Tractor vs. Skid Steer

[kch]

If you could just have one which one would you buy? What are the pros. and cons. of having one over the other? For general landscaping duties which one is best suited for the job and why?
Is the skid steer killing off the tractor in the landscape market?

Thanks

 

[yooperdave]

For landscaping, the Power Trac is the best of both worlds.

Check them out.

Good Luck

Yooper Dave

 

[HayDR]

The Skid Steer is generally used for larger applications than a CUT. Many have HP in the 50-80 HP range.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

A skid steer is designed for industrial applications, whereas a CUT is designed for general purpose/regular duty. They both have their appropriate place. A skid steer is highly maneuverable and probably more rugged. A CUT has more attachment capabilities. Also a skid steer is a little more pricey. I would love to own one of each! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[HayDR]

A skid steer has a world of attachments that a CUT would not have the Hydraulic capacity to use and or lift. A skid steer with tracks is just like a small dozer/loader. The reason for a CUT is for tight places or compaction issues.

 

[EquipmentJunkie]

There was a big debate on this issue few months ago. I was searching and found it. Gets rather interesting...the battle lines are drawn.
I'd still take a tractor over a skid steer if I could only have one.
tractor vs. skid steer

 

[_RaT_]

"The reason for a CUT is for tight places or compaction issues"

I've used skid steers like Bobcat 743's in much tighter quarters then most any compact could handle effectively. Skidsteers work well for some things but mowing my hilly terrain is not one of them. They are really tough on rough terrain and their loader ability on slopes is somewhat limited. For loader use on relatively level ground, they are unparalled. They do have a plethora of great attachments. The non track type can get incredibly stuck in the mud where a compact can walk right through. Go try one out. It will take a bit of getting use too both in manuvering with jar free motion and using the loader. I like both depending on my needs. Rat...

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

Do you own stock in Power Trac??? Just kidding. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[755inNY]

One B-I-G difference is that the skid steer will tear up a soft surface such as a lawn. The skid steer is much more maneuverable but it steers by skidding the tires. The skid steer's short wheel base makes them unsuitable for rough terrain. They get stuck real easy in soft ground.

As far as having one over the other, it depends on what you need to with it and on what type of surface.

 

[KiotiJohn]

I considered a skid steer before buying my Kioti, but the attachment prices were much higher than for the tractor. Also, as said, they tear up a lawn when turning by skidding the tire, but are very maneuverable. Also, from what I've read, tires must be replaced much more often on skid steers. If I could only have one, it would have to be the tractor. John