North Central US | twinrow11 - 3/12/2026 11:51
I'm thinking it's time that I get a skid steer, mainly as a second loader. I know very little about them but I think I want a track one as that's just what works in my area. It would mostly be being used for fork work (pallets, proboxes, etc) and bucket work (cleanup around bins, landscaping, some gravel for construction), maybe get a brush cutter for it as well. I understand smaller HP can avoid
emissions and would prefer to stay away from them. What should I be looking for and why?
What brand is best for suspension?
Speed?
Lifting capacity?
Reach?
Visibility?
The big bobcat dealer here told us if you ever plan on using it on snow or ice, you don't want tracks. You'll be going sideways on the slightest slope.
You want Air Conditioning and heat, not just one. Two speed Bobcats can keep up with a tractor on the road but its a bit spooky at that speed. If you get a high flow machine, make sure it is a switchable one, one you can switch between non high flow and high flow mode as it is surprising what you think would be high flow expressly states "do not use in high flow mode".
Our 10 year old Bobcat has a suspension seat, for what it is worth.
An all wheel steer bobcat looks like it would be nice, but they were either wore out or way high in price. Nice for doing yard work and indoor work and not ripping up things or leaving skid marks. |
Skid Steers
