machine from a manufacturer.

I am also a boilermaker/welder so I have the necessary skill set.

Anyone seen the powerfab skid steer before? POWERFAB SKID STEER LOADER DRAWINGS PLANS BUILD YOUR OWN | eBay

 

[Jstpssng]

The machine I am looking to build would be along the lines of dingo, kanga, toro. Yeah I know if I were to buy all the parts new I would be better off with a new one. A lot of stuff that will be used will be second hand. A tractor would be cheap as they are everywhere, but I don't have the space for one.

I think I am more in it for the challenge, even though I can probably afford to buy a already completed machine from a manufacturer.

I am also a boilermaker/welder so I have the necessary skill set.

Anyone seen the powerfab skid steer before? POWERFAB SKID STEER LOADER DRAWINGS PLANS BUILD YOUR OWN | eBay

It is overseas, but $350 shipping for a set of plans? Yikes!

 

[robotix]

$350 shipping, for me it is coming to US$15.13 Not sure where you got the $350 from

 

[bigdeano]

It shows 350 shipping for me, plus it's PDF files over the internet.