Used Track Loader/Skid Steer

[BigRichard]

Considering buying a used track loader for our property for some land development. Need to clear out a lot of brush, create some more gravel roads up some hills, and level out some land for future expansion of our cabins. I believe a track loader is the better of the two since I will be working on unlevel ground and possibly working in dirt/mud but I am open to a skid steer as well since they are typically cheaper.

Few quick questions here...

1. What should I be looking for exactly? Hours? Leaks? Wear and tear? Service Records?

2. Anything I should just absolutely avoid?

3. Would you purchase from a rental place? This one seemed the most scary as people who rent them probably abuse the shit out of them but I suspect anyone who owns one probably does too... that is what they are for... for doing tough shit. Rental places would definitely keep the maintenance up on them though I would think.

CP is always a great source of information for stuff like this. I suspect this topic won't be any different.

[notorious]

Been looking at buying one, too.

I want to swap between pallet forks and bucket.

[ChiefsCountry]

Bobcat is the best brand by far.

[Hog's Gone Fishin]

I've got one I need to sell as I never use it. I think it's a 1996 model Case 1845C. The engine is new(overhauled) in 2016 but been sitting since then ,probably 10 hours on engine. Has bucket and forks

[notorious]

Originally Posted by Hog's Gone Fishin

I've got one I need to sell as I never use it. I think it's a 1996 model Case 1845C. The engine is new(overhauled) in 2016 but been sitting since then ,probably 10 hours on engine. Has bucket and forks

You are in NW Texas, correct?

[scho63]

Just don't let TittyMeat operate it.

[Hoover]

I want one too, but I need to buy some land first.

Looking for some recreation property where I can hang out, and maybe one day build a house on it if I feel like it. Would love nothing more than to have a Bob Cat and build me some roads and shit!

[Iowanian]

I've used CAT, Case, John Deere and Bobcat. The controls are different but most have a setting switch for that if you prefer one.


If you're moving much dirt and it's wet at all in the area, get the tracks. It's night and day difference if it's muddy.

[R Clark]

Skid steer or skid loader? Big big difference. loader is big bucks can’t see someone with a few acres needing a skid loader unless you have a shit ton of money to burn.I’ve had a few skid steers and currently have a bobcat and have had the best luck with it than I have with any of the other brands I’ve had.currently looking for a skid loader but it’s hard to justify it even though we’d use it two-three hours a day six- eight months out of the yr. we use tractor with loader bucket instead .

[Dunerdr]

My Dads been running bobcat for 30+ years now. I cant say anything bad about other brands but weve had damn good luck with the 4 bobcats weve had.

[loochy]

Originally Posted by R Clark

Skid steer or skid loader? Big big difference. loader is big bucks can’t see someone with a few acres needing a skid loader unless you have a shit ton of money to burn.I’ve had a few skid steers and currently have a bobcat and have had the best luck with it than I have with any of the other brands I’ve had.currently looking for a skid loader but it’s hard to justify it even though we’d use it two-three hours a day six- eight months out of the yr. we use tractor with loader bucket instead .

I think he just means a skid steer with tracks vs a skid steer with wheels

[Buehler445]

I'm far from an expert, but here is what I see.

Bobcat is the best brand, but if you're just using for incremental use, I would just go where the deal is.

The value is in models that have sub 2500 lb lifting capacity. I've looked in the past and that's the answer if you don't need to lift it. Chemical Shuttles weigh 2500 lb and farmers have ran them up to stupid levels. So I'm still out. If you need 2500 lb, buckle up.

The Cabs are REALLY nice when it's awful out but you're going to pay. If you're using it for snow removal, do it.

Make sure the model you buy is compatible with the attachable mower decks. People I know that have used them love them. Obviously not for lawn use, but if you've got lots or whatever you regularly mow, they work good for that. I wouldn't do it straight up, but if you can offset the purchase with the sale of other equipment, all the better.

As far as mechanical, I'm far from the most knowledgeable guy, but the guys I've talked to have needed at the very least hydraulic overhauls at 4000 hours, so take that for what it's worth.

They're handy as hell I just can't get the return to pencil out on my place.

[BigRichard]

Originally Posted by R Clark

Skid steer or skid loader? Big big difference. loader is big bucks can’t see someone with a few acres needing a skid loader unless you have a shit ton of money to burn.I’ve had a few skid steers and currently have a bobcat and have had the best luck with it than I have with any of the other brands I’ve had.currently looking for a skid loader but it’s hard to justify it even though we’d use it two-three hours a day six- eight months out of the yr. we use tractor with loader bucket instead .

We have a beautiful property that has cabin rentals on it. It is a very hilly/shruby/brushy area. I want to develop more of the land. I need a track loader most likely. I get they are costly, which is why I am looking at used. I will use it for what I need and possibly sell it down the road.

[Buehler445]

Originally Posted by BigRichard

We have a beautiful property that has cabin rentals on it. It is a very hilly/shruby/brushy area. I want to develop more of the land. I need a track loader most likely. I get they are costly, which is why I am looking at used. I will use it for what I need and possibly sell it down the road.

Nah. You won’t. You’ll trade it in on a newer one.

[LoneWolf]

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

Bobcat is the best brand by far.

Bullshit. They have the most name recognition. That's it.