Skidder or Tractor? If you could only have one.

[scootr]

This is a fairly average skid steer lifting close to 3000 pounds. The larger track machines can lift double that much. How big of a tractor would it take to make the same lift? View attachment 3582119

I have a Bobcat 773 with 4 cyl perkins making 50 hp. I lifts and moves a pallet of blocks 3200 pounds. And the brush hog mounted out front does a better cut than any rear PTO mower with better access into some situations. That said if I have large open areas to mow the PTO flail is my preferred weapon. The 5k pound lift on the CAT forklift trumps the SS especially if you want to get out during the operation.
I stand by my statement that you need all 3 for the best life. None of mine were bought new

 

[Too many Kubotas]

Looks like I underestimated my L218's capability.

"The New Holland L218 skid steer loader has a lift capacity of 1800 lbs (818 kg) at 50% tipping load. The tipping load for this model is 3600 lbs (1633 kg). It also has a lift height of 10 ft (3.05 meters)."
Then again, I also underestimated the tractor's.

"The Kubota M6040 tractor's loader can lift up to 2,640 lbs at full height with the lift arms at the pivot pin. At 24 inches forward from the pivot pin, the lift capacity is 3,307 lbs. The breakout force at ground level at the pivot pin is 4,310 lbs."

And if the numbers I found are correct, the tractor also beats the skid steer by six inches in lift height. No wonder I like my tractor.

 

[Rustyiron]

I think your numbers are mixed up. Weight rating at the bucket pin is the greatest with every inch forward reducing from the pin #. Simple leverage & geometry.
Then there's usually 2 lift cylinder positions on the M series. One for lifting height (upper position of the lifting cylinders) and the lower position for lifting capacity.
But there's nothing wrong with liking your tractor better!

 

[ArlyA]

THought a "skidder" was a logging machine (by definition) for dragging logs out of forrest.... Why would you need one for "ranch" work.... For any skidding work on my property my "tractor" does just fine....

Here is a skidder.

 

[ArlyA]

I've used skid steers and compact tractors and for our property (still shopping) we'll get a tractor.

 

[WranglerX]

After having a contractor do clean up after storm using a skid steer I found it quite necessary to have wheeled tractor with FEL to clean up all the bumps and ruts skid steer made.... Dont think I want a skid steer on property unless in absolute desperation....

 

[CliffordK]

I met a guy recently with a small portable sawmill.

An old skidder worked quite well for him.

This is an oak log that he snagged off of my trailer. About 18' long, and 2' in diameter (with a double trunk at the base).

 

[CliffordK]

Each piece of equipment has its own purpose. My little Ford 1715 couldn't even pick up an end of that log that the skidder was able to carry around straight out behind it.

Tractors are a general purpose farm vehicle, and the front end loaders (that can have buckets, forks, etc), extends that.

Skid Steers can use their bucket, but also have a quick change allowing a variety of implements. Even back hoes. The hydraulic equipment seems to be quite a bit more expensive than PTO equipment, but that may just be due to being less common. Nonetheless, we may well see more hydraulic rotary equipment entering the tractor world.

I've been trying out a steel tracked tractor. Unique little machine. It can certainly hit slopes that my tractor couldn't dream of. But, as Too Many Kubotas mentioned, it does tear up the turf whenever I turn it. So, while it could potentially run my haying equipment, it would sure make a mess out of it.

 

[ArlyA]

Each piece of equipment has its own purpose. My little Ford 1715 couldn't even pick up an end of that log that the skidder was able to carry around straight out behind it.

Tractors are a general purpose farm vehicle, and the front end loaders (that can have buckets, forks, etc), extends that.

Skid Steers can use their bucket, but also have a quick change allowing a variety of implements. Even back hoes. The hydraulic equipment seems to be quite a bit more expensive than PTO equipment, but that may just be due to being less common. Nonetheless, we may well see more hydraulic rotary equipment entering the tractor world.

I've been trying out a steel tracked tractor. Unique little machine. It can certainly hit slopes that my tractor couldn't dream of. But, as Too Many Kubotas mentioned, it does tear up the turf whenever I turn it. So, while it could potentially run my haying equipment, it would sure make a mess out of it.

Many tractors I've looked at have quick attachment system on there loaders.

 

[scootr]

Many tractors I've looked at have quick attachment system on there loaders.

My SS and Kubota share QA buckets and attachments