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It would be extremely unfair to compare a $4K loader with a $4K skidloader. Most skidloaders that go for $4K are too small to compete with any loader, or too wore out to be used very hard without a lot of work. I bought a loader for my JD3010D first. Was a JD46A and I got screwed because the two cylinders for the bucket were shot (my fault for not seeing it work before buying). I put new cylinders on and have been fairly happy with the loader since...just not as good a deal as I first thought it was going to be. A couple of years later I bought a Gehl 4500 skidloader with a little over 3000 hours for $4K. It has a lift capacity of 1100#s. The 46A can lift at least 1400#s and I paid about $1400 after all the repairs and new cylinders. Last summer I moved over 200 cubic yards of dirt with the skidloader. The first 100 was hard digging...semi-moist red clay in some spots, but mostly just semi-moist black dirt. I didn't push the machine hard, and got by on 2 gallons of gas an hour (with a quart of oil for every 8 hours of hard work). I could never have done the same with the loader due to the conditions I had to work in. But, unloading heavy items from a trailer requires the loader. And hauling long distances with the loader is much quicker. As to which is faster than which when it comes to loading, it really depends upon the speed of the tractor and the skidloader plus the size of the buckets. Of course a loader is going to be faster if the bucket can hold twice the skidloaders capacity. However, if you have the same size bucket on the loader as the skidloader, I'd be surprised if the loader could keep up. If you go with a loader, go with one that you can hook up and unhook in a short time. That way you don't tie your tractor up with a loader all the time (really cuts down on getting around in tight spots...plus it really puts strain on your front end...even when empty). If you go with a skidloader, buying one at $4K isn't likely to be what you want...may be in for fixing...course if you don't mind then go for it. Personally the brand I'd buy in the $4K range would be the Gehl. They are pretty decent machines, and at times I think they are under priced. If you are willing to spend more, $8K will get you a fairly decent Bobcat or Gehl, but still will be machines in the 1000 - 1500# lift category. You'll need to jump to $12K or higher to get a machine with some decent lift capacity and be in reasonable shape. I've loaded manure with both skidloaders and loaders. Each requires a little different placement of your spreader. Both work ok, but if I have a choice, I'll take the skidloader every time. And if the skidloader isn't too small, I ca n load faster than with a loader.
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