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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

skidsteer purchase

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robert1

01-31-2005 20:23:42




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I've restored a couple of old tractors and am now thinking of a skidsteer. Any brands better to look at or stay away from? What to look for in a machine. I don't mind rebuilding the engine and I'm thinking of one on the lower end price scale (rough). What price is reasonable here in PA? Thanks.




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robert1

02-01-2005 16:06:15




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 Re: skidsteer purchase in reply to robert1, 01-31-2005 20:23:42  
Thank you all for your input and advice. I will keep this all in mind when looking. Thanks again.



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cootbruce

02-01-2005 07:21:33




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 Re: skidsteer purchase in reply to robert1, 01-31-2005 20:23:42  
I purchased a older Melroe Bobcat. I picked up the M600. Look for a M600 or M610. Good Bobcat quality yet older style system. Prior to the hydrostatic drive system. This machine uses a Wisconsin engine to drive a variable speed clutch that then drives cluch packs in the side chain cases. It still steers like todays machines, but no hydralic motors and easy to fix...Parts are still easy to get...and many used parts are available. Mine lifts 1500 lbs. I can't say enough good things about this little machine. I know of three in various condition that could be purchased for $500 to $3500 depending on how much work you want to do. I am located in Upper Michigan...Machines are Northern Wisconsin. Ironwood Mi. Mercer Wi. area.

Hope you consider this type of machine as it has been very good for me.

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Jon H

02-01-2005 07:01:08




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 Re: skidsteer purchase in reply to robert1, 01-31-2005 20:23:42  
I would go with bobcat in an older mechanical drive machine. Stay away from the case 17 series machines,that gearbox drive line is an absolute money pit that will ask for a basket full every 400 hrs.



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jhill

02-01-2005 06:18:49




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 Re: skidsteer purchase in reply to robert1, 01-31-2005 20:23:42  
If I were buying one to fix up I would stick to a major brand like Bobcat or Deere or Case etc. so I could get parts. There are usually machines on Ebay with bad motors some with low hrs. In the small ones Onan engines don't seem to hold up. I have thought about buying one and putting a Kohler or Honda motor in it. I think it could be a fun project and in the end you would have a very useful machine.

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TimV

02-01-2005 06:11:17




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 Re: skidsteer purchase in reply to robert1, 01-31-2005 20:23:42  
I have a New Holland L455; 20-odd HP Kubota 3-cylinder diesel, late '80's vintage. It's been an excellent machine in the year and a half I've owned it. One thing on skid-steers--the engine will be minor to fix compared to the hydraulics. Much like a dozer undercarriage, the hydraulics on a skid-steer can suck up several thousand dollars even on a machine with a perfectly-running engine. This can turn a "good deal" into a money pit in a hurry!

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Midwest redneck

02-01-2005 02:32:50




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 Re: skidsteer purchase in reply to robert1, 01-31-2005 20:23:42  
10 years ago by old boss bought an Erikson Bobcat (made in 1970 or so I think) The engine ran but the hydraulics were junk. I remachined several pieces of the hydraulic motors, and it after I was done working on it was very usable, according to him--I never saw it. He got real lucky. My opinion is as follows, Buy a good condition used one, Unless you are real ambitious. In my area of Mich. I have seen good used ones for $8,000.

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Davis in SC

01-31-2005 21:32:45




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 Re: skidsteer purchase in reply to robert1, 01-31-2005 20:23:42  
In the long run, I think you are better off buying a fairly new used one. 2 years ago, I bought a Scat Trak 1800 with 1,000 hours for $8,000. It is in great shape, has 86 HP Perkins, in 2 years use, I have not spent a cent on it , other than oils & filters. I look at it as spend a lot now , or spend it a little at a time...



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bobmn

01-31-2005 20:45:09




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 Re: skidsteer purchase in reply to robert1, 01-31-2005 20:23:42  
Hello; Well, I'm redoing our 632 Bobcat right now. Ford 4cyl. gas. Had it 3 yrs. It was leaking hyd fliud into the chain case, seals were bad on the hydo motors. BUT, the shafts were wore also. Odered two motors from Bobcat, 4 to 6 week wait, and $980.00 for ONE, plus shipping. But, at least you can get parts! Been good otherwise. Hyd. parts are spendy for any skidsteer. I hauled a basket case JD (gehl,I think) Isusi diesel engine, needs rings, rad., bucket, and two spockets. LOTS of parts in boxs. My neighbor paid 2500.00 for it. I got ours for 3600.00,used it 3 yrs....Good luck and have fun. Bob

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