Skid steers?

[Average joe tree guy]

Looking to purchase a skid steer to mainly load logs and cleanup job site. Stage brush if need be, move logs/ load etc. clear lots. Looking at a new holland ls150. And a John Deere 240. What’s everyone using? Tried the minis. They are sweet. But need a more all around machine for everything. I re coat driveways from time to time. Mini will take forever. Track skid not in the budget at the moment. Looking for some opinions. I’ve been using a tractor but it’s becoming a pain to move and maneuver on a job site Plus no grapple. Thanks

 

[Reach]

Buy something as big as you can afford and still legally haul. In the “fits on a 10k trailer” category, we have a Cat 246 which is impressive. It lifts far more than its rated for, and has held up for many years with no real problems.

Many good options out there, Personally I am a huge Cat fan, followed closely by Bobcat and Kubota. New Holland makes a good basic machine, but I don’t like foot controls, and I positively despise the “wrist controls” on a Case machine.

 

[VenasNursery]

I second @Reach
Cat all the way

 

[cucv]

Are you looking at enclosed or open cab? I currently have a Cat 246 and New Holland LX885 but have had several others over the years including Bobcat and JD. JD and New Holland machines seem so similar to me these days. I had a JD 250 and did like the machine but the Cat 246 was nice upgrade. Have you tried a Ditch Witch Mini? Definitely faster than some other brands. I have an SK800 and love it. If I didn't need an enclosed cab and could only have one machine I would go test drive a SK1550. Getting in and out of a skid steer gets old and is so easy on and off the platform of a mini.