Which to choose? Mini Skid Steer

Philtreeman#1 said:
I need some input. I am looking to purchase a new mini. I have been looking at the Bobcat Mt 55 (We have a local dealer and we would be able to rent attachments), Toro Dingo TX 427 (good dealer 128 miles away, probably wont be able to rent attachments) or the Boxer 322D (dealer 277 miles away wont be able to rent attachments)
I am planning on buying the BMG.
What machine is the most turf friendly, best controls etc? Maybe having a local dealer make bobcat the best one for us? What attachments are a must have? Do I have the tracks exchanged right of way for turf tracks or use oem tracks? Pros and cons of each machine? Advice? Thanks
Click to expand...
Man I wouldn’t even think of a tracked unit! Articulated skid is the way to go. Cheaper to replace tire than track! Don’t mangle the groundbwhen you turn, generally way faster too. You want a grapple, clean up bucket and maybe a rake.
 
StripTree said:
May as well get a small full size skid with an enclosed cab and ac for the cost of that sk15500
Click to expand...

Hi @StripTree , and welcome to the Buzz! We have a new forum OS, so we are all just getting used to it. The Buzz is a massive archive of searcheable information that guys like me use to better ourselves. Thanks for resurrecting this thread. It is a good one. I sincerely hope you like it here.

Big units definitely haul more weight around. I'm looking for a wheeled Komatsu loader! Seriously though, most guys have a preference based on 1-3 characteristics such as ground pressure, access width, tip weight, and zero turn capability. Sounds like your workflow lends itself towards larger tip weights. What kind of work are you doing?
 
StripTree said:
May as well get a small full size skid with an enclosed cab and ac for the cost of that sk15500
Click to expand...

Also, the cost of miniaturization is a real thing that extends to maintenance as well as initial purchase. I'm having alternator issues right now in my SK650. The alternator is in the middle of a very tight, compact space. The smaller units are not necessarily cheaper...
 
Stephen Moore said:
Man I wouldn’t even think of a tracked unit! Articulated skid is the way to go. Cheaper to replace tire than track! Don’t mangle the groundbwhen you turn, generally way faster too. You want a grapple, clean up bucket and maybe a rake.
Click to expand...

Each has its place depending on the market it services. Tracks work phenomenal for us because of that zero turn effect that can be accomplished behind the chipper. We can feed our chipper on a 9’ driveway without turning on grass or putting the chipper on grass, tight yes but that’s our market. Also I would never trust a wheel loader on some of the areas we need to go that are sloped. Ideally one of each would be best for every job so you could match the yard for the machine.

StripTree said:
May as well get a small full size skid with an enclosed cab and ac for the cost of that sk15500
Click to expand...

I’ve looked into bigger full-size skid loaders and the bobcats and kabotas with the same capacity are much more expensive with far less versatility for our market. And the service department at our DW dealer far exceeds the norm. I would for sure purchase a larger mini than deal with bad service.
 
flyingsquirrel25 said:
Each has its place depending on the market it services. Tracks work phenomenal for us because of that zero turn effect that can be accomplished behind the chipper. We can feed our chipper on a 9’ driveway without turning on grass or putting the chipper on grass, tight yes but that’s our market. Also I would never trust a wheel loader on some of the areas we need to go that are sloped. Ideally one of each would be best for every job so you could match the yard for the machine.



I’ve looked into bigger full-size skid loaders and the bobcats and kabotas with the same capacity are much more expensive with far less versatility for our market. And the service department at our DW dealer far exceeds the norm. I would for sure purchase a larger mini than deal with bad service.
Click to expand...
Your right they both have their place, I was all set to sell my mini skid after buying the Avant but think I’ll hold onto it as I don’t think the avant will do good in our snow here, plus running 2 crews each crew has a loader. The great thing about the avant is the lifting power, height we can load logs with the telescoping boom is phenomenal! Also not having to lay mats down on nice lawns is such a time and labour saver you can pretty much turn on a dime with the avant also, still getting used to the BMG though as I’ve been using a Vermeer grapple the last 6 years. But whatever decision is made having a wheeled or tracked loader that does the work of 3 guys is undeniably unbeatable!
 
deevo said:
Your right they both have their place, I was all set to sell my mini skid after buying the Avant but think I’ll hold onto it as I don’t think the avant will do good in our snow here, plus running 2 crews each crew has a loader. The great thing about the avant is the lifting power, height we can load logs with the telescoping boom is phenomenal! Also not having to lay mats down on nice lawns is such a time and labour saver you can pretty much turn on a dime with the avant also, still getting used to the BMG though as I’ve been using a Vermeer grapple the last 6 years. But whatever decision is made having a wheeled or tracked loader that does the work of 3 guys is undeniably unbeatable!
Click to expand...

After using the Vermeer for so long, what do you think of the BMG?
 
deevo said:
Your right they both have their place, I was all set to sell my mini skid after buying the Avant but think I’ll hold onto it as I don’t think the avant will do good in our snow here, plus running 2 crews each crew has a loader. The great thing about the avant is the lifting power, height we can load logs with the telescoping boom is phenomenal! Also not having to lay mats down on nice lawns is such a time and labour saver you can pretty much turn on a dime with the avant also, still getting used to the BMG though as I’ve been using a Vermeer grapple the last 6 years. But whatever decision is made having a wheeled or tracked loader that does the work of 3 guys is undeniably unbeatable!
Click to expand...
Tracks in snow and ice are terrible! Just ask any hoe operator. By the way, why don’t skidders in the bush use tracks? I’ll tell you why, they are slow, you can throw em ( and that sucks hardcore in a bad spot) ! Plus they suck on ice! Tires with chains rule in ice and snow. But yeah I agree tracks have their place. I just don’t like the aggression on turf and the marks they leave on pavement etc in a turn. I don’t like having to cover entire areas with plywood every time I want to work.
 
BMG trick for you...
deevo said:
Your right they both have their place, I was all set to sell my mini skid after buying the Avant but think I’ll hold onto it as I don’t think the avant will do good in our snow here, plus running 2 crews each crew has a loader. The great thing about the avant is the lifting power, height we can load logs with the telescoping boom is phenomenal! Also not having to lay mats down on nice lawns is such a time and labour saver you can pretty much turn on a dime with the avant also, still getting used to the BMG though as I’ve been using a Vermeer grapple the last 6 years. But whatever decision is made having a wheeled or tracked loader that does the work of 3 guys is undeniably unbeatable!
Click to expand...
Pushes without grapples dangling.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20180529_133935307.webp
    IMG_20180529_133935307.webp
    320.5 KB · Views: 59
  • IMG_20180529_133930691.webp
    IMG_20180529_133930691.webp
    410.9 KB · Views: 53
Stephen Moore said:
Tracks in snow and ice are terrible! Just ask any hoe operator. By the way, why don’t skidders in the bush use tracks? I’ll tell you why, they are slow, you can throw em ( and that sucks hardcore in a bad spot) ! Plus they suck on ice! Tires with chains rule in ice and snow. But yeah I agree tracks have their place. I just don’t like the aggression on turf and the marks they leave on pavement etc in a turn. I don’t like having to cover entire areas with plywood every time I want to work.
Click to expand...
Merle Nelson said:
Sounds like "no mark" tracks might be in your future.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a new operator needs to be in his future. One that can operate and maintain a track machine! You are worried about tracks leaving marks, but tires and chains are your answer? really! I have had Zero trouble in the snow (everyone will have problems on ice except the chains), and actually prefer my track machine over my tire machine. If you are having issues throwing tracks, fire the ahole that can’t recognize the tracks are loose and hire someone that cares and can fix it before they fall off. Or stop being a cheap skate and replace them when they need to be replaced! And yes white tracks are non marking normally and Turf tracks (green) are extremely turf friendly, but don’t hold up very well on paved surfaces from what I gather.
Even in marginally wet conditions with a job set up properly I would put my DW trip for trip against the avant. Speed and turf friendliness.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Kask Stihl NORTHEASTERN Arborists Wesspur TreeStuff.com Teufelberger Westminster X-Rigging Teufelberger
Back
Top Bottom