Tractor vs. Skid Steer

[40Kchicks]

If you or Gray ever need to rent a skid steer again get it with steel tracks on it. They dampen the rough ride and bucking. They also turn the skid steer into a tank, pretty much unstoppable. I have never got mine stuck with the tracks on.

If you want a quieter ride try a Cat or perhaps a Bobcat with a Kubota engine. I haven’t tried too many models but I know my Cat 216 was smoother and quieter than the NH or the JD models I demoed. Earplugs are a good idea no matter what kind of equipment you use.

I really enjoy my skid steer. They have their weaknesses but they also have incredible strengths.

Eric

 

[RobertN]

The track-loader seemed much more stable. On the two Bobcat's I have used, they did not like any slope. They will take on some slope, but they are not really made for it.

Where I would wheelie a SS, the TL was very stable. I tried running it up and down a few slopes just to test it; I felt more stable than I think my CUT would.

Ya, even putting a SS on a trailer can be interesting at first. Feels like you're going to stand it up on end.

Yes, you can get a mouth full of dirt pretty easy, easier than a CUT. I moved 110 yards of mulch with my CUT and a S185 Bobcat. Even with the light fluffy material, it was not too bad overall, although I did eat a bit on the first couple loads.

It is real fun to fit in compact skid steers. I used Bobcat's 463, the 36" wide machine. It was pretty cozy in the cab...

 

[gray]

To qualify my post, I have never used a track loader or modified( trackover wheels ) SS. I used only a standard wheeled skid steer and hated it. I had such a good feeling to get back on a CUT.

I have read and believe the posts that track loaders and modified SS offer much more stability and function than standard SS. I would have liked a track in the field to keep from getting stuck. No warning even when being cautiious? Down you go and that is it. Tracks would not let that happen.

I know there are good reasons and good uses for regular SS and lotsof good thinkgs to do with track types but regular SS are not ( in my opinion ) any good at all in a field or on a lawn. No way.