SCUT or Mini Skid/Dingo

[Dave in Indy]

Hello, long-time lurker, first time poster. I have 2 acres, surround of 50-60' pine trees, with a lot of overgrown weed/brush/saplings growing in between. Land is 90% flat but for a slope down to the waterfront, which I'd like to clear too, but I have a Stihl brush cutter for that. So far, tasks identified for a machine include digging out landscaping, leveling/grading/reseeding several sections of lawn, removing existing fence posts; stump removal; retaining wall tearout and replacement, brush clearing in and around the pines...typical stuff, I gather. I have a blacktop driveway that I'd like to clear for the few times a year we get enough snow here.

I have a 60" zero turn mower and intend to keep it for mowing - can't stand the thought of taking more time than I do now to mow with a tractor. I want something that is maneuverable, and most of all, easy to store in my shed alongside the zero turn.

I really like the idea of a mini skid steer, like a tracked Dingo, or similar models from Vermeer, Ditchwitch, etc. They seem very capable, with tons of implements available to buy new or used, or to rent. Then I drove a buddy's JD 1025R. Loved that too, but I just can't dismiss the mini skid option because of the smaller footprint and the fact I don't need a mower deck capability.

From what I've learned lurking, seems like a Dingo is almost exclusively used by contractors, where SCUTs are used by both homeowners and contractors. I could see a clearer need for a tractor if I had more acreage, more need to clear it, or other, more ag-related uses. But I'm pretty much a homeowner with a big-*ss yard, so the SCUT isn't a clear winner for my needs, as I see them. That's where I need your help.

If I went with a Dingo or similar, what am I overlooking that would make me want a SCUT instead? Pricing appears to be reasonably close either way, so everything else being equal, what would you pick and why?

Regards,
Dave

 

[dodge man]

Just my impression, but the big advantage of a Dingo is hydraulic flow. Most SCUT's don't have a very powerfull hydraulic system, enough to just run an end loader but thats about it. Most of the time thats not a big deal since you can get a lot of stuff to put on a three point. The Dingo would have all sorts of options to mount things on the front that are hydraulic powered, such as a post hole digger, broom, etc. I would thing the attachements for a Dingo would cost more but I'm not sure about that. Just me, but it seems like the SCUT would be the way to go.

 

[Xfaxman]

I vote for the Dingo. :thumbsup:

Toro | Dingo TX 427 Wide Track

EA is making a Wicked Grapple now that will fit it: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/369819-mini-skid-steer-wicked-grapple.html

 

[Sprinklerman]

You have to walk or stand on the back of the dingo . I had a ram rod , similar to the dingo , almost identical . Problem was when standing on it and you hit uneven ground , the family jewels and the controls were at the same level . I didnt keep it long

 

[Dave in Indy]

Just my impression, but the big advantage of a Dingo is hydraulic flow. Most SCUT's don't have a very powerfull hydraulic system, enough to just run an end loader but thats about it. Most of the time thats not a big deal since you can get a lot of stuff to put on a three point. The Dingo would have all sorts of options to mount things on the front that are hydraulic powered, such as a post hole digger, broom, etc. I would thing the attachements for a Dingo would cost more but I'm not sure about that. Just me, but it seems like the SCUT would be the way to go.

I see your point, net net is that attachments for either option are plentiful, and I can rent seldom-used items vs buy. Like the higher hydraulic flow. Just torn between having the seat on a SCUT vs smaller footprint of the mini skid.

 

[roadhunter]

Xfaxman has all the cool toys! I'm so jealous every time he posts.

I would also go with the mini skid steer for what you are describing as they have much stronger hydraulics but one other option came to mind as much of what you described would be easier with a small bucket. Those little rental yard backhoes are not too expensive and actually have pretty good lift capacity as well as an advantage digging out stumps, tearing out retaining walls, etc.. with the hoe.

 

[Dave in Indy]

You have to walk or stand on the back of the dingo . I had a ram rod , similar to the dingo , almost identical . Problem was when standing on it and you hit uneven ground , the family jewels and the controls were at the same level . I didnt keep it long

The tracked Dingos don't seem to have that problem with the ride-on stand attachment, but I'm also curious about Vermeer, which seems to have a better operator platform. Or I could blow the budget on a Toro TX1000, but not sure $30K can make it by Accounting...

 

[Dave in Indy]

Xfaxman has all the cool toys! I'm so jealous every time he posts.

I would also go with the mini skid steer for what you are describing as they have much stronger hydraulics but one other option came to mind as much of what you described would be easier with a small bucket. Those little rental yard backhoes are not too expensive and actually have pretty good lift capacity as well as an advantage digging out stumps, tearing out retaining walls, etc.. with the hoe.

Not sure I understand - do you mean renting a small backhoe or mini excavator as needed? I could see that, but also like the idea of having a machine of my own since I have a variety of other uses in mind.

 

[Sprinklerman]

There are disadvantages to renting attachments , first is going to get them , second is returning them . There are times you really need a specific one , for just an hour or two . 3 point attachments are easier to come across AND less expensive . Example , I found a 3 point aerator for my bx 24 3 years ago , and a electric spreader . Today I aerated 8 lawns around 1/2 acre each and was sitting behind the wheel almost all day . If I had to rent one , it may not be there when I need it , having my own I can do the jobs when I want

 

[roadhunter]

Not sure I understand - do you mean renting a small backhoe or mini excavator as needed? I could see that, but also like the idea of having a machine of my own since I have a variety of other uses in mind.

I wasn't clear. I was saying you might consider one of those little backhoes instead of the mini skid steer because much of what you describe doing would be best done with a hoe instead of a loader bucket. http://www.terramite.com/