With 25 years experience behind me I will put it this way, a skid steer is the Swiss Army knife of construction equipment. Extremely versatile, and highly efficient. But that being said, most land owners would benefit far more from a tractor then a skid steer. As the video states, implement cost is a big one. It would seem that most outfits that make attachments for both charge $1500 to $2000 more for what is materially the exact same tool if its for a skid steer. As also mentioned in the video, a skid steer can be hard on a lawn or even a paved driveway if the operator isn't careful. Add to that the fact that the tractor excels at mowing and raking type tasks, plus the implements you can drive with the pto, you could go on all day. All things considered, I would have to agree, for the greatest number of land owners, the tractor is the only way to go. For what it's worth, my two cents.
Agree. I was considering a tractor, but was advised to get a skidsteer instead. I found the skidsteer is only good for grading and lifting, and very little else. I rented a small tractor with a backhoe and loader and found it a far more useful machine.
I think it depends greatly on the functionality of your property/situation. If you’re just living there with some gardening, it’s the tractor. If you’re doing heavier work with land clearing, animal farm work, or occasionally using it for profit, it’s the skid steer. I like the idea of the bobcat toolcat. It’s a good mix of both and you can take your wife or a worker along. Also heard good things about Ventrac.
I went through the same dilemma when I bought my property but decided the tractor was the way to go. It's more versatile and the attachments are cheaper, just like you pointed out. There are days I would like a skid steer but I either just realize it's going to take longer or I can rent one.
Incredibly useful comparison, thank you; I happen to have had the very same conundrum recently and it seems, luckily, made the right choice & ordered the Kubota with 4 in 1! But, can’t stop being impressed by those skid steers!
Skid steer saved my life so I am biased. Was working on the side of the road and saw a pickup truck veer off the road in front of me, I spun around just in time and was rear ended, Flipped the skid steer over and ripped the back door off, even destroyed a rear tire and the pickup was deflected into a tree. i was not hurt at all and walked away from that disaster. If I would have been on the tractor I doubt I would have been as lucky. Being able to turn pretty much anywhere is the skid steers best attribute. The protection of rops and fops, the compact cab and sturdy seat can save your life when working in dangerous areas. Only if you fall forward on a tree stump or fence post can things go badly. My skid steers and zero turn mower do everything I could ever want.
Mike you hit the nail on the head. You said to start with you had a skid loader for several years you have 50 acres and needed it.i have commented 4 or 5 times in the past You need a track skid loader. You can push trees down,go up and down steeper hills,2 to 4 times the power,be faster spreading stone,moving firewood,100's of things better than a tracker. Skid loaders have a lower center of gravity and weigh more,more guts to push and pull. When you get to be a pro operating it the skid loader is the way to go hands down. The attachments are more money but worth it.i have tractors to but i don't use as much as i use my 4 cat skid loaders.
good comparison. I plan on doing one at some point. I believe a good tractor reigns supreme over skid steer for land owners.. thanks for sharing your experience.
Great video, love this guy. I did not read all of the comments so if this has been covered, skip it. I am a contractor. I own a skid steer and I rent anything else I need. I do not need machines of this sort every day so my skid steer sits in my shop a lot. Attachments: Attachments as stated skid steer attachments are more expensive but you can rent most any attachment you don’t have, same with a tractor I think. I have a mulch bucket, a back hoe, an auger and pallet forks for my machine, all of which I use I rent jack hammers and they are awesome. Comfort: Tractors are WAY more comfortable than skid steers. I rent tractors on occasion and my butt thanks me If you are on a skid steer for 8 or 10 hrs, you can feel beat up. At least most tractors have some kind of suspension under the seat. Newer skids might be different but any I’ve used have the foam in the seat, period. Maintenance: I think it is really much the same for regular maintenance. Tractor has great access, skid steer has great access to the stuff you need to maintain regularly. BUT, serious problems or repairs are harder on a skid steer. They are compact and stuffed into the space they occupy. You can walk right around a tractor and get to most everything. Hoses and cylinders are slightly easier on a tractor. Operation: One thing about the skid steer that is in a big plus column is the operator’s vantage point. Sitting in the Skid, you can easily see the cutting edge of your bucket or the exact placement of an auger or jack hammer. The skid is much more nimble than the tractor if you don’t have to worry about the lawn or surface on which you are working. Driving posts for a fence with a rented driver was really fast and efficient with the skid. It takes more practice on a tractor as you cannot see the digging edge of the bucket. You will get used to it if you own one but it you rent, you never know what brand tractor you get, harder to master. I plow snow with my mulch bucket and it is great. Better than my truck snow plow because I can see the edge, float the bucket and pile the snow where I want. I have a stone driveway about 1/8 mile altogether and I can manage the stones much better with the skid than the truck. Also used to place the stone back where it is needed in the spring. I only have a small electric heater in the skid but I do have a door so the heater keeps the fog off the door and the door keeps me dry and relatively warm. The skid has a lower center of gravity than the tractor so it is beneficial that way and more fun to do donuts in the snow too. Speed: As mentioned the tractor is faster by far. Even if you floor it on a skid, you may not be able to sustain speed on a rough grade because you will get bounced around like a pinball in the cab. If the job site is big and you need a lot of travel, the skid will slow you down. Long winded, I know , sorry , but it is all I know about my skid. It’s a wheeled 873 for comparison.
That was a very concise comparison. Just recently I started realizing those differences myself as I'd started looking at smaller & lighter skid steers (basically ones in the same general power and weight range as my L3560). The things that consistently stood out in favor of the skid steer were the breakout force, hydraulic flow rates, and turning capability. Seeing that really drove home the point that while tractors and skid steers have some things in common they are still very different tools/machines with different purposes.
I have two tractors and believe they are more valuable for people who live in the rural areas. The Bobcat is okay for the contractor like you said, and after seeing them in action, I know that they are valuable for their kind of work. The choice for me was obvious and I chose the tractor, and was glad that I chose to buy the tractors and just rent a bobcat for the one job I needed it for.
Jim from Olympia, WA... When do you rest? I've never seen a guy work so hard. You're much like me when I was younger. I was a perfectionist, too. When I raked leaves I never left one behind. Neatness counts every time... whatever the job. Now I can barely get around. I'm an old 69 year-old Vietnam vet. Agent orange has taken its toll on me. 100% disabled now. I sure do like watching you getting things done on your property. I can see that you are a thinker, too. Don't let these couch philosophers try to tell you how to do something. From what I see you have the situations well in hand! Take care, Mike. Looks like you have a great family, too. I'll keep watching, for sure! Thanks for the vids... Jim
Talk about having things in common. That's why I watch all of your videos. I cut wood, built my own log splitter BTW, do tractor work, hunt and fish and all things outdoors. The only negative I can think of is I'm always checking my phone for new videos! LOL
Mike hit the nail on the head when he said it depends on were you are in your land management program. In the beginning skid loader is twice as useful. However, as time changes and some of your bigger projects are completed it becomes a challenge. Start with a used skid loader and after time then trade it for a newer tractor.
Good explanations on the differences between the two pieces equipment. It was interesting watching this one from 6 years ago, after I watched a similar video from 1 year ago. What is most noticeable is the changes in the property, equipment and quality of your videos.
I agree, you made a good case for selling my skidsteer.. I have had it for 14 years and used it hard but treated it right. Value today is almost what I paid for it (appraised at Bobcat dealer). My CK 35 will do all I need around home and have a neighbor taking over the hay operation.
Thanks for the video Mike. Really helpful as I have just bought a 90 acre property in Tasmania. I was 70% leaning towards a tractor but I have been looking at skid steers too. Now I'm 100% going for the tractor. Cheers. Dave
I have 10 acres of thick woods. My 1967 Ford 3000 tractor (47 HP) cost me $2,000 and I was able to get any part I needed for the expected repairs. A tiny skidsteer would start at $18,000 used and need expensive repairs. For my interests… Skidsteer: 1. I could dig a foundation for my shop and pool and pond. 2. I could get a reversible post hole digger or even better a hydraulic post driver. 3. I could get a blade to take down trees. 4. I could dig out roots for pulling down trees better than a tractor. Tractor: 1 Brush hog for clearing and mowing. 2. Box blade for driveway maintenance and ditch work. 3. Wood chipper. 4. Tows trailers. 5. Pulls out stuck trucks and pulls down trees better than a skidsteer. 4. I could attach a plow and cultivator. 5. I can bring it to the antique tractor show.
I think I like your approach. Cheap used tractors for a lot of the maintenance basics and a smaller skidloader for what they are good at. Thanks for the helpful comment
We just bought 7 acres of hilly land in the central coast area of California and are trying to decide between a tractor and skid steer. This goes a long way toward helping us decide - thanks!
I have had a bobcat for 12 years or so and would never want to part with it, I have a few atachments, snow blower, bucket, forks, root gapple, just got a Kubota 4060 and it is great but much slower and more comfortable to use.you guys need both!
I'm pretty late to this video, but its still good info. I have 6 acres of prop that were prepping for a house and buildings. I bought an abused backhoe and fixed it up. Fell into an free abused bobcat, and am fixing it up. Dont have a tractor, but its on my list of abused things to buy and fix up. I gravitate towards that kind of thing. However, in other conversations on the web, its clear to me that a skidsteer will make you money as a small side business, clearing or demo work etc if you are so inclined. Its a full time gig for some people. I dont see that so much with a tractor, esp a smaller Kubo. Just a thought.
I agree with u on most everything u said. If a home owner can only have one, they need the tractor. If ur doing more commercial work, go with the skid steer. I also have both and it’s nice when one needs to go and get serviced so I’m not out completely and I use them both for myself and for my commercial business.
We bought a little 38 hp JD for my wife 6 years ago for Mother's Day. My son and I made her a pallet fork frame and a grapple for it. It works good for using the finish mower in the yard, brush hogging around the fields and in the trees, tills up the garden, and can move rather heavy things. Last spring, my son bought a wheeled skid steer. I though he was crazy but it gets used more than the tractor. He is planning on making a grapple for it and may get an old brush hog and mount it to the front. This spring, we had to get the septic tank pumped (had lasted 30 years). It was wet and raining at the time. My son started out with the skid steer. As soon as he started pushing dirt the tires sunk in. We got the tractor out and it worked fine, but you are talking 8,000 lbs vs 2400 lbs.
Great video. We bought almost 16 acres in PA and I was back and forth with what to start with. I've ran equipment since I was very young so I know the capabilities. Was worried a tractor wouldn't handle it but we ended up going with a cab model tym 474 hydro. I must say for its size I am very pleased with it. I plan on getting an older mini ex one day as well but we also need a utv. The tractor does everything I need it to do and is one tough little machine. The 48 hp kukje is a solid sounding motor also. We are just starting out working on our property. It will be a journey.
Thanks for the informative video. I just bought a home on 6 acres and will be doing construction and landscaping. I've used machines before, but buying one is s different matter. I getting an education and videos like your help a great deal. Thanks!!
For most folks, great advice. I have 150 acres that is mostly steep. The Kubota dealer said he'd never dream of taking a tractor up some of our trails. He let me demo a Bobcat T770 with a Brushcat. That thing was super stable. For most land, a tractor makes more sense. For my longevity in the mountains I have little choice.
Hi Jim, I also have recently purchased a similar sized property and have a couple of steep hills. I am considering clearing land on the flat areas. How is your skid steer working out. Are you happy with your choice?
@@jtmag44 thanks Jim, I was also leaning towards a takeuchi after I saw what their excavators could do. Are you able to clear small trees easily? Are you able to use it for grading and mowing? Once I remove the trees and brush, there will be a lot of cleaning needed and I want to have land relatively fast so I can seed and mow.
I have a CID extreme brush cutter in standard flow. Says it’ll take up to 6inch trees. So fat very happy with it as well. A compact track loader is way mor stable than a skid steer or tractor. It should do everything you’re asking and then some.
I would say this is a correct assessment for new equipment. But if you purchase a new tractor and then search around, often times you can pick up an older used skid loader cheap and have it around when you need it. That’s what we did. We own an old Bobcat 963 that we bought at a state auction cheap and repaired for a few thousand back to running order. It makes a nice companion to our tractor even though the only attachments we own for it are a set of forks and the dirt bucket.
Used and owned both. On flat and mountanous country. I would dum up as, skidloaders do what they do better and faster, but do fewer things, tractors do it slower, but do way more variety of things. Try skidding logs with a skid steer in the mountains. You will end up stuck, dead, or both. Great video, man, very good analysis.
I agree with you 100%. I am currently building a house and bought a Bobcat for the build. My plan has always been to trade in/sell the Bobcat for a compact tractor once I am done doing all of the digging and dirt moving etc.(I have 18 acres). Like you said, ideally I would love to have both, but financially, probably not feasible. I can't imagine not having a Skid loader for the build process, it's been invaluable. But, once my building and landscaping is finished, I definitely want a compact tractor for mowing, tilling and lighter bucket use. The skid loaders downfall in this area is just that it tears up wherever you turn. While the speed of the skid loader quick turning is a positive while building, it is a negative on a established lawn or road.
T H A N K Y O U !!!!! I have been fighting over this decision, what I need, etc. and I'm in this exact situation. I just bought land, need to slope and grade it, but will need something for maintenance. Looks like I'm buying a tractor and renting a skid steer :)
Most people don't need a skid steer they think they need one cause they " want" it. A tractor is fine for 90% of average homeowners and landowners. If you need alot of land improvements just hire an excavator with a high lift to get the big jobs done and over. Then tractor to finish up stuff. This is coming from a person who owns a wheeled skids steer , a compact track loader, an excavator and tractors plus i also run heavy equipement such as a 963 caterpillar.
Just bought 11 acres and have two old structures to do foundation repairs to as well as a full gut remodel in the house. Also will be clearing brush+trees, cutting a few roads, prepping a pad and footings for a shop, and offering all my shop equipment when I move in. Thinking I'll buy a skid steer now and then a tractor in a few years once all the construction work is done. I also have a ton of friends with tractors, dozers and excavators, and no friends with skid steers.
I have a very hilly 33 acre lot with 4 months of snow in the winter. John Deere recommended a wheeled skid steer over a tractor. Turned out to be great advice. Much lower center of gravity. I put chains on in winter for the 8ft snow blower. The wheeled version with chains is much better than tracks on icy slopes. Later I bought a 34HP Kubota 4 wheel drive tractor with 6ft bush hog to cut 10 acre hilly meadow. Very scary on hilly uneven ground, even though I used to ride trials bikes competitively this thing scared me. I sold the tractor after 2 seasons and now rent out the pasture. The horses graze the pasture nicely.
Making mincemeat out of those big logs Mike, didn't even lift it off the ground at the back, just moved it with so much ease. Would love to see how much it can lift in one go and stay feeling safe.
Thanks for the information. It is helpful to hear about the advantages of each without an ulterior motive. It isn't fair to compare tractors and skid steers head to head, as you mentioned, they are different machines.
I had a kubota compact tractor, and a bobcat S70. I have a small farm, sheep, goats, chickens, herb farm. I sold the tractor. The bobcat is far easier to use for mucking out the chickens and sheep/goat pens. The bobcat roto-tiler takes less than 2 minutes to put on, and, I can do a pivot in place turn to down the next row of lavender with very little space required. The mower on the bobcat likewise goes on in minutes, and because it is on the front, I can poke right up to buildings and right into the corners of fences. The mid deck mower on the tractor doesn't even compare. Snow removal with the S70 is a breeze, even with our wet coast snow. with the bobcat I can scoop up a heap of snow, and dump it right beside me and just keep going. With the tractor you have to create push lines, because you can't just quickly turn and dump the snow. Skidloaders are designed for going back and forth quickly and easily, not so with the tractor. Driveway maintenance is super easy with the bobcat as well, to be fair, the tractor is just easy. But in the end, I still use skid loaders, I don't own a tractor anymore.
Great idea Mike. I did a lot of online research and visits to dealers and your channel was the most helpful of all of them. So I bought a Kubota B2601 and it is getting delivered later this week. Pretty excited. I will definitely send in my pictures and descriptions and hope it is helpful. Cheers!
thanks bud for the video.. its was on topic and answered the questions i personally had. I have wooded acreage I want to clear and make into a homestead and was in the mix between which one should i get first.. knowing that the skid steer can be used for finish work, it just takes alot more finesse vs a tractor.. so skid steer first and then ill get the tractor for finish work..
Great video, thank you. I’m a land owner and you actually really helped me with my decision on which way to go. Some great points I didn’t even think of before. One thing I’ve also been considering is it seems a lot harder to find tractor implements / attachments to rent these days vs. skid steer. Maybe it’s just my location in Western MD.
yep....nothing like being able to do an about face in the confines of a narrow driveway. Also I would never take any piece of equipment anywhere near the woods without full ROps either.(too many dead limbs !)
bwilkinson6901 one problem there is. The grass and ground gets ripped up with a skid loader. Yard work is better done with a tractor as the wheels steer and freely roll. And yes. I’ve tried the steering skid loaders. But as there axles have no differential. They still pull on the turf hard.
Tractor not for digging. Loading an hauling yea. Can always put a excavator arm off the back of it tho. I'd take the skid steer. But cat tho. and with tires the good ones. Tracks are hell on grass. Lol. Great in mud an what not. But tires are nice. Both have pros and cons. Good video. Tho.
One thing you didn’t touch on was the costs. Buying and owning a skidsteer is much more expensive then a tractor. Your typical compact tractor will cost you about $500 ( Canadian ) every 400 hours for a total service ( if you bring it to a shop ), a skidsteer will cost you well over $1000 every 3-400 hours for a service. A skidsteer will use more fuel then a compact tractor ( 25-55hp range ). Also floating the equipment can be a factor - most compact tractors can safely be floated behind a half ton pickup truck with a 7000lb trailer. You move up to a skidsteer and you need a minimum of 10’000 lb capacity trailer and at least a 3/4 ton truck - both are much bigger costs to fuel, buy and maintain. Just some food for thought. And I do have plenty of experience with skidsteers and much larger equipment. I agree that if you’re doing doing mostly soil work ( digging, loading trucks, etc ) a skidsteer will be more efficient and last longer - not to mention far better resale value then a compact tractor. However if you are doing lots of work ( trees, firewood, tilling, mowing, plowing etc - a compact tractor would be a better and cheaper way to go.
Good video as usual Mike. You hit it right on the head although if I had to pick one or the other I'd take the mini excavator of the track loader! Bit tractor for maintenance is the way to go.
We have 2 old tractors that need a lot of work, but dad wants to get rid of them both to make room in the garage. We recently got a zero turn mower to cut the grass, but I think it would still be beneficial to have a good tractor around to mow the big fields and do odd jobs with.
Two years ago, but my new house. A handful of acreage that had not been taken care of for 20 years and a house. I bought a tractor thinking it was more versatile but quickly found out it didn’t have the mass to get things done…in a timely manner . Looking back, I should’ve bought the best used skid steer I could afford. Cleared the property, fix the roads, flattened out the yard, etc. Then after the heavy lifting was done, get the proper size tractor for moving mulch, rocks, sand, etc. Tractor does a much better job on the maintenance side versus development.
I run a Montana R4344 Little Giant, and it's a great tractor, very similar to your Kubota in size and power...To me, the biggest advantage of a tractor over a skid loader is accessories...
I don’t think you added to confusion. I agree with all you said, especially the end, skid steer for the brunt of the insane work a new property can bring, then a tractor for the maintenance
skid steer attachments can be rented inexpensively. just sold my Kubota 6060 tractor and bought a skid steer. I really love the fast attachment changes, the lower center of gravity, the speed and the abundance of attachments available. 3 point hitch attachments are limited......maybe get both!!
I bought a used backhoe and a used ford (3910) tractor complete with loader and cab and snow blower..Cost $18,000 C for both.The snow blower is a must for us up here in eastern Canada.The backhoe is great for our woodlot (40) acres..Clearing trails,ditching,replanting trees, etc..Enjoy using both of them..
Own 30 acres on a mountain, only a few cutouts with somewhat "flat" land, after seeing this video and a few others, probably going to have to get the Bobcat, thanks for the info sir
Thank you for taking the time to do this video. I was debating on trading my kubota in for a tracked skid steer. You touched on some very good points for both. I have gotten to the maintenance point now and I am looking for versatility. Although I really really do miss driving my M113 .
I have some developed property but it has rocky soil and everything is difficult even with a 40hp tractor and backhoe. I had a kubota L3710 w/ 9' hoe and it struggled to get the work done. Everything took way longer than it should have when I setup the property, ran power, etc. I sold it. For mowing finished areas I bought a husqvarna 42 inch wide zero turn for $3700 (22HP). It gets the job done and I don't feel like I need a tractor. For anything larger than a 4' mower you'll need 30HP or so. I am now in the market for a skid steer with higher flow hydraulics for trenching, backhoe and grading. one of the big advantages is being able to rent attachments per weekend at a rental store if you own a bobcat/cat skidsteer. I think the ground you have makes all of the difference; drilling holes on a 3pt is a waste of time in 30-40% cobble w/ silty/sandy loam. The bobcat however will get it done. Fencing jobs, etc will go must faster on large acreage w/ a skidsteer especially if you can use the downward force to your advantage.
100 percent true and my thoughts exactly, a compact tractor is a lot cheaper to purchase as well, I've been looking around at used skid steers and even the smaller ones in the 50hp range that are 20+ years old, lots of hours & look like they've been to hell and back are going for $20,000 it's nuts. Skid steers are great for dedicated front end loader work and the construction industry, but that's about it. I need a pto and 3 point hitch as do all acreage/property owner's. You forgot to mention getting on and off the tractor is easier and visibility to the sides and rear is far superior/wide open on the compact tractor as well, I don't care for the caged-in feeling I get from operating a skid steer.
Tractors are very handy in many situations. Skid steers are unbelievably efficient. Built a 3/8 mile long driveway through Alaskan forest and muskeg using a rented tracked skid steer....knocked down 12-16" diameter spruce and birch trees....dug a gravel pit imagine doing that with my little 25 hp Kubota. If it wasn't for the high cost of a good skid steer I'd sell the tractor....perhaps someday.
As a fencing contractor I concur, skid steer has limited versatility. A FEL tractors versatility has enabled us to do plenty more jobs than a skid steer, and we rarely need a truck to shift between jobs. Now a manual FEL cant compete with a skid steer on bucket or loader work, but a hydrostatic one closes the gap considerably to close enough on loader work. Not digging however. That being said operating a bucket whilst having an implement on the 3pl makes a world of difference and one can be surprised on the reach advantage a FEL has overall bobcat when it comes to pushing trees over
Hi Mike, My best friend did just what you did though he has only six acres. He had a dairy barn dated (in the slate pattern) 1898 that needed a lot of repairs (except the roof) which included the ramp on one end and removing a ramp on the other. The house dated to the 1840's and had been added to and needed further additions which meant excavating part of the hill side. There were some out buildings separated by a grass pad that needed to be removed and the land leveled. The skid steer did a beautiful job. Then he traded it for a Kubota tractor and a John Deer finish mower which he painted to match. WOW! does that mower make a short beautiful job on four acres of grass. And the bucket on the front of the tractor does a great job on his concrete pad which is about 2,000sf. One observation. I don't have enough land for even a ride on mower!
I have 20 acres, 10-15 acres wooded and 5-10 acres open. What I want to do is brush hog the open area, maintain my gravel driveway, and disc small areas for food plots and I eventually want to dig a pond in the pasture, I’ve considered buying a tractor, skid steer or dozer but I think I’ve decided I should buy an old tractor without a front loader just to pull around a disc and brush hog, and buy a used skid steer for digging, knocking down a few trees and moving around logs, gravel/dirt etc
Tractor's are for maintenance of property and light add-ons to the property. Skid steer or Loaders are for heavy stuff like foundation digging and ponds. I do construction both maintenance an add-ons. And by far the tractor is way more versatile and cost effective for me. Something's yes I can do faster with a skid steer but I can do the same with a tractor. Also tractor's don't tear up finished lawns like skid steer does but if any ground is wet it will be torn to shreds in no time flat but tractor's do better on not tearing up wet lawns. Again this my personal experience as along with this dudes video is his own experiences
Mike, Absolutely one of my favorite videos You ever did! I’m contemplating a track loader or mini ex in the future. I already ended up buying a tractor 🤣😂🤣~SBYD!
I chose a kubota l3800 for many reasons starting with price, attachments and parts are cheaper and available at just about any fleet store. I've used both and agree that each one has its advantages and disadvantages but for me the tractor was just more versatile for my needs.
Skid loader all the way. The quick attach is much easier to operate rather than fool around with a 3 pt hitch. Better roll over protection and environmental comfort in skid loader especially for dusty environments and loading trucks if you have an AC/Heater cabbed unit. Bee and wasp protection. He's right about tearing up the ground, you have to move easy and not turn abruptly to cause a dirt wake with a tracked unit. I think that JCB Skid Telehandler is a good machine to look at, easier to get into, better reach, more versatility. Bobcat Toolcat is a cross between the skid loader, and a tractor, nice all around unit.
Thanks for sharing your experience with both pieces of equipment. I think skid steers have a cooler look than tractors. So, I tend to be drawn to them instead. Also the skid steer manufacturers are savvy with the quick connection for accessories. I didn't think the tractor builders were bringing their A-game in that regard. Your video compels me to do more research. What really got my attention is where you mentioned that accessories for the tractor are cheaper. This is news I can use.
Very helpful, looking at the price tag on skid steers, your video has me now thinking about compact tractor. Skid steer would be ideal, but my capital tells me I have to stick with tractors and take the advice my father gave me, don't buy old broken down tractors. I went against his advice and it really bit me in the arse. So we are shopping now.
Did lots of things with looader tractors that I didn't, in many cases couldn't do with a skid steer (back end of a tractor is that important). Never did any job with the skid loader that I hadn't done with a loader tractor, but a lot easier in tight spaces. So get the right one for the job you're going to be doing.
Great video. Just bought a portable sawmill and need to drag logs and load/unload the mill. Will I regret losing the power if I chose a 45hp Tractor over a 75HP Skid Steer. Wholly molly the skid steer attachments are expensive!!!
You can get a tiller to brake up the ground making it easier for the tractor bucket to scoop it. And they also sell a 3 point back hoe for most size tractors. But your right. It’s a little faster to work with a skid loader for digging. Yet the tractor is much cheaper and with a little more time will do the same job. And is much more useful in the long run.
Another well-done and useful video Mike. I'm that guy, just purchased acreage and considering doing a lot of the initial clearing myself. Have not yet purchased any equipment. Can you speak to how you cleared the stumps with a skid loader?
I think it depends on your land situation, and depends on what you plan to do. We have tractors and a track loader (had a skid steer JD 320 before we got a 333G). Back a long while ago I was thinking bucket tractor, glad I didn't go that route. Mostly because we have the tractors to do a lot of grunt work if needed, no buckets on them. But the skid steer did well with the bucket, sure 4wd tractors would go places the skid steer simply can't. However the track loader is a different story. Flotation is really nice, vs tires (even 4wd tractors). Attachments are more costly than 3pt hitch attachments, however having the mower in front of you is quite nice, its like trimming with sheers vs a chainsaw, more intricate work with a steer. With adapters that you can buy or make for skid steers, it makes the track loaders really versatile. I use the track loader with a 84" diamond cutter to clear hedges, so I can later use the 20' batwing on a 4440 to mow later on. The 333G has quite a bit of power, so "dozing" and clearing debris is fairly quick and easy. However for basic land management, a small tractor that is cheaper, with a small brush hog is hard to beat.
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With 25 years experience behind me I will put it this way, a skid steer is the Swiss Army knife of construction equipment. Extremely versatile, and highly efficient. But that being said, most land owners would benefit far more from a tractor then a skid steer. As the video states, implement cost is a big one. It would seem that most outfits that make attachments for both charge $1500 to $2000 more for what is materially the exact same tool if its for a skid steer. As also mentioned in the video, a skid steer can be hard on a lawn or even a paved driveway if the operator isn't careful. Add to that the fact that the tractor excels at mowing and raking type tasks, plus the implements you can drive with the pto, you could go on all day. All things considered, I would have to agree, for the greatest number of land owners, the tractor is the only way to go. For what it's worth, my two cents.
Agree. I was considering a tractor, but was advised to get a skidsteer instead. I found the skidsteer is only good for grading and lifting, and very little else. I rented a small tractor with a backhoe and loader and found it a far more useful machine.
I think it depends greatly on the functionality of your property/situation. If you’re just living there with some gardening, it’s the tractor. If you’re doing heavier work with land clearing, animal farm work, or occasionally using it for profit, it’s the skid steer. I like the idea of the bobcat toolcat. It’s a good mix of both and you can take your wife or a worker along. Also heard good things about Ventrac.
I went through the same dilemma when I bought my property but decided the tractor was the way to go. It's more versatile and the attachments are cheaper, just like you pointed out. There are days I would like a skid steer but I either just realize it's going to take longer or I can rent one.
I found a skidsteer in the woods and then a tractor in a farm field. A miracle I tell you, a miracle.
Good for you
Incredibly useful comparison, thank you; I happen to have had the very same conundrum recently and it seems, luckily, made the right choice & ordered the Kubota with 4 in 1! But, can’t stop being impressed by those skid steers!
Skid steer saved my life so I am biased. Was working on the side of the road and saw a pickup truck veer off the road in front of me, I spun around just in time and was rear ended, Flipped the skid steer over and ripped the back door off, even destroyed a rear tire and the pickup was deflected into a tree. i was not hurt at all and walked away from that disaster. If I would have been on the tractor I doubt I would have been as lucky. Being able to turn pretty much anywhere is the skid steers best attribute. The protection of rops and fops, the compact cab and sturdy seat can save your life when working in dangerous areas. Only if you fall forward on a tree stump or fence post can things go badly. My skid steers and zero turn mower do everything I could ever want.
Mike you hit the nail on the head. You said to start with you had a skid loader for several years you have 50 acres and needed it.i have commented 4 or 5 times in the past
You need a track skid loader. You can push trees down,go up and down steeper hills,2 to 4 times the power,be faster spreading stone,moving firewood,100's of things better than a tracker. Skid loaders have a lower center of gravity and weigh more,more guts to push and pull. When you get to be a pro operating it the skid loader is the way to go hands down. The attachments are more money but worth it.i have tractors to but i don't use as much as i use my 4 cat skid loaders.
good comparison. I plan on doing one at some point. I believe a good tractor reigns supreme over skid steer for land owners.. thanks for sharing your experience.
I buy and sell BOTH and I think you're whippy!!!
Your ignorant on the subject. Get some experience before you comment.
darren schulz experience?? You don't know Jack about me..
Kapper Outdoors u
Eric Thompson ride a skid steer into the back 40 and let me know how your back feels.
Great information. The chickens were a nice touch. Nothing like living in the country!!!
I have both, and your video was an excellent comparison between the machines. Two different animals, indeed.
Great video, love this guy.
I did not read all of the comments so if this has been covered, skip it.
I am a contractor.
I own a skid steer and I rent anything else I need.
I do not need machines of this sort every day so my skid steer sits in my shop a lot.
Attachments:
Attachments as stated skid steer attachments are more expensive but you can rent most any attachment you don’t have, same with a tractor I think.
I have a mulch bucket, a back hoe, an auger and pallet forks for my machine, all of which I use
I rent jack hammers and they are awesome.
Comfort:
Tractors are WAY more comfortable than skid steers.
I rent tractors on occasion and my butt thanks me
If you are on a skid steer for 8 or 10 hrs, you can feel beat up.
At least most tractors have some kind of suspension under the seat.
Newer skids might be different but any I’ve used have the foam in the seat, period.
Maintenance:
I think it is really much the same for regular maintenance.
Tractor has great access, skid steer has great access to the stuff you need to maintain regularly.
BUT, serious problems or repairs are harder on a skid steer.
They are compact and stuffed into the space they occupy.
You can walk right around a tractor and get to most everything.
Hoses and cylinders are slightly easier on a tractor.
Operation:
One thing about the skid steer that is in a big plus column is the operator’s vantage point.
Sitting in the Skid, you can easily see the cutting edge of your bucket or the exact placement of an auger or jack hammer.
The skid is much more nimble than the tractor if you don’t have to worry about the lawn or surface on which you are working.
Driving posts for a fence with a rented driver was really fast and efficient with the skid.
It takes more practice on a tractor as you cannot see the digging edge of the bucket.
You will get used to it if you own one but it you rent, you never know what brand tractor you get, harder to master.
I plow snow with my mulch bucket and it is great.
Better than my truck snow plow because I can see the edge, float the bucket and pile the snow where I want.
I have a stone driveway about 1/8 mile altogether and I can manage the stones much better with the skid than the truck.
Also used to place the stone back where it is needed in the spring.
I only have a small electric heater in the skid but I do have a door so the heater keeps the fog off the door and the door keeps me dry and relatively warm.
The skid has a lower center of gravity than the tractor so it is beneficial that way and more fun to do donuts in the snow too.
Speed:
As mentioned the tractor is faster by far.
Even if you floor it on a skid, you may not be able to sustain speed on a rough grade because you will get bounced around like a pinball in the cab.
If the job site is big and you need a lot of travel, the skid will slow you down.
Long winded, I know , sorry , but it is all I know about my skid. It’s a wheeled 873 for comparison.
That was a very concise comparison. Just recently I started realizing those differences myself as I'd started looking at smaller & lighter skid steers (basically ones in the same general power and weight range as my L3560). The things that consistently stood out in favor of the skid steer were the breakout force, hydraulic flow rates, and turning capability. Seeing that really drove home the point that while tractors and skid steers have some things in common they are still very different tools/machines with different purposes.
I have two tractors and believe they are more valuable for people who live in the rural areas. The Bobcat is okay for the contractor like you said, and after seeing them in action, I know that they are valuable for their kind of work. The choice for me was obvious and I chose the tractor, and was glad that I chose to buy the tractors and just rent a bobcat for the one job I needed it for.
Jim from Olympia, WA... When do you rest? I've never seen a guy work so hard. You're much like me when I was younger. I was a perfectionist, too. When I raked leaves I never left one behind. Neatness counts every time... whatever the job. Now I can barely get around. I'm an old 69 year-old Vietnam vet. Agent orange has taken its toll on me. 100% disabled now. I sure do like watching you getting things done on your property. I can see that you are a thinker, too. Don't let these couch philosophers try to tell you how to do something. From what I see you have the situations well in hand! Take care, Mike. Looks like you have a great family, too. I'll keep watching, for sure! Thanks for the vids... Jim
Thanks Jim, I do stay pretty busy but sleep well at night!
STREETRODDER . Try herbs. Try turmeric powder, ginger, garlic, lemons, and ginseng in water to help with your ailments. Also, try black seed oil.
Talk about having things in common. That's why I watch all of your videos. I cut wood, built my own log splitter BTW, do tractor work, hunt and fish and all things outdoors. The only negative I can think of is I'm always checking my phone for new videos! LOL
Mike hit the nail on the head when he said it depends on were you are in your land management program. In the beginning skid loader is twice as useful. However, as time changes and some of your bigger projects are completed it becomes a challenge. Start with a used skid loader and after time then trade it for a newer tractor.
Yes! If you can afford a well-manicured acreage, then a baby JD tractor right out of the gate with FEL and you're good.
Good explanations on the differences between the two pieces equipment. It was interesting watching this one from 6 years ago, after I watched a similar video from 1 year ago. What is most noticeable is the changes in the property, equipment and quality of your videos.
Great video - I have an L3400 and my neighbor has a skid loader and we share. Works out great!
I agree, you made a good case for selling my skidsteer.. I have had it for 14 years and used it hard but treated it right. Value today is almost what I paid for it (appraised at Bobcat dealer). My CK 35 will do all I need around home and have a neighbor taking over the hay operation.
me too but I kept my bobcat and got a Kubota 4060 love them both
Looks like I keep both, family has other properties and it will be used/shared.
I own both, you are right on with your comment on using the skid steer first for clearing and then the tractor for maintaining. Good info.
Thanks for the video Mike. Really helpful as I have just bought a 90 acre property in Tasmania. I was 70% leaning towards a tractor but I have been looking at skid steers too. Now I'm 100% going for the tractor. Cheers. Dave
I have 10 acres of thick woods. My 1967 Ford 3000 tractor (47 HP) cost me $2,000 and I was able to get any part I needed for the expected repairs. A tiny skidsteer would start at $18,000 used and need expensive repairs. For my interests…
Skidsteer: 1. I could dig a foundation for my shop and pool and pond. 2. I could get a reversible post hole digger or even better a hydraulic post driver. 3. I could get a blade to take down trees. 4. I could dig out roots for pulling down trees better than a tractor.
Tractor: 1 Brush hog for clearing and mowing. 2. Box blade for driveway maintenance and ditch work. 3. Wood chipper. 4. Tows trailers. 5. Pulls out stuck trucks and pulls down trees better than a skidsteer. 4. I could attach a plow and cultivator. 5. I can bring it to the antique tractor show.
I think I like your approach. Cheap used tractors for a lot of the maintenance basics and a smaller skidloader for what they are good at. Thanks for the helpful comment
We just bought 7 acres of hilly land in the central coast area of California and are trying to decide between a tractor and skid steer. This goes a long way toward helping us decide - thanks!
Good deal, Glad it was helpful, Sometime post some pics of your place on our FB page outdoors with the Morgans,
Done! Posted a video. We are going to an auction up in Atascadero on January 27th to hopefully score a skid steer. :-)
I might be able to afford a wheelbarrow and a shovel.
martinsteele05 is that you Manual?
Try estate sales...
Then you have the question of whether to put the big money into the shovel or the wheelbarrow. The questions never end.
no
3 year old comment. Still funny.
I have had a bobcat for 12 years or so and would never want to part with it, I have a few atachments, snow blower, bucket, forks, root gapple, just got a Kubota 4060 and it is great but much slower and more comfortable to use.you guys need both!
I'm pretty late to this video, but its still good info. I have 6 acres of prop that were prepping for a house and buildings. I bought an abused backhoe and fixed it up. Fell into an free abused bobcat, and am fixing it up. Dont have a tractor, but its on my list of abused things to buy and fix up. I gravitate towards that kind of thing. However, in other conversations on the web, its clear to me that a skidsteer will make you money as a small side business, clearing or demo work etc if you are so inclined. Its a full time gig for some people. I dont see that so much with a tractor, esp a smaller Kubo. Just a thought.
I agree with u on most everything u said. If a home owner can only have one, they need the tractor. If ur doing more commercial work, go with the skid steer. I also have both and it’s nice when one needs to go and get serviced so I’m not out completely and I use them both for myself and for my commercial business.
We bought a little 38 hp JD for my wife 6 years ago for Mother's Day. My son and I made her a pallet fork frame and a grapple for it. It works good for using the finish mower in the yard, brush hogging around the fields and in the trees, tills up the garden, and can move rather heavy things. Last spring, my son bought a wheeled skid steer. I though he was crazy but it gets used more than the tractor. He is planning on making a grapple for it and may get an old brush hog and mount it to the front. This spring, we had to get the septic tank pumped (had lasted 30 years). It was wet and raining at the time. My son started out with the skid steer. As soon as he started pushing dirt the tires sunk in. We got the tractor out and it worked fine, but you are talking 8,000 lbs vs 2400 lbs.
Great video. We bought almost 16 acres in PA and I was back and forth with what to start with. I've ran equipment since I was very young so I know the capabilities. Was worried a tractor wouldn't handle it but we ended up going with a cab model tym 474 hydro. I must say for its size I am very pleased with it. I plan on getting an older mini ex one day as well but we also need a utv. The tractor does everything I need it to do and is one tough little machine. The 48 hp kukje is a solid sounding motor also. We are just starting out working on our property. It will be a journey.
Thanks for the informative video. I just bought a home on 6 acres and will be doing construction and landscaping. I've used machines before, but buying one is s different matter. I getting an education and videos like your help a great deal. Thanks!!
Both are awesome machines. I own a t650 and a Kubota L 4400 very versatile machines. You hit on some great key points.
Great comparison Mike, Having owned both my feeling for most people is buy a tractor and rent a skid steer as needed.
Hey guy,you just turned on a lite in a very dark hole!Thanks a Billion!
For most folks, great advice. I have 150 acres that is mostly steep. The Kubota dealer said he'd never dream of taking a tractor up some of our trails. He let me demo a Bobcat T770 with a Brushcat. That thing was super stable. For most land, a tractor makes more sense. For my longevity in the mountains I have little choice.
Hi Jim, I also have recently purchased a similar sized property and have a couple of steep hills. I am considering clearing land on the flat areas. How is your skid steer working out. Are you happy with your choice?
I bought a Takeuchi TL10 used about 2 years ago. It has performed flawlessly. Strong and stable. They are very capable machines.
@@jtmag44 thanks Jim, I was also leaning towards a takeuchi after I saw what their excavators could do. Are you able to clear small trees easily? Are you able to use it for grading and mowing? Once I remove the trees and brush, there will be a lot of cleaning needed and I want to have land relatively fast so I can seed and mow.
I have a CID extreme brush cutter in standard flow. Says it’ll take up to 6inch trees. So fat very happy with it as well. A compact track loader is way mor stable than a skid steer or tractor.
It should do everything you’re asking and then some.
@@jtmag44 I didn't even realize that that a ctl was different from a skid steer. Thanks for mentioning that.
I would say this is a correct assessment for new equipment. But if you purchase a new tractor and then search around, often times you can pick up an older used skid loader cheap and have it around when you need it. That’s what we did. We own an old Bobcat 963 that we bought at a state auction cheap and repaired for a few thousand back to running order. It makes a nice companion to our tractor even though the only attachments we own for it are a set of forks and the dirt bucket.
Used and owned both. On flat and mountanous country. I would dum up as, skidloaders do what they do better and faster, but do fewer things, tractors do it slower, but do way more variety of things. Try skidding logs with a skid steer in the mountains. You will end up stuck, dead, or both. Great video, man, very good analysis.
The right tool for the job, making do with what you have is what built America. Thanks for being honest.
I agree with you 100%. I am currently building a house and bought a Bobcat for the build. My plan has always been to trade in/sell the Bobcat for a compact tractor once I am done doing all of the digging and dirt moving etc.(I have 18 acres). Like you said, ideally I would love to have both, but financially, probably not feasible. I can't imagine not having a Skid loader for the build process, it's been invaluable. But, once my building and landscaping is finished, I definitely want a compact tractor for mowing, tilling and lighter bucket use. The skid loaders downfall in this area is just that it tears up wherever you turn. While the speed of the skid loader quick turning is a positive while building, it is a negative on a established lawn or road.
T H A N K Y O U !!!!! I have been fighting over this decision, what I need, etc. and I'm in this exact situation. I just bought land, need to slope and grade it, but will need something for maintenance. Looks like I'm buying a tractor and renting a skid steer :)
Exactly my situation. So looks like a tractor for me as well.
Thanks so much for taking the time to make this. It’s vital:
Most people don't need a skid steer they think they need one cause they " want" it. A tractor is fine for 90% of average homeowners and landowners. If you need alot of land improvements just hire an excavator with a high lift to get the big jobs done and over. Then tractor to finish up stuff. This is coming from a person who owns a wheeled skids steer , a compact track loader, an excavator and tractors plus i also run heavy equipement such as a 963 caterpillar.
Just bought 11 acres and have two old structures to do foundation repairs to as well as a full gut remodel in the house. Also will be clearing brush+trees, cutting a few roads, prepping a pad and footings for a shop, and offering all my shop equipment when I move in. Thinking I'll buy a skid steer now and then a tractor in a few years once all the construction work is done. I also have a ton of friends with tractors, dozers and excavators, and no friends with skid steers.
I have a very hilly 33 acre lot with 4 months of snow in the winter. John Deere recommended a wheeled skid steer over a tractor. Turned out to be great advice. Much lower center of gravity. I put chains on in winter for the 8ft snow blower. The wheeled version with chains is much better than tracks on icy slopes. Later I bought a 34HP Kubota 4 wheel drive tractor with 6ft bush hog to cut 10 acre hilly meadow. Very scary on hilly uneven ground, even though I used to ride trials bikes competitively this thing scared me. I sold the tractor after 2 seasons and now rent out the pasture. The horses graze the pasture nicely.
would you recommend the skid steer for maintenance (bush hog) work on hills? Tracks for spring, summer?
thank you for explaining! I'm a tractor owner, feel a little FOMO since skid steers look so fun, but what I have makes sense for maintenance mode.
Making mincemeat out of those big logs Mike, didn't even lift it off the ground at the back, just moved it with so much ease. Would love to see how much it can lift in one go and stay feeling safe.
Thanks for the information. It is helpful to hear about the advantages of each without an ulterior motive. It isn't fair to compare tractors and skid steers head to head, as you mentioned, they are different machines.
I had a kubota compact tractor, and a bobcat S70. I have a small farm, sheep, goats, chickens, herb farm. I sold the tractor. The bobcat is far easier to use for mucking out the chickens and sheep/goat pens. The bobcat roto-tiler takes less than 2 minutes to put on, and, I can do a pivot in place turn to down the next row of lavender with very little space required. The mower on the bobcat likewise goes on in minutes, and because it is on the front, I can poke right up to buildings and right into the corners of fences. The mid deck mower on the tractor doesn't even compare. Snow removal with the S70 is a breeze, even with our wet coast snow. with the bobcat I can scoop up a heap of snow, and dump it right beside me and just keep going. With the tractor you have to create push lines, because you can't just quickly turn and dump the snow. Skidloaders are designed for going back and forth quickly and easily, not so with the tractor. Driveway maintenance is super easy with the bobcat as well, to be fair, the tractor is just easy. But in the end, I still use skid loaders, I don't own a tractor anymore.
We have both plus a Ditch Witch mini-skid for our commercial work. Each has it's place depending on type of job and space we are working in.
I liked the video! Nobody does these comparisons. Your experience is much appreciated . I just subscribed
Great idea Mike. I did a lot of online research and visits to dealers and your channel was the most helpful of all of them. So I bought a Kubota B2601 and it is getting delivered later this week. Pretty excited. I will definitely send in my pictures and descriptions and hope it is helpful. Cheers!
Congrats!
Nice To Have Both Peices of Equipment With acreage!!👊
I have both a Kubota tractor and Caterpillar skid steer I seem to use the tractor for most things although I agree it is nice having both
You’re absolutely right I did the same thing ended up selling my bobcat and bought two small Kabota’s life is good
thanks bud for the video.. its was on topic and answered the questions i personally had. I have wooded acreage I want to clear and make into a homestead and was in the mix between which one should i get first.. knowing that the skid steer can be used for finish work, it just takes alot more finesse vs a tractor.. so skid steer first and then ill get the tractor for finish work..
Great video, thank you. I’m a land owner and you actually really helped me with my decision on which way to go. Some great points I didn’t even think of before.
One thing I’ve also been considering is it seems a lot harder to find tractor implements / attachments to rent these days vs. skid steer. Maybe it’s just my location in Western MD.
I love how the chickens are always in the shot
Reminds me of tractor time with tims cats always in the way
Ill take the skidsteer hands down. Most of my tasks are in tight quarters, and tractors are terrible it tight spots.
yep....nothing like being able to do an about face in the confines of a narrow driveway. Also I would never take any piece of equipment anywhere near the woods without full ROps either.(too many dead limbs !)
bwilkinson6901 one problem there is. The grass and ground gets ripped up with a skid loader. Yard work is better done with a tractor as the wheels steer and freely roll. And yes. I’ve tried the steering skid loaders. But as there axles have no differential. They still pull on the turf hard.
Steven Hardy I'm all for the tractor....but you got me on the ROps . That protective roof would sure be very nice.
Mike, your explanation was excellent. Keep up the great videos.
Tractor not for digging. Loading an hauling yea. Can always put a excavator arm off the back of it tho. I'd take the skid steer. But cat tho. and with tires the good ones. Tracks are hell on grass. Lol. Great in mud an what not. But tires are nice. Both have pros and cons. Good video. Tho.
One thing you didn’t touch on was the costs. Buying and owning a skidsteer is much more expensive then a tractor. Your typical compact tractor will cost you about $500 ( Canadian ) every 400 hours for a total service ( if you bring it to a shop ), a skidsteer will cost you well over $1000 every 3-400 hours for a service. A skidsteer will use more fuel then a compact tractor ( 25-55hp range ). Also floating the equipment can be a factor - most compact tractors can safely be floated behind a half ton pickup truck with a 7000lb trailer. You move up to a skidsteer and you need a minimum of 10’000 lb capacity trailer and at least a 3/4 ton truck - both are much bigger costs to fuel, buy and maintain. Just some food for thought.
And I do have plenty of experience with skidsteers and much larger equipment.
I agree that if you’re doing doing mostly soil work ( digging, loading trucks, etc ) a skidsteer will be more efficient and last longer - not to mention far better resale value then a compact tractor. However if you are doing lots of work ( trees, firewood, tilling, mowing, plowing etc - a compact tractor would be a better and cheaper way to go.
Good video as usual Mike. You hit it right on the head although if I had to pick one or the other I'd take the mini excavator of the track loader! Bit tractor for maintenance is the way to go.
We have 2 old tractors that need a lot of work, but dad wants to get rid of them both to make room in the garage. We recently got a zero turn mower to cut the grass, but I think it would still be beneficial to have a good tractor around to mow the big fields and do odd jobs with.
Thank you. This was very helpful. I have a new piece of land that needs a lot of stump removal and excavating.
Two years ago, but my new house. A handful of acreage that had not been taken care of for 20 years and a house. I bought a tractor thinking it was more versatile but quickly found out it didn’t have the mass to get things done…in a timely manner . Looking back, I should’ve bought the best used skid steer I could afford. Cleared the property, fix the roads, flattened out the yard, etc. Then after the heavy lifting was done, get the proper size tractor for moving mulch, rocks, sand, etc. Tractor does a much better job on the maintenance side versus development.
I run a Montana R4344 Little Giant, and it's a great tractor, very similar to your Kubota in size and power...To me, the biggest advantage of a tractor over a skid loader is accessories...
I don’t think you added to confusion. I agree with all you said, especially the end, skid steer for the brunt of the insane work a new property can bring, then a tractor for the maintenance
skid steer attachments can be rented inexpensively. just sold my Kubota 6060 tractor and bought a skid steer. I really love the fast attachment changes, the lower center of gravity, the speed and the abundance of attachments available. 3 point hitch attachments are limited......maybe get both!!
Thanks for the comparison.
I bought a used backhoe and a used ford (3910) tractor complete with loader and cab and snow blower..Cost $18,000 C for both.The snow blower is a must for us up here in eastern Canada.The backhoe is great for our woodlot (40) acres..Clearing trails,ditching,replanting trees, etc..Enjoy using both of them..
I have 3 sizes a kubota and a gehl skits loader and love them all for different jobs
Great comparison bro. I'm currently looking for property and this definitely steers me in the right direction.
Good deal, Glad it helped
Own 30 acres on a mountain, only a few cutouts with somewhat "flat" land, after seeing this video and a few others, probably going to have to get the Bobcat, thanks for the info sir
How did it go with the skid steer on the mountainside? My property is pretty hilly, and Bobcat does not like slopes.
Thank you for taking the time to do this video. I was debating on trading my kubota in for a tracked skid steer. You touched on some very good points for both. I have gotten to the maintenance point now and I am looking for versatility. Although I really really do miss driving my M113 .
I know what an M113 is!:) You must have been in the army during the 80’s? I used to drive one also…as well as an M1 Tank.
Great video!! Thank you. It just confirms that I did the right thing by buying my tractor. Keep up the great video!
I have some developed property but it has rocky soil and everything is difficult even with a 40hp tractor and backhoe. I had a kubota L3710 w/ 9' hoe and it struggled to get the work done. Everything took way longer than it should have when I setup the property, ran power, etc. I sold it. For mowing finished areas I bought a husqvarna 42 inch wide zero turn for $3700 (22HP). It gets the job done and I don't feel like I need a tractor. For anything larger than a 4' mower you'll need 30HP or so. I am now in the market for a skid steer with higher flow hydraulics for trenching, backhoe and grading. one of the big advantages is being able to rent attachments per weekend at a rental store if you own a bobcat/cat skidsteer. I think the ground you have makes all of the difference; drilling holes on a 3pt is a waste of time in 30-40% cobble w/ silty/sandy loam. The bobcat however will get it done. Fencing jobs, etc will go must faster on large acreage w/ a skidsteer especially if you can use the downward force to your advantage.
100 percent true and my thoughts exactly, a compact tractor is a lot cheaper to purchase as well, I've been looking around at used skid steers and even the smaller ones in the 50hp range that are 20+ years old, lots of hours & look like they've been to hell and back are going for $20,000 it's nuts. Skid steers are great for dedicated front end loader work and the construction industry, but that's about it. I need a pto and 3 point hitch as do all acreage/property owner's. You forgot to mention getting on and off the tractor is easier and visibility to the sides and rear is far superior/wide open on the compact tractor as well, I don't care for the caged-in feeling I get from operating a skid steer.
Great video and I guess if I really needed a track steer I could always rent one and buy a tractor for the long term day to day. Aloha!
Tractors are very handy in many situations. Skid steers are unbelievably efficient. Built a 3/8 mile long driveway through Alaskan forest and muskeg using a rented tracked skid steer....knocked down 12-16" diameter spruce and birch trees....dug a gravel pit imagine doing that with my little 25 hp Kubota. If it wasn't for the high cost of a good skid steer I'd sell the tractor....perhaps someday.
As a fencing contractor I concur, skid steer has limited versatility. A FEL tractors versatility has enabled us to do plenty more jobs than a skid steer, and we rarely need a truck to shift between jobs. Now a manual FEL cant compete with a skid steer on bucket or loader work, but a hydrostatic one closes the gap considerably to close enough on loader work. Not digging however. That being said operating a bucket whilst having an implement on the 3pl makes a world of difference and one can be surprised on the reach advantage a FEL has overall bobcat when it comes to pushing trees over
Hi Mike, My best friend did just what you did though he has only six acres. He had a dairy barn dated (in the slate pattern) 1898 that needed a lot of repairs (except the roof) which included the ramp on one end and removing a ramp on the other. The house dated to the 1840's and had been added to and needed further additions which meant excavating part of the hill side. There were some out buildings separated by a grass pad that needed to be removed and the land leveled. The skid steer did a beautiful job. Then he traded it for a Kubota tractor and a John Deer finish mower which he painted to match. WOW! does that mower make a short beautiful job on four acres of grass. And the bucket on the front of the tractor does a great job on his concrete pad which is about 2,000sf. One observation. I don't have enough land for even a ride on mower!
Buying a skid steer, using the crap out of it then selling for a compact tractor in maybe a year. Great video thanks
Thanks for the video! Helped answer the question skid steer vs tractor!
I have 20 acres, 10-15 acres wooded and 5-10 acres open. What I want to do is brush hog the open area, maintain my gravel driveway, and disc small areas for food plots and I eventually want to dig a pond in the pasture, I’ve considered buying a tractor, skid steer or dozer but I think I’ve decided I should buy an old tractor without a front loader just to pull around a disc and brush hog, and buy a used skid steer for digging, knocking down a few trees and moving around logs, gravel/dirt etc
I love this video and all the take-aways. I don't think i have said okay out loud more times during a RUclips video 🤣
Tractor's are for maintenance of property and light add-ons to the property. Skid steer or Loaders are for heavy stuff like foundation digging and ponds. I do construction both maintenance an add-ons. And by far the tractor is way more versatile and cost effective for me. Something's yes I can do faster with a skid steer but I can do the same with a tractor. Also tractor's don't tear up finished lawns like skid steer does but if any ground is wet it will be torn to shreds in no time flat but tractor's do better on not tearing up wet lawns. Again this my personal experience as along with this dudes video is his own experiences
I think we are on the same page
All you need is a Tractor. I have Kubota M6800 you can never go wrong.
Mike, Absolutely one of my favorite videos You ever did! I’m contemplating a track loader or mini ex in the future. I already ended up buying a tractor 🤣😂🤣~SBYD!
I chose a kubota l3800 for many reasons starting with price, attachments and parts are cheaper and available at just about any fleet store. I've used both and agree that each one has its advantages and disadvantages but for me the tractor was just more versatile for my needs.
Skid loader all the way. The quick attach is much easier to operate rather than fool around with a 3 pt hitch. Better roll over protection and environmental comfort in skid loader especially for dusty environments and loading trucks if you have an AC/Heater cabbed unit. Bee and wasp protection. He's right about tearing up the ground, you have to move easy and not turn abruptly to cause a dirt wake with a tracked unit. I think that JCB Skid Telehandler is a good machine to look at, easier to get into, better reach, more versatility. Bobcat Toolcat is a cross between the skid loader, and a tractor, nice all around unit.
Thanks for sharing your experience with both pieces of equipment. I think skid steers have a cooler look than tractors. So, I tend to be drawn to them instead. Also the skid steer manufacturers are savvy with the quick connection for accessories. I didn't think the tractor builders were bringing their A-game in that regard. Your video compels me to do more research. What really got my attention is where you mentioned that accessories for the tractor are cheaper. This is news I can use.
My opinion its like this, skid steer for initial work, digging and building roads or whatever, then tractor for maintenance and improvements
I bet the safety sally's are going nutzzzzzzzz over on the site. lol
Very helpful, looking at the price tag on skid steers, your video has me now thinking about compact tractor. Skid steer would be ideal, but my capital tells me I have to stick with tractors and take the advice my father gave me, don't buy old broken down tractors. I went against his advice and it really bit me in the arse. So we are shopping now.
i asked this question in my mind and you have the ans. like magic.
Was looking at mini skid steer, might have put me back on the right track with a tractor.
Did lots of things with looader tractors that I didn't, in many cases couldn't do with a skid steer (back end of a tractor is that important). Never did any job with the skid loader that I hadn't done with a loader tractor, but a lot easier in tight spaces. So get the right one for the job you're going to be doing.
Great video. Just bought a portable sawmill and need to drag logs and load/unload the mill. Will I regret losing the power if I chose a 45hp Tractor over a 75HP Skid Steer. Wholly molly the skid steer attachments are expensive!!!
You can get a tiller to brake up the ground making it easier for the tractor bucket to scoop it. And they also sell a 3 point back hoe for most size tractors. But your right. It’s a little faster to work with a skid loader for digging. Yet the tractor is much cheaper and with a little more time will do the same job. And is much more useful in the long run.
Either one would be great. All i have is a 1947 D4 dozer with a hand crank. Ughh!
Thanks for posting this. Useful for sure as have pondered the difference and how they're best suited/used. Enjoy the channel.
Another well-done and useful video Mike. I'm that guy, just purchased acreage and considering doing a lot of the initial clearing myself. Have not yet purchased any equipment. Can you speak to how you cleared the stumps with a skid loader?
Michael Sorrell, I actually did that with an excavator, I did a couple videos on that a few weeks back if you would like to check them out.
I think it depends on your land situation, and depends on what you plan to do. We have tractors and a track loader (had a skid steer JD 320 before we got a 333G). Back a long while ago I was thinking bucket tractor, glad I didn't go that route. Mostly because we have the tractors to do a lot of grunt work if needed, no buckets on them. But the skid steer did well with the bucket, sure 4wd tractors would go places the skid steer simply can't. However the track loader is a different story. Flotation is really nice, vs tires (even 4wd tractors). Attachments are more costly than 3pt hitch attachments, however having the mower in front of you is quite nice, its like trimming with sheers vs a chainsaw, more intricate work with a steer. With adapters that you can buy or make for skid steers, it makes the track loaders really versatile. I use the track loader with a 84" diamond cutter to clear hedges, so I can later use the 20' batwing on a 4440 to mow later on. The 333G has quite a bit of power, so "dozing" and clearing debris is fairly quick and easy. However for basic land management, a small tractor that is cheaper, with a small brush hog is hard to beat.