Compact Tractor vs. MTL

[fiveoboy01]

Weighing my options here, thinking about a purchase in the spring.

Compact tractor like a CT230 vs. something like an MT52. I realize they're different machines with different capacities and speeds... looking for an all-around machine to do a lot of different things, which would be more versatile? Pros/cons of each. Looks like they're at least in the ballpark with each other price-wise. Thanks guys:)

[Swampy]

It is a horse a piece. Where in Southern WI are you from? Will you be working in a tightly spaced neighborhood like Waukesha? or are the homes spread out?

I'd go for the tractor, its a little more veristile than the mini. Snow the tractor would be better for pushing snow banks back vs the mini, also could plow smaller commerical lots with a 6 or 7ft blade while the mini would be good for just sidewalks. Landscaping or mulching with the tractor wouldn't tear up existing grass when turning plus having a bigger bucket helps.

I'm sure someone is going to chime in about there mini though so they will give there veiw on them.

[fiveoboy01]

It's actually central WI. Dane county mostly....

I'm leaning towards a tractor at this point, but I was hoping for more input.

Guess I didn't think about the snow usage. That may impact my decision too. I'd think a rotary brush on the track loader would be really good for walkways.

[Swampy]

It's actually central WI. Dane county mostly....

I'm leaning towards a tractor at this point, but I was hoping for more input.

Guess I didn't think about the snow usage. That may impact my decision too. I'd think a rotary brush on the track loader would be really good for walkways.

The broom is probably cheaper but I'd personally use a blower. http://www.toro.com/professional/sws/loaderattach/snowdebris/22456.html

[LBA1999]

You have to look at where you will be using it. If you service a lot of accounts with narrow entrances, fences, gates, and tight spaces I would go for a mini skid. They are versatile for backyards and other tight spaces and although attachments are more expensive, with the right combination of implements you can do a lot with them. If you have some room to move where you will be working I would go with a tractor. Attachments are cheaper, and you can often purchase attachments instead of a specialized machine such as a wood chipper increasing its versatility. you will have more loader lift capacity too and with a blade you can move a lot more snow than a mini skid can. Overall, a tractor is so much more versatile and I would go that route if you aren't working in tight spaces. A tractor, although it is slower, can do many things much larger equipment can do just as well. The only thing I would suggest is getting a tractor bigger than a CT 230 or equivalent. You will be much happier with the power and FEL lift of a tractor in the 40-45 HP class for not much more $$ and it is still very maneuverable. Also, don't get hung on the Bobcat name there are lots of other tractors out there (Deere, Kubota, New Holland) that are as good or better and you might get a better price if you shop these brands or look for slightly used there are lots of guys trying to sell there CUTs right now u could get a great deal and maybe some implements too. Most of all, make sure the brand u choose has a good dealer for service that is worth more than anything it is better not to have the best quality but have an awesome dealer. Let us know how it works out.