Home Forums Miscellaneous Topics Rural Living Skid Steer Advice

Food for thought.

first might be dealer support - parts and service side
second is general idea of size of machine - you already have that narrowed down
third would be track and or wheeled machine
cost and or financing
possibly resale value

anything over 75 hp will be regulated by emissions - others with less hp may have emissions of some sort

We run both wheeled and tracked machines and have used most major brands. Other things maybe to consider are -
JCB has the single boom lift with the main boom arm and aux hydraulic connections being on the right side of the machine. All other manufactures plumb aux hydraulics and attachments to the left side.
John Deere run very well but pins and bushings seem to start getting pretty loose around 1300-1500 hours
Bobcat makes a real good machine as well and they seem to hold up a little bit better than the John Deere.
Caterpillar seem to hold up the best for us but they too have their issues. I would expect electrical issues before pins and bushings typically
Tracked machines cost more up front, work better in softer soils, but don't seem to make up the cost difference much on the resale value when it comes time to sell
Typical use prior to selling for us is approx. 4000 hrs or less but a well maintained machine can last much longer. At 4000 hrs for us they aren't always completely worn out but they're still worth something to others
Machines keep getting smarter with new technology so some may run others attachments and others may not without having the proper electrical breakout boxes.
Some attachments will need high flow hydraulics but most do not.
If you decide to go with a wheeled machine I would highly recommend going with 12X16.5 tires and wheels over 10X16.5's for ground clearance and maneuverability if you can.
Hard to beat a machine with an enclosed cab, heater, ac, suspension seat to name a few options