I have searched through threads and found information but not direct help in resolving my issue. What should I buy, a tractor or a skid steer? Here is some back ground on me and my issue. I am fairly handy, remodeling houses and minor car work. My use for this is I am getting ready to have my dream house built on my newly purchased 5.5 acres of mature forest on semi-rolling terrain. I do not plan on using the equipment to build my house. However, I would like to put up a barn, put in a pool, and do extensive landscaping and snow clearing in the future. so, that being said, here are a few questions.
- Tractor with loader or skid steer?
- New or used?
- Attachements? Any issues with getting used attachements later for either?
Oh, and for reference I am considering a new Kubota L3400 so that should give you an idea on the size and capability of the equipment I’m looking for.
-If I learned from all my mistakes I would be Einstein by now.
Replies
Take a look (and re-ask) your question on the discussion forums on these two sites:
tratorbynet.com
antiquetractors.com
While I'm sure you'll get some great answers here, that question is asked daily on those forums, and they're full of folks with the experience to answer it.
Personally - if your primary activity will be moving dirt - get a skid steer, otherwise go with the tractor. A tractor is more versitile in that more attachements are availalbe - and they are more reasonibly priced. Get 4 wheel drive.
I'd suggest buying a tractor, and borrowing/renting a skid steer as you need it.
Skid steers are great for some things, but aren't as flexible as a tractor. And they tend to tear the heck out of the ground when turning. So using one in a finished yard can make a real mess.
Around here you can buy an old Ford, Ferguson, or Massey Ferguson for 2 or 3 grand. Since they have 3 point hitches, you can get all sorts of attachments for them.
Finish mowers, brush mowers, blades, snow throwers, plows, landscaping rakes, roto tillers, etc. All that stuff (and more) is readily available for a tractor.
If you want a loader, I'd suggest a newer tractor. They have much more hydraulic capacity and will likely have power steering. You could always start out with an older tractor, buy attachments as you needed them, then upgrade the tractor when you have the bucks.
Whatever you buy, get something that has local dealer support. When you need parts and/or repairs you don't want to be running all over the country.
GuruCC- I have been in the same situation with that choice. I own mixed terrain property( flat tillable/ steep treed hills) . My first choice was a skidsteer for safety reasons . Most of my use was on hillsides and skidders have a less chance for roll over and easier to stop. I use the skidder on my drive to remove snow,as it is a little steep, and it works great. I farm about 20 acres so a tractor was necessary. Tractor attachments are cheaper cost wise than skidder attachments. Take a hard look at what your use priorities are. Don't know where you located but check local sales or equiptment auctions. Tractors are cheaper.(4K and under) Skidders will be 8K and up . Good luck MAC-CO
I faced the same question last summer, and opted for the tractor. I already had a MF-135 tractor with loader and a wide array of 3 point attachments, but that is a farm tractor through and through. It lacked the testicular fortitude to do much beyond its original intent.
I had originally thought a skid steer would solve my problems for heavier work and I could continue to use the 135 for farm stuff. After I borrowed a skid for while, I realized its strengths were weaknesses in my situation. Skid steers are worse than useless on soft ground. Unless you opt for the tracked version for a 10K (or more) premium, they get stuck when you look at mud. As Boss says, they tear the hell out of turf- not a major problem on a jobsite, but annoying around the house.
After checking a lot of options, I decided on a 4WD Kubota (L-48). I took the not-too-horribly expensive option of the quick connects and auxilliary hydraulics in front. As a result, I can use just about any skid steer attachment, except those requiring hi-flo hydraulics. Attachments are easily rentable locally for the few days I need them.
Using skid attachments on a tractor does have downsides- visibility is not as good as with a skid steer, and some jobs are easier with a second set of eyes on the ground. I find I use the bucket and forks all the time, and finally broke down and bought an auger after I did the math on how much use one would see in the next year or so. I split the cost for that with my brother, who has a regular skid steer.
Other advantages: can be trailered behind a 3/4 T truck, has 3 point capability so it can use my existing farm stuff, and it doesn't get stuck!
I opted for new because of 0% financing. The 135 is now on pretty much permanent bush hog duty, which it is happy to do all day long.
Thanks for the replys guys. I think I am going to take a hard look at used tractors. Now I have to find one that is that rare combination of value vs hours and be the right size I need. I am checking ebay and a few equipment dealers within a couple hour drive. I am hoping for a Kubota or someone trying to trade up and getting rid of their smaller tractor. Anyone got a 30-35 hp Kubota with 500-1000 hours on it that really wants to trade up in the VA area?!?! : ) Oh well, I can dream can't I? I may just settle for a 4-5K older tractor with a bucket and cross my fingers.
I faced the same decision as you are when I began to clear my building site and built my house. I chose a Kubota L3010 with a loader, box blade, and bush hog. I found that Kubotas held their value so well that I had to go to a pretty old model before I saved any real money over buying new. Also, the financing on new tractors was far better than on used. I want to get a snowblower for my 3 point hitch- digging out 1/4 mile of gravel driveway with a loader is not very efficient.......
I vote tractor. I got a JD 4400, its just smaller than your L34. My JD is 36HP and the L34 is 39HP. I used an L34 to do the sitework for an addition. Its a tough beast. As tough as it is I would'nt want to fight a skid steer with it
The tractor will net you more ground clearance. A nice feature in the woods. You can get many more (less expensive) attachments for it. I just ordered a 13K generator that attaches to my PTO. $1100 bucks at http://www.northerntools.com
Dont buy anything thats not 4WD
Take a look at heavyequipmentforums.com
Those guys will tell you more than you'll ever want to know about equipment.
Hey Guru-
Regarding the availability of used attachments for the tractor- depending on where you are (please fill out your profile), used stuff is generally available and often very reasonably priced. In my area, serious farmers have moved to much bigger equipment than the stuff my tractors take. Most of the machines Boss suggested and the Kubota you are considering all take the same attachments (Type I hitch) Check your classifieds for the going price on this stuff in your area- it is usually very reasonable. If you are in a more suburban area, you may have to travel further afield for attachments.
Skid attachments rarely show up in classifieds. You are far more likely to buy this stuff used at auction or from a dealer who took it in trade. Attachments tend to be more pricey, but its usually easy to see signs of abuse.
Good Luck
When you have a task(s) rent one of each.