O what to do... Some advice please

[ethiojazz]

So now that we have had two of the most impressive (and not in the most attractive way) snow storms here in the Mid Atlantic, I am again faced with decisions to be made... My B2410 has served me well but is definitely showing its inadequacies. So the dilemma is between going out and getting a skid steer (used probably - Something with about 1000 hours or less) or upgrade to a GL series.. Maybe an 4240 or 3540. Options I hope others have dealt with and hoping to learn...

My uses have expanded a bit... Still maintaining about 4 acre orchard, starting an organic veg on about 2 acres and still need to clean/clear about 5 acres of woods with lots of "garbage" undergrowth and limbs, dead trees etc,,, Finally based on last weeks events plowing the 300 foot plus driveway plus maintain a 200 foot plus gravel driveway to the shop..

Suggestions?

 

[whistlepig]

So now that we have had two of the most impressive (and not in the most attractive way) snow storms here in the Mid Atlantic, I am again faced with decisions to be made... My B2410 has served me well but is definitely showing its inadequacies. So the dilemma is between going out and getting a skid steer (used probably - Something with about 1000 hours or less) or upgrade to a GL series.. Maybe an 4240 or 3540. Options I hope others have dealt with and hoping to learn...

My uses have expanded a bit... Still maintaining about 4 acre orchard, starting an organic veg on about 2 acres and still need to clean/clear about 5 acres of woods with lots of "garbage" undergrowth and limbs, dead trees etc,,, Finally based on last weeks events plowing the 300 foot plus driveway plus maintain a 200 foot plus gravel driveway to the shop..

Suggestions?

To me the tasks you describe seem better suited to a tractor than a skid steer.

 

[Cat_Driver]

I was in your same position and I took a huge chance and switched to skid steer. I iwll never look back. The skid steer is so much more versatile than a tractor. Best way to explain it is it's the Victorinox of the tractor world.

What I love about it it's a one man machine. In a typical day I will switch to one of several attachments and never leave the cab, I just pull up and throw a switch and it locks in pull up again, throe a switch and it releases and I hook up to attachment two.

The only time I get out is to connect doses if needed. I went with tracks and I no longer have flats ahhhhhhhhh. Flats were killing me with the tractor.

The lift capacity is amazing with a skid steer. Clean up with a grapple and a front mounted grader for the drive and take your pick on buckets is all you need.

 

[ethiojazz]

Whistlepig... Not that I would admit to it but it seemed that I was renting a skid steer for things you would associate with a tractor. The tiller with a tractor is pretty good... I borrowed a neighbors to try it... But in the end I rented a bobcat with a tiller and it really out worked the tractor for sure. I could put significant downward pressure to dislodge clumped up clay. and then go over it lightly and leave a perfect bed.

Cat Driver... I am actually ok with the implement changes as I am not commercial user but I will certainly say.. we use a skid to auger the tree holes... used it to clean the brush piles... to grade the gravel driveway... I am just wondering if the trend will continue...