Running skid steer

getting back to talking about working with skid steers...... I had a 2005 New Holland 170, there were places it worked well but I felt it was one of the most dangerous machines I ever ran. You couldn't see anything behind you when backing up. I switched to a new John Deere 4320 compact tractor with cab and all the goodies. Now I get up in the morning and I quietly do a snow dance while I'm making the coffee. I think the skid steer is probably better at moving gravel and dirt. For pure comfort of heat or A/C, radio and ability to see all around is as good as it gets. I will happily take my tractor any day over any skid steer. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!!!!

I have seen my neighbor use his skidsteer for gravel grading, moving piles of gravel, piling up snow and carrying boulders, dirt, sod, firewood. A very versatile machine. But I am with you in knowing that a 40HP utility tractor is safer and cheaper to buy as well.

I've personally known three people killed by those things. They have their place. Good on solid footing or concrete,but worthless in mud. There OK if you have a loader tractor too,but if it came down to one or the other,I'd take the loader tractor.

I worked at a NH dealer when NH introduced their answer to the "Bobcat". NH went all out at putting on a regional school/seminar/dealer day. At least I was impressed. The machines sold well, and for the most part held up well.
I think they shine in the free stall/cow barn situation where they are operating on a level, hard(concrete) surface, where room to turn is apt to be an issue. And there is usually plenty of lubrication(from either what's going into the animal or what's coming out) so that you're not scuffing around on totally dry tires.
Once you leave the hard, level surface, I agree, I prefer a little tractor. AND, when it comes to fixing, I would much rather work on a tractor than a skid-steer!

A skid steer in it's proper enviroment will out work a tractor and a loader. Also it depends a lot on the operator of the machine. I have seen some people that can do wonders on a skid steer and go off the hard concrete and do just as good a job or better then people with a tractor and loader. I would say that a operator is what makes a machine shine. The best way to put it is if you are comfortable using a skid steer use it if not use what you are comfortable with. Bob

I wouldn't say a tractor is any safer than a skid steer. In fact I would say a skid steer is much safer. Skid steers come standard with a certified ROPS, side screens to keep every part of your body inside, control locks, seat belts and newer ones also have a seat bar to keep you in place. On a side hill a skid steer has a low center of gravity and will slide sideways before it tips over. A skid steer won't kill you but operating it dangerously or improperly can, the same as with a tractor or any other machine. There are thousands of skid steers working on thousands of different jobs. I would bet that the people who were killed in them in fact weren't in them but were thrown out of them because they didn't think they needed the seat belt and weren't experienced enough operators for the job they were doing. A tractor and loader is not a replacement for a skid steer. They each have their place. For pure production without long travel distances, a skid steer will outwork a tractor loader the same HP many times over. I do agree that some skid steers have very poor visibility to the back and over your shoulders. Some you can't even see the bucket edge with a dirt bucket. The machine I have now has great visibilty in all directions. If I was to purchase a new skid steer, visibilty in all directions would be of utmost importance. I looked at a new JD skid steer when I was looking at implements. It was pretty fancy looking and had all the bells and whistles but you'd almost have to have camera's set up to see what's over your shoulders and out the rear window. There's other machines that are just as bad too. I don't know what the designers were thinking. Dave

I guess I was talking about visability. And a skid steer has a higher ground speed, at least what I have seen.

I was replying to all the posts. Any machine is only as safe as the person operating it. Dave

We just had a logging crew on the farm cutting and stacking logs. They had a JD skid steer with forks on the front. Used it to move and stack the cut logs, and get stuff out of the forest where they couldn"t get with their skidders. Truly remarkable what they could do with it. Had add on steel cleats, but weren"t using them because needed welding repair.

Experianced operator in either one and skidsteer will win hands down . I have Case CK530 loader ,a terramite loader/backhoe ,and small mustang skid . Mustang is faster gets around better in mud or snow . I will put my skid places I'd never think of going with other tractors . As far as visibility,, you get used to it, you kinda get a sense for whats behind you . But ,,whatever you're more comfortable with works best for you .

It is amazing what 45hp and the right bucket can do...I've made a lot of money with this setup.

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It is also the best post hole maker I have had!
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The key is practice and don't run it WOT! Keep the arms a ways up or all the way down for visibility. I do like the way the Deere/New Holland bucket stays level and extends slightly forward when lifting.

I'd be curious to know why you can see behind you and why you find it dangerous...
I've spent close to 4500 hours in an LS170 and I don't have a problme with visibility in any direction.
It'll also outload and outwork a tractor of similar power by a factor of 2-1... Biggest downside is that it doesn't do so well in mud.

Rod

I too have wondered about skid steers. You see them everywhere. I was thinking about buying one,but still like the idea of a compact tractor where your load isn't about in your lap and you have even more options for implements. Many of the new tractors you can get skid steer quick attaches and even the hyd. couplers so you can run skid steer attachments.
They do look like seeing behind would be a problem,but then so are most all of the new cars on the market too. Now they want us to pay for mandated back up cameras since they can't design something so you can see right.