More skid steer questions

[Lawnworks]

Alright I have been searching high and low for a deal on a skid. I basically just need one to use a harley rake, pick up pallets of sod and trees(4" max). From what I have read New hollands aren't so great for grading... is that right? For the Deeres, it seems alot of people hate these things... how are they for grading? They seem to be able to pick-up some weight though right? It sounds like Cats and Cases are the cats meow. What is the real world capacity of a 246? Will it pick up a wet pallet of sod?

Also I don't really understand the tip capacity. If a machine can only pick up 2k, how is it going to tip at 5k?

[Scag48]

If you're lifting sod, get ready for a huge machine. I wouldn't recommend anything less than 2500 ROC for lifting sod off a truck and even then I'd go for a 3000 ROC machine as they aren't much bigger/more expensive than a 2500 in most cases. I'd skip the 246 if lift capacity is a concern. Demo and see what you like. I'll tell you that the Deere will outlift them all pound for pound, but you might not like the machine for anything else.

[beyondupnorth]

Tipping capacity is twice the ROC for wheel loader and track loader roc is 35%(?) of tipping capacity I believe. As for what breed you really need to have some seat time in each machine, and talk to owners that do work (figuring what work you want to tackle can bee tought) you are considering. All have some strong and weak points. Radial lift machine tend to have less slop in the boom and require less maintenance. Vertical lifts have more pins, hence more side to side play as the loader ages. Lack of grease shows up quicker. For this trade off you gain about 12" more reach at full lift height.
I know myself I don't do enough of any one thing to find a machine that would be bad for my application, although I sure some would be better then others.
Kem
Ken

[ksss]

I agree with the others. Sod pallets are heavy. The 246 has a ROC of 2000. That will make it a little light for off loading a truck. You may be able to move them around at ground level. You will need a good size machine to off load trucks of sod. One thing to remember and that is be careful on buying a machine to accomplish a small fraction of what you need it to do. Example if off loading sod is a 5% of the time kind of task than I probably would not make that a deciding factor on what size machine I wanted. Maybe have the sod company off load the truck (which is what they do here) and then you can run a smaller machine. A 2000 to 2200 ROC machine will move full pallets of sod and pavers when kept low to the ground. As far as Deere or any other brand goes you would really need to demo them and decide for yourself. Everyone has their favorites.

[rutwad]

I Maybe have the sod company off load the truck .

That's what I thought they did, but I guess it depends on how much sod you get. But I agree, find out what else you will use it for and get something that is going to perform well for all it's uses.

[kkls2006]

Don't sacrifice price for all around performance. Remember today you say "all I want it for is Raking, Lifting Sod & 4" Trees" But When you get the machine you will discover a million other uses for it...My advise (not that you have to listen) is to do your homework on all brands and sizes to maximize not only todays potential but tomorrow's as well.

[Lawnworks]

Don't sacrifice price for all around performance. Remember today you say "all I want it for is Raking, Lifting Sod & 4" Trees" But When you get the machine you will discover a million other uses for it...My advise (not that you have to listen) is to do your homework on all brands and sizes to maximize not only todays potential but tomorrow's as well.

I understand there are definately a millions uses... I have a mini-skid w/ many attachments so the skid will just be for the bigger tasks. I guess I am just trying to avoid debt. I hate payments and want to pay cash for a decent machine. If I can buy one for a few thousand less than market value... I should be able to sell it if I need a bigger one. Maybe even make a buck.

What about offloading pallets from an overdeck pull behind trailer? Will I still need a ROC 2500-3000 skid? For small jobs(1-8 pallets), I would like to deliver myself. I guess that is more of a "want" than a "need". I can always pass the costs on to the customer.

[Scag48]

Having a huge amount of lift capacity is nice, but you have to ask yourself how often you're actually going to need it. With a bigger machine, you need a bigger trailer, tow rig, insurance is more, maintenance costs are greater, fuel consumption is greater, see where I'm going with this? I'd have to recommend that the best machine for you, in my opinion, is one that is between the 2,000-2,500 ROC range.

[Lawnworks]

Having a huge amount of lift capacity is nice, but you have to ask yourself how often you're actually going to need it. With a bigger machine, you need a bigger trailer, tow rig, insurance is more, maintenance costs are greater, fuel consumption is greater, see where I'm going with this? I'd have to recommend that the best machine for you, in my opinion, is one that is between the 2,000-2,500 ROC range.

Thanks for the advice. Do you think that type of machine would lift a pallet off of an overdeck trailer? It sounds like a Deere or New Holland have above average lifting capacity.... that right?

Maybe ironplanet will give a cat away some time.

[Lawnworks]

Fair deal or not? Buy it now is 9k. The dealer doesn't know the history which kind of scares me

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1998-Bob-Cat-863-Skid-Steer-1669-HRS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6737QQihZ016QQitemZ260069919961QQrdZ1

[RockSet N' Grade]

How can you get a good evaluation with just one picture?.....no way. I would prefer to "kick the tires" instead of writing a small check because it looks good on paper. I'd rather pay more up front for a machine that is in good condition, rather than buy a beat up low cost unit and dump a bunch of money into it that you will never get out.....speaking from experience here on that one! Debt is part of the game....if you could afford to buy a handful of these things would you be in this business or on the beach somewhere sipping margaritas? Handle your debt wisely, make it work for you, it is a good tool and necessary one.

[ksss]

CAT gives those machines away on Iron Planet. I don't think you can find a better deal on a CAT skid steer.

[Lawnworks]

How can you get a good evaluation with just one picture?.....no way. I would prefer to "kick the tires" instead of writing a small check because it looks good on paper. I'd rather pay more up front for a machine that is in good condition, rather than buy a beat up low cost unit and dump a bunch of money into it that you will never get out.....speaking from experience here on that one! Debt is part of the game....if you could afford to buy a handful of these things would you be in this business or on the beach somewhere sipping margaritas? Handle your debt wisely, make it work for you, it is a good tool and necessary one.

Yeah I could see financing a new one if I used it everyday all day, but unfortunately I don't. I just can't justify it. I sleep much better at night knowing I don't have to find work to pay for equipment. But I do get your drift on buying junk equipment... been there done that. Maybe I can find a good used one somewhere.

[Construct'O]

Take a little time and look around, winter is here, in some parts of the USA and there will be a few good deals around ,just know when to deal and when to fold!

[BobcatBoy06]

What part of the country are you in? I may be able to help you out on some kind of bobcat skid steer depending on how big or small and how much money you are willing to spend.

[Lawnworks]

I am in GA... don't really want to spend more than 15k unless it is a smokin hot deal.

[AWJ Services]

From what I have read New hollands aren't so great for grading... is that right?

Around Atlanta there are as many New Hollands doing Landscaping as any other brand.
Very few brands excell at all tasks.
If you listen too enough people you will never be able too purchase a machine.

New Holland's are readilly available for 15k or less around Ga in really good shape.There 185 size machine will handle a pallet of sod just fine.
They have a 2500 ROC .
For the money they are hard too beat.


What about offloading pallets from an overdeck pull behind trailer? Will I still need a ROC 2500-3000 skid? For small jobs(1-8 pallets), I would like to deliver myself. I guess that is more of a "want" than a "need". I can always pass the costs on to the customer.

Just unload it from the trailer deck if the height concerns you.

My TL140 has no problem with even the heavist pallet of sod and its 35% tipping weight is 2083 pounds.

[kkls2006]

I know in my neck of the woods you can buy a Bobcat from the dealers rental fleet with under 500 hours and a warranty for a great deal. It may be a little scratched up but who cares unless you are one of those guys/girls that likes to spit shine your skidsteer.......