Which to choose? Mini Skid Steer

[Wes84]

That right there looks incredibly handy!

It is. It's a beast on my 850. I do all bid work. Mostly residential. But I can easily average $175-$200 per machine hour with this cutter.

And that blade in the pic. I haven't weighed them yet but they definitely weigh close to 10 lbs. a piece and hold an edge really well. Ive destroyed cinder blocks on accident in thick brush and it barely leaves a knick.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

 

[Tree Cutter Chris]

My business purchased a new vermeer s925tx with both a log and brush grapple, and a bucket. handy little machine, and the lifting capability is very impressive, a real back-saver. fits in a 36 inch gate, got ours with the 25hp kubota diesel.

We haven't really diversified with it much as far as all the attachments and various work you can do with the machine. We've done strictly tree work with it and for picking up logs, it's tough to beat.

Have moved a little snow around my house with the bucket too. Works well. Northern Iowa. I'll try to snap a few pics and upload them on here

 

[OasisTree]

We purchased the SK800 almost a year ago and the hour meter now says 630 hours. My crew really likes it, and it is very well built. We did have a problem with the hydraulic pump, and that was fixed under warranty. They gave us a SK1050 to run while ours was down, and there is no comparison on the power between the 2. It was just a wee bit faster, but the biggest plus was that we could not lug the thing down!
We plan on putting a turbo on our SK800 soon to help with the power issue.

 

[Wes84]

We purchased the SK800 almost a year ago and the hour meter now says 630 hours. My crew really likes it, and it is very well built. We did have a problem with the hydraulic pump, and that was fixed under warranty. They gave us a SK1050 to run while ours was down, and there is no comparison on the power between the 2. It was just a wee bit faster, but the biggest plus was that we could not lug the thing down!
We plan on putting a turbo on our SK800 soon to help with the power issue.

That was exactly what stuck out to me the most on my 850 (1050). I use the machine within the scope of what it's designed for and I can honestly count on my hands how many times ive bogged the engine and it was always when I was trying to make it do something that I shouldn't have.

Believe it or not, I literally can't stall the engine with that brush cutter in the pic above. Ive stalled the cutter a few times when I was taking a big bite too fast, but never the machine.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

 

[Greatoutdoors]

I currently have a Dingo tx525. I want something with more capacity and faster travel speed (especially in reverse). I've decided to go with Ditch Witch and narrowed it down to the sk800 and sk1050. I understand that the machines are the same size and will have the same lifting capacity if I add the weight kit to the 800.

The big difference in these machines seems to be 25hp vs 37hp. Also, the 1050 has better hydraulic pressure and flow rate. Can anyone tell me if that will make a big difference in our line of work? The sk800 is $6000 less (including weight kit).

I can demo both machines, but I'll be comparing with an 800 that doesn't have the weight kit (it would be added if I bought it).

Greatoutdoors: Did you go with the 800? I know you were also deciding between the two.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

I never did buy a machine. I run all my business through my personal name (I’m long over due to become an established business) and ditch witch doesn’t do personal loans. So I didn’t bother spending 28k cash. I’m gonna look all winter and see if I can find a deal on a used one. I have a budget of 20k, so I think I can find a nice, low hour machine if I’m patient. If I don’t find anything, i’ll snag a new one in the spring.

As for the 800 performance; it picks up a lot, but the greatest thing about it versus my bobcat is the travel speed and ride quality. It’s so much faster and smoother. You can feel the motor working, but it’s not debilitating doing tree work with a branch manager. I’m sure more power would be nice, but it’s not a must have in my opinion. The sales rep did say most tree guys spend the extra money and get the 1050.

 

[CollegevilleTree]

I just got a Ditch Witch Sk800 (literally, 4 days ago). I couldn’t be happier with it. I have a standard bucket, BMG, and I’m waiting on delivery of a stump grinder attachment (for small stumps so that both machines don’t have to go to the same job). I’ve run several Dingos and always hated the controls, and have also heard from multiple sources that the newer models are riddled with problems. I didn’t get a chance to demo a Vermeer, but I’ve personally never been a fan of Vermeer equipment - it always seems overly complex where it isn’t necessary. The power is great on the SK800, it lifts quite a bit, and mine doesn’t even have the weight kit. I did my first large removal today with the BMG set up and it was a game changer, it saved at least 3 hours (not to mention none of my crew were exhausted from dragging brush all day). I haven’t done any maintenance yet, so my opinion may change, but everything seems really easy on this machine. The filters and lines are nearly all accessible, plus no grease fittings. My only gripes would be that the engine Oil dipstick is hard to access, and I’ve heard from multiple people that it takes hours to drain the engine Oil because the drain is routed to the front of the machine with a hose that turns several times. Overall I’d highly recommend a ditch witch.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Barc Buster]

I just got a Ditch Witch Sk800 (literally, 4 days ago). I couldn’t be happier with it. I have a standard bucket, BMG, and I’m waiting on delivery of a stump grinder attachment (for small stumps so that both machines don’t have to go to the same job). I’ve run several Dingos and always hated the controls, and have also heard from multiple sources that the newer models are riddled with problems. I didn’t get a chance to demo a Vermeer, but I’ve personally never been a fan of Vermeer equipment - it always seems overly complex where it isn’t necessary. The power is great on the SK800, it lifts quite a bit, and mine doesn’t even have the weight kit. I did my first large removal today with the BMG set up and it was a game changer, it saved at least 3 hours (not to mention none of my crew were exhausted from dragging brush all day). I haven’t done any maintenance yet, so my opinion may change, but everything seems really easy on this machine. The filters and lines are nearly all accessible, plus no grease fittings. My only gripes would be that the engine Oil dipstick is hard to access, and I’ve heard from multiple people that it takes hours to drain the engine Oil because the drain is routed to the front of the machine with a hose that turns several times. Overall I’d highly recommend a ditch witch. View attachment 57127


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice machine! Our rental yard has one that I've used a couple times. I'm impressed with it. If you don't mind sharing, what did you end up paying?

 

[CollegevilleTree]

No problem, about $36,000 after all of the attachments + taxes etc., pricey, but it looks like it’s going to be well worth it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DTS]

I never did buy a machine. I run all my business through my personal name (I’m long over due to become an established business) and ditch witch doesn’t do personal loans. So I didn’t bother spending 28k cash. I’m gonna look all winter and see if I can find a deal on a used one. I have a budget of 20k, so I think I can find a nice, low hour machine if I’m patient. If I don’t find anything, i’ll snag a new one in the spring.

As for the 800 performance; it picks up a lot, but the greatest thing about it versus my bobcat is the travel speed and ride quality. It’s so much faster and smoother. You can feel the motor working, but it’s not debilitating doing tree work with a branch manager. I’m sure more power would be nice, but it’s not a must have in my opinion. The sales rep did say most tree guys spend the extra money and get the 1050.

I’ll be looking to get the 1050 or 1550 soon I’d probably sell my sk752 with 134 hours for 20k bucket only. Machines mint.

 

[Wes84]

I’ll be looking to get the 1050 or 1550 soon I’d probably sell my sk752 with 134 hours for 20k bucket only. Machines mint.View attachment 57128

Send me your contact info. I have a buddy that may want to buy your unit.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

 

[tnttree]

I

I just got a Ditch Witch Sk800 (literally, 4 days ago). I couldn’t be happier with it. I have a standard bucket, BMG,
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

THANKS !

 

[tnttree]

I here so many positive reports about the DW 800 series,
this is America so things just keep getting bigger and heavier
To me the 1050 especially the 1550, along with the other MFGs big series "minis"
are more like midi monsters - 1550 powerful as hell yeah, but terrible on lawns
Toro has a 2000 coming out, sheesh

telescopic boom, weighs in at 6000#s
might as well cut the cab off your skidsteer and stand behind the motor
definitely the biggest monster mini I have seen to date
These strong machines I believe are better suited to landscrapers
Track machines weighing more than 3000#s are tough on turf
Butt some people don't mind laying Alturna Mats out

 

[tnttree]

No problem, about $36,000 after all of the attachments + taxes etc., pricey, but it looks like it’s going to be well worth it
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not taking anything away from your DW 800, like I said I hear great things about that model, and people rave about the 1050 and 1550.
Again with the BUTT,
if your machine estimate approachs 35K, you owe it to your company and your clients lawn to at least try an articulating loader, NO ALTURNA MATS needed, you pay a little more for articulating because of its turf friendliness, speed and incredible lift to weight ratio, the telescopic boom options helps you overload your trailer. no shuffling logs up by hand

This top of the line Giant 254 standard boom, MSRPS for 35K
compared to a 1050 -- 1000 pounds lighter weight, I bet at least twice as fast (9.5mph), lifts 2"s higher (whoopty doo), Dw1050 has it on lift ~3k to ~2k tips, and only 2" longer overall
Biggest advantage of the Giant . . . no alturna mats needed, even with AG lug tires

"Minis" skids are great - Articulating Wheel loaders are a step up in most residential situations.
Talk to anybody who has had both

 

[colb]

I never did buy a machine. I run all my business through my personal name (I’m long over due to become an established business) and ditch witch doesn’t do personal loans. So I didn’t bother spending 28k cash. I’m gonna look all winter and see if I can find a deal on a used one. I have a budget of 20k, so I think I can find a nice, low hour machine if I’m patient. If I don’t find anything, i’ll snag a new one in the spring.

As for the 800 performance; it picks up a lot, but the greatest thing about it versus my bobcat is the travel speed and ride quality. It’s so much faster and smoother. You can feel the motor working, but it’s not debilitating doing tree work with a branch manager. I’m sure more power would be nice, but it’s not a must have in my opinion. The sales rep did say most tree guys spend the extra money and get the 1050.

I have the sk650. If you look at the numbers they are a very respectable machine next to the 850 and 1050. In one sense, they are better because they are not tier 4, so 32 hp diesel with no idling down time. You can pick one up for ~12k and stick a new block in it when the time comes. Then, you still have a tier 3.

 

[colb]

I here so many positive reports about the DW 800 series,
this is America so things just keep getting bigger and heavier
To me the 1050 especially the 1550, along with the other MFGs big series "minis"
are more like midi monsters - 1550 powerful as hell yeah, but terrible on lawns
Toro has a 2000 coming out, sheesh
View attachment 57167
telescopic boom, weighs in at 6000#s
might as well cut the cab off your skidsteer and stand behind the motor
definitely the biggest monster mini I have seen to date
These strong machines I believe are better suited to landscrapers
Track machines weighing more than 3000#s are tough on turf
Butt some people don't mind laying Alturna Mats out

Weight and ground pressure do not correlate. Some of the heavier machines are easier on the turf.

 

[tnttree]

I have the sk650. If you look at the numbers they are a very respectable machine next to the 850 and 1050. In one sense, they are better because they are not tier 4, so 32 hp diesel with no idling down time. You can pick one up for ~12k and stick a new block in it when the time comes. Then, you still have a tier 3.

smart advise,

 

[tnttree]

Weight and ground pressure do not correlate. Some of the heavier machines are easier on the turf.

regardless of the weight or track disbursement
Its the skidding that's the problem on turf
I concede that Toro's Turf track is noticeably easier on turf
Green tracks on a an ASV blew me away when I first seen them on Turf
- pros and cons to them though -- like most everything

 

[colb]

regardless of the weight or track disbursement
Its the skidding that's the problem on turf
I concede that Toro's Turf track is noticeably easier on turf
Green tracks on a an ASV blew me away when I first seen them on Turf
- pros and cons to them though -- like most everything

McLaren does not make orange tracks to fit my sk650. I wonder if there are turf tracks for the other models... is Green a brand? I might check them out since I'm due for tracks...

 

[Wes84]

I here so many positive reports about the DW 800 series,
this is America so things just keep getting bigger and heavier
To me the 1050 especially the 1550, along with the other MFGs big series "minis"
are more like midi monsters - 1550 powerful as hell yeah, but terrible on lawns
Toro has a 2000 coming out, sheesh
View attachment 57167
telescopic boom, weighs in at 6000#s
might as well cut the cab off your skidsteer and stand behind the motor
definitely the biggest monster mini I have seen to date
These strong machines I believe are better suited to landscrapers
Track machines weighing more than 3000#s are tough on turf
Butt some people don't mind laying Alturna Mats out

Yep Ditch Witch and Vermeer salesman have both told me that they are coming out with a larger unit. SK 2050 and CTX 150. The Ditch Witch will have a telescopic boom (I believe the guy said that the Vermeer will too but don't quote me on it).

The SK 1050 and CTX 100 are plenty of machine for me (and most people) but I think the big ones definitely have a place. I think it kind of runs parallel to the discussion in lawn care "ride-ons or standers?" There's a good reason that more people are buying stand ons. The chariot style point of view is good for productivity and believe it or not, comfort. they say that stand on platforms are better for your back than sitting. I have tender knees and I can spend 3-4 hours solid in my mini without getting off and it doesn't bother them at all. Having that kind of power with a platform operator station would be the ticket on a lot of big jobs.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

 

[FJR]

Not taking anything away from your DW 800, like I said I hear great things about that model, and people rave about the 1050 and 1550.
Again with the BUTT,
if your machine estimate approachs 35K, you owe it to your company and your clients lawn to at least try an articulating loader, NO ALTURNA MATS needed, you pay a little more for articulating because of its turf friendliness, speed and incredible lift to weight ratio, the telescopic boom options helps you overload your trailer. no shuffling logs up by hand

This top of the line Giant 254 standard boom, MSRPS for 35K
compared to a 1050 -- 1000 pounds lighter weight, I bet at least twice as fast (9.5mph), lifts 2"s higher (whoopty doo), Dw1050 has it on lift ~3k to ~2k tips, and only 2" longer overall
Biggest advantage of the Giant . . . no alturna mats needed, even with AG lug tires

"Minis" skids are great - Articulating Wheel loaders are a step up in most residential situations.
Talk to anybody who has had both

Dave, we sold our tracked mini after we bought our Giant from you. Articulation is a Giant step up. The pun was not initially intended . It is a very well built and incredibly reliable machine. 2.5 years and ~1800 hours and it just keeps on going. Going back to tracks for me would be like going back to dial up internet.