Anybody got info on a skid steer? Goal is to push over small mesquite, grapple it, move it around, stack it....working in tight quarters...I like the options with a track instead of tires..especially in mesquite..... my old CAT 943 track loader is too big and slow for my circumstances....anybody know what to buy, where to buy, etc.?

[This message has been edited by Gigthem (edited 3/19/2011 12:11p).]

I'm watching at CAT 279 working on an NRCS dam right now. It is a workhorse on dirtwork, but I cannot speak for clearing. I know CAT makes a ton of different models for multiple uses. Might be worth checking out to see how much a used one would cost you. Have not ever been unhappy with CAT as long as they are maintained.

You might look into going with bobcat. I used to work for an equipment rental company and we mainly ran bobcat S175's. It is a mid-range model which easily runs a large variety of attachments, including a grapple.

I am not a huge fan of caterpillar. We only had one cat skidsteer which was always downed for repairs.

Prior to purchasing one used, you might go to a few dealerships and test out some models.

http://www.bobcat.com/loaders/models/skidsteer/s175

If the mesquite are very big, it takes a large skid steer to do a good job on them. Rated operating capacity isn't as important as hydraulic power, as it takes a lot to get the roots up.

I like Caterpillar's skid steers for mesquite. The placement of the radiator is nice, as it makes it less likely you will back into something that could poke through the grill and damage the radiator. A 252 would be the minimum size I would recommend, but a 256, 262, or larger would be better.

The local Caterpillar house (Warren) makes their own grubber. It is a spade-type grubber with a V-notch cut into the end. Catch the tree in the notch, then pull it up by the roots. No more tree. Works really well around pens and fences, where the grubber can get under the fence, pull the tree loose, then push it out on the other side.

Case and Cat are my favorite skid loaders. Both are well-built, sturdy machines. Case made better track loaders for a while, but the newer series from Cat looks to be really, really good.

I sell Bobcat SSL for a dealership in Kerrville. Shoot me an email at Banderabrent@gmail dot com and we an discuss. I cannot read IM's on here so if you are interested shoot me an email and I will send you my phone number.

I haven't ever run a Bobcat, but they look like solid machines. What has been your experience with the track machines?

Track machines have their place. They ride great, low ground pressure, can be first into the mud before a rubber tire machine, great in dirt. That said, if you are in a rocky area like the Hill Country, it will eat rubber tracks up. Foam filled rubber tires with metal tracks over them are a perfect choice in sharp rock. It all depends on the situation. Bobcat SSL have all different steering options these days, standard steering with foot controls or joystick. They are real versatile.

My best friend had 2 Cat skid steers with shears on the front. Ran the older one for several years then bought another new one latest and greatest model. The new one caught fire and burned totally up. They think a hydraulic hose burst and sprayed fluid on the exhaust, which caught fire and end of story. Cat did not do anything about it even though there have been several of these newer. models burning up. Needless to say no more Cats for him!

Bobcats are too light in the pants for serious grubbing.

Look into the attachments too. Grubbing attachments are very expensive. They are also disposable and they're gonna break.

Cat is number one. Case is close number two. Any and all loaders can break down and will. Do regular maintanence and learn to turn a wrench.

Look into the ASV Positrack (now owned by Terex). All Cat skidsteers on tracks are running the ASV designed undercarriage. ASV designed their machines from the ground up as a tracked machine unlike CAT who just put the tracked undercarriage on a regular skid steer platform. ASV runs all CAT controls, pumps, and engines so you have the reliable CAT products on an ASV frame/undercarriage. When clearing brush it all comes down to hydraulic HP rather than just normal HP. Keep this in mind when comparing specs. Also, like the above poster mentioned, if you have lots of rock stay away from a rubber tracked machine.

Mesquite roots are very long, it may not want to be pushed over...