Compact Tractor vs Skid Steer

[Maple Wood]

I would like to get some opinions between a tractor and skid. If you could only have one which would it be.

[lawn king]

Do a search, this topic has been debated many times over here @ lwansite.

[PROCUT1]

I have both and 9 times out of 10 I will use the tractor. The only thing I prefer the skid over the tractor is for snow plowing or moving snow piles because its quicker and more nimble. Other than that, for loading, raking, lifting, pulling, digging, or anything else, I always use the tractor.

[Maple Wood]

What tractor do you have ProCut?

[SellingIron]

A skid will out lift a tractor hands down. You can find a used skidsteer these days for a great price. You can see your bucket and attachments allot easier. More compact than a tractor also. No neck problems with a skid..

[PROCUT1]

I have a John Deere 4700.

I agree with the pluses of the skidsteer too. They do generally lift more than the tractors and being zero turn, you can zip around quicker.

Its mostly personal preference for me. I just like the tractor better. On the other hand I have employees that will choose the skidsteer over the tractor every time.

[metro36]

Wrong thread sorry.

[crazymike]

I like the way everybody has an answer but nobody asked what you are doing?

A tractor is a very versatile investment. A tractor will handle better in mud, etc... it has cheaper attachments and better financing (AG stuff is always cheaper, add yellow paint and it's thru the roof) It is better for grass cutting, etc... you have a better field of vision while working in delicate areas.

But if you are mainly into grading, delicate, quick work go with the skid steer. I have both. I can nicely grade an entire property with 4 loads of top soil in an hour with the skid steer. I wouldn't even try to grade a nice property with my tractor. Even with a 3PH landscape rake, etc... getting nice swails, etc... is a big chore in a tractor. A skidsteer is unbeatable, way faster than a small dozer.

[ZTR_Diesel]

I like the way everybody has an answer but nobody asked what you are doing?

A tractor is a very versatile investment. A tractor will handle better in mud, etc... it has cheaper attachments and better financing (AG stuff is always cheaper, add yellow paint and it's thru the roof)

Completely agree with the first part. If it's occasional use, mostly mowing and light loader use, a small compact tractor would be best. Skid's are useful and versitle, but are harder (especially the older ones) to do routine maintance to.

As to the yellow paint discussion, there is a reason it costs more - most AG equipment these days are built much lighter than a similar unit for industrial use. Ag use is typically not as high cycle as industrial, so it's not needed to build it as durable. Just compare two similar units side by side and the differances become obvious.

Overall - use is the factor, not personal preferance.

[Greenguy1]

I own both, and we all prefer the tractor for the Majority of our work, Boulder walls grading leveling etc. and the skidder tears up the lawns to much so we keep it around the yard for quick lifts etc. I have rented a large track type Bobcat though and it works like a dozer!