Narrow Skid Steer

[RichZ]

I need a skid steer to clean my goat barn, which is a 200 year old dairy barn. I need a skid steer that is less than 5 feet wide, including the bucket, and I need the cage to be as low as possible, too. I'd prefer to buy one used. It's not going to get much use other than barn cleaning, as I have tractors to do the rest of my farm work.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what manufacturers and models would suite my needs.
Thanks!!

 

[beenthere]

I knew of a small Deere that was probably no more than 3 or 3½' wide, and I believe there was a small Bobcat as well.
The small Deere was on a farm my Dad had connections to, and he always wanted me to buy it and get it running again. Just didn't have the time, nor the need. But it was for sure narrower than your 5' limit.

 

[wroughtn_harv]

Case used to make the 1825. It came in both a diesel and gas versions. They were geared for four foot openings.

Bobcat also made a small skid steer.

The 1825 had about eight hundred pound capacity. And they were almost bullet proof. You should be able to find a good one rather reasonably. Try the heavy equipment search engine on trucktrader.com

 

[RobertN]

You want a Bobcat-463 or equivilant. I have used that model Bobcat, where I had a 36-1/2" gate opening. It is 36" wide; I squeezed thru the gate with 1/4" to spare. It worked out nicely. I believe it had a 20hp or so diesel. At 6'2", I thought I would not fit in it, but all worked out well. One thing of note, it does not use standard attachments(They'd be too big and heavy). It uses a smaller attachment group that is shared with thier walk behind unit.

I have used a second machine, that I swear by; it is awesome. That is the ASV RC30. It is a 30hp tracked loader. It is 48" at it's widest, is short in height, and is a real workhorse. I have used a number of skidsteers, and another larger tracked loader. The RC-30 is the greatest thing since sliced bread, IMHO /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif One thing too about the RC30, it works great in wet conditions...

 

[Tigerotor77W]

I'd also recommend something of this nature -- Case 1825B or Bobcat 553 or Thomas 95. (48", ~900 ROC machines with about 25HP. These figures are give or take a few units.) If you go down one step, you'd be looking at RobertN's suggestion of the Bobcar 463, NH 120/125 (gas vs. diesel), and I think that's it.

If you'll be on hard floors most of the time, I dunno for sure, but I think a 553-size machine would be your best bet. There is no doubt you will get more of a RC30, but I think the tracks might not be an expense you need. ($tracks > $wheels.)

However, if you are open to increasing the use of your machine, mainly outdoors on non-abrasive surfaces, the RC30 would certainly be a good idea (though more expensive up front).

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

I won't disagree with any of the prior posts. Contact a local dealer, especially if you are going with a used machine. Used skid steer loaders can be a perfect example of inheriting other peoples problems.

In your area, I'd try Salem Farm Supply since they have access to both Case and Gehl machines. Both Case and Gehl made narrow skid steers since the 1970's.

Also, call Capital Tractor in Greenwich. They likely have experience with the New Holland L250/L255 and LS120/LS125. These New Holland machines have been produced for years as well.

 

[bbabineau]

Why not consider a Power Trac 180 which is 42" wide, 83" long, has a 42 or 45" bucket and no ROPS so you would not have the head room problem.

 

[RichZ]

Junkie, those are exactly the dealers that I was planning on visiting. I know them both well.

You seem to know Washington County, New York awfully well for someone who lives in PA!!!

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

I've even been at both dealers...years ago, however.

 

[RichZ]

I would definitely consider a Power Trac, but I don't think there are any dealers in my area, so I'd hasve no one to bring it to if I had any problems.