I've got an Allis Chalmers 7045 that I'm thinking about selling. Origionally I was thinking of getting a newer tractor but now I'm leaning toward a skid steer. What would you recommend looking at in a skid steer? I need it to be able to lift a ton, is that going to be an issue? Also thinking I want tracks and a cab. I haven't been around them much but they look pretty handy.

I've tried the search feature and read something about a tractor vs skid steer thread but I couldn't find that.

..........You'll need to carry some smelling salts , to revive yourself after you peruse the $$Price ! I'd look at the CAT models with tracks . They are very nice . , fordy:shrug:

 

Can I get a decent used one for 20k? I'd prefer to find a package deal with some attachments, I know ill probably want to spend as much on attachments as I do the skid steer.

 

Can I get a decent used one for 20k? I'd prefer to find a package deal with some attachments, I know ill probably want to spend as much on attachments as I do the skid steer.

..........Craig's List has many used models for sale here , in the DFW area ! There must be 8 to 10 different companies that mfg. them . , fordy

 

Once you get one, you will say, 'how did I get along without one'? I have a rubber tired Case 1840 that I bought as a repo for $3000.00 In great shape. I have several attachments but really love my McMillen Hyd Auger. I use my skid steer lots more than I do my tractor.

 

^This...post hole diggers, bale forks, pallet forks, even finish mowers. They are awesome. Expensive but they do so much it's worth it.

 

^This...post hole diggers, bale forks, pallet forks, even finish mowers. They are awesome. Expensive but they do so much it's worth it.

Yep, I have got as much in my auger with 3 blades as I do in my loader. They are so handy. So fast in changing implements....15-20 seconds. I love mine and attachments.

 

I have a 50 HP skidsteer and I do use it a lot. A track version would be nicer but the extra upfront costs and the fact that the tracks seldom last more than 2000 hours made me reconsider going the tire route. With tires I do have a problem with more flats than I like. Implements are as you stated, expensive. I have 3 different bucket designs, a set of forks, a nice trencher and a rotary mower. I have not purchased a post driver as I doubt than I could justify the expense with no more use than I would have for the device. I would recommend getting a simple machine with conventional controls and few electronic features. My machine does not have an enclosed cab thus no A/C or heat. An operator on a farm will get in and out more than one may realize. My machine will reach over the side of a tandem dump truck and will lift nearly a ton. It does get unwieldy with a heavy vertical elevated load while working on rough ground. As an operator you want to learn early on to carry your load with the forks/buckets near the ground. Just recently a friend of mine backed his machine into a deep drainage ditch and submersed the engine. These are dangerous machines and the operator does need to stay aware that as there are blind spots and that they will turn over.

 

I get bulk feed in ton bulk bags so that's why it needs to be able to lift a ton. I need a better option for a loader then I currently have. We have a loader on our 200 HP MFWD tractor but its used for so much else in the farm and is kept at dads. Ill continue to have access to it but its not the best for alot of things I use it for. The other thing I'm considering is a 7400 JD with a loader and MFWD.

 

About 4 years ago I bought a New Holland 565. My thought was to buy it, use it for a year to finish off a bunch of projects, then sell it. Yeah, right! I've found so many things that it's good for, that I use it 5 - 8 times a month. Loading equipment onto my truck, carrying firewood, moving soil, and it can't be beat for snow removal. I picked New Holland after talking to local contractors and landscapers. There's also heavy equipment forums that you can join where you can ask other owners/users. CAT is hands down the best, but I couldn't justify the cost.NH seemed to be the next popular. Like Possum Belly said: you can change attachments in under a minute, and almost all the brands are interchangable. I paid $11K 4 years ago for a 97 with 1800 hours on it(including a detachable tooth bar and a set of forks), so your budget of $20 should be fine. Curt

 

I forgot about snow removal...and they sell an awesome chain saw attachment with an extendable arm that reaches way up. Great for trimming around power lines and roads.

 

Cleaning up fence rows, pastures, and around fields is a big part of what I need a skid steer for.

 

Just a warning that most will have a very shallow ground clearance on them. They're more of a construction machine (used ater the ground is levelled, etc.) that a farm machine. I've gotten stuck a couple of times when I forget that and go out in the fields to dump walnuts, brush, etc. The belly can get stuck on humps, etc. in the ground if you're not careful. Curt

 

Just a warning that most will have a very shallow ground clearance on them. They're more of a construction machine (used ater the ground is levelled, etc.) that a farm machine. I've gotten stuck a couple of times when I forget that and go out in the fields to dump walnuts, brush, etc. The belly can get stuck on humps, etc. in the ground if you're not careful. Curt

The older skid steers are better for ground clearance. We were cleaning the barn with our bobcat 600 once. The neighbor said he would bring his newer more powerful unit up and get it done in a fraction of the time. He pulled in and promptly sank to his skid pan. We pulled him out and finished cleaning with our old junk.

 

I hate getting in and out of skid steers. I am looking for a mini wheel loader that has the same quick attach and accessory hyd lines.