skid steer loader

[rosey]

I'm considering purchasing a used skid steer loader for hire to supplement my pension and to give me something to do with my free time. I just had a contractor who installed a stone wall for me let me use his bobcat to move dirt and while I need alot more practice, I think that this is something that I would love to do. For those of you out there that have a skid steer for hire I'd appreciate some tips....training??..is it needed or is trial and error OK??...the best used deals to look out for...best brands??... what size trailer??...will a duel axle utility trailer do the job???..how do you know what to charge for a job..hourly??...insurance?? Thanks

 

[RobertN]

From my limited expierience...
Don't under trailer yourself. Seems these skidsteers are rather compact in size, but can be rather heavy. The Bobcat-S185 and Cat-247(all terrain) that I used sure did not look like over 6000lbs of tractor, but were. My 7000lb trailer was too light for them. A 10,000lb trailer would be a minimum, especially as you get a few implements.

Look at an 18' trailer minimum. For an average tractor, they'll fit a shorter trailer. But, by the time you load an extra bucket, trencher, ect you'll want some room.

Going rate around here is $65-75/hour, 3 hour minimum.
Look at all-terrain loaders too. These are the the skidsteer type that have tracks. I personally like them a lot better than a wheeled unit. Smoother ride, better in wet conditions, less ground pressure to mark up turf ect. I have used the ASVi RC30 and CAT-247. Bobcat makes thier "T" series, T190, T300.

Get a 4-in-1/clamshell bucket. Much more flexible in use than a standard bucket.

 

[beenthere]

Your jobs will likely require access to a number of different attachments, so hopefully you have access to them through a rental agency, or dealer who rents.
Even in the short run (beginning), maybe you can rent the skidsteers from the same agency including trailer, and get a feel for the market potential, as well as how much you will enjoy the activity.
Personnaly, I find at 65, that hopping in and out of a skidsteer for 2-4 hours is not that enjoyable. Once I am in, it is great.
You may find it different.

 

[Tevi]

If you're going to learn from scratch then try different control types.I personally hate Bobcat controls but love JCB/CAT joystick controls.I don't mind case but don't like Gehl.I do like the one arm boom on JCB for visability

 

[40Kchicks]

I find my 20’ trailer is perfect for hauling around my skid steer. It gives me enough room to haul my bucket, the skid steer and another attachment like my post hole auger with bit or backhoe attachments.

Get ready for sticker shock when you price attachments.

I like and own a Cat machine. They have the best controls.

Good luck
Eric

 

[Tigerotor77W]

Rosey,

What all of the others (and many of the posts to come) contain great advice. The owners and operators here have major experience and know what they're talking about when it comes to their machines. I'm not qualified to give you direct suggestions as I'm not an actual owner (I'm in college), but I will give you as much information as I can.
Training: professionally, I have to tell you to invest in a training program of some sort. Bobcat, especially, offers a comprehensive training program and video, but all dealers should offer training in some respect. In that note, then, it might be a very good idea to "test" the patience of your salesman by asking a few questions -- and see if he's actually interested in helping set you up with a machine. I don't suggest trial and error (unless you have a few acres to play with, ambulances standing by, and won't be sued by your contractor for screwing up his project), but if you feel confident in learning ON the jobsite, well, that's your choice. I don't advise it whatsoever.
As for the actual machines themselves, there's a bit going around the industry right now. What you want to do with the machine, however, dictates what you get. Before you decide, I strongly suggest you try out a few loaders and see which you like. There are a few threads here and on other forums that have quite a bit of information from people looking to buy a skid steer (and most of them also did decide on one and post their reasons why); you might search those threads to see if something piques your interest. Remember, though, what you want to do dictates what machine to buy. Anyone here can tell you what machine they feel is best (heck, just read my user name), but the machine that is for you is one you feel comfortable working with and on. It represents you, and if you're not quite at ease with a particular model, try another one. (This is basically to say, figure out what jobs you'll be contracting before you buy the skid steer. If you want to handle stone, a used Bobcat 743 isn't going to cut it. If you want to dig utility trenches, you probably won't need a skid steer to begin with.)

Best of luck and keep us posted.

 

[Diesel24]

Definately look at Cat and ASV track loaders. Wheeled machines are dinosaurs. Track machines are twice as productive and provide a much smoother ride. Cat and ASV are the only to track machines that use a suspension. Wouldn't buy anything else.

 

[kmdigital]

Keep in mind that insurance for doing commercial work will be somewhat expensive, (I guess about $1500 -$2000 annually) so make sure that you have enough work to justify it.

If you decide to buy, see what brand the local rental yards have. This way you can rent attachments instead of having to buy them all. Around hear most are Bobcat, but it could be different in other areas. I like the low risk idea of renting one for a few weeks or months to see if there is enough work. This way someone else takes care of the maintenance, but you have to make sure it will be available when you need it. And watch out for the insurance thing, as you are only insured if you are working on your own property through your homeowners ins.