Compact Skid Steer Showdown - Ditch Witch vs Vermeer vs Toro

In this video we test Ditch Witch, Vermeer, and the Toro Dingo compact Skid Steers. We look at the advantages and disadvantages of each model. Tell us which model you would go with and why.

[@CharlesBenz]

Click this link for the missing Vermeer Footage. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nae1eWh5abV_fLc

[@jerrygibs8120]

Thank you for sharing the machine comparison. I definitely liked the Vermeer more. You did not give a price on the Vermeer. Good video. Appreciate the time you took to compare the machines. Stay safe, wise, healthy and successful. Blessings to you and your family. 👍👊💪

[@kevinrumsey3756]

We have a Ditch Witch SK850 (same as SK1050 now) at our landscaping firm and it is absolutely amazing. Use it almost daily, has 1400 hrs. on it now, and it has made us so much money. It has saved my back in so many situations and I’ve gotten really good at operating it. I personally love the two stick drive controls, but it’s just what I’m used to. The drive and hydraulic controls are silky smooth, and the 37 hp Yanmar doesn’t skip a beat even in high load situations with the trencher, earth auger, and Harley rake. The only downside I would say to our machine is the digital throttle control and screen. I’d rather just have a mechanical lever throttle like they do on the 25hp machines, but I guess due to the emissions equipment on the 37hp Yanmar they lump the throttle in with central control module. So far we’ve replaced this module once at a hefty $1500 cost. But other than that, I absolutely could not my job nearly as well or efficiently without this machine. When we were shopping for this machine we compared to a bobcat MT and there was absolutely no comparison. The bobcat was herky jerky on the controls and not nearly as much power. Now, I understand bobcat has released new models of MT’s since 2016 when we made our decision, but after renting a few Bobcat big skid steers in the last few years I think their quality has really went down hill at least from a fit and finish perspective.

[@jpaul5387]

As a Vermeer owner the CTX100 is the one to go with. By far it's leaps and bounds ahead of the competition. 40hp turbocharged diesel and lift arms go straight up and down which helps with loading and unloading trailers from the side instead of the s925s curved lift arm movement

[@danielbargas3377]

The ctx100 is definitely a better machine, it’s also 13k more than the s925tx

[@jonathanbeaumont2183]

The ditch witch are amazing re did my hole landscaping of my house in a weekend with one. Tiller attachment to loosen the hard ground bucket to re level and even dug a big hole with the bucket to do a pond / waterfall feature

[@timstrempel9994]

I purchased the SK800 at the start of the season and I have been extremely happy with it.

[@kevinrumsey3756]

I understand how saying two drive sticks sounds more complicated than one, but it’s not. I love how you can operate each track individually on our Ditch Witch SK850

[@CBass-mn5dy]

I like the single joystick, personally.... we've had several of both configurations and it's just an easier control....

[@kevinrumsey3756]

@@CBass-mn5dy Personal preference I guess. My only other experience with single joystick is a Bobcat MT85, and it was so herky jerky compared to the smooth controls on the Ditch Witch we have now.

[@CBass-mn5dy]

@Kevin Rumsey I agree with you on that.... the ditch witch is quite a bit better in almost every way compared to the others...

[@Erreul]

Its nice to see the three having enough differences to warrant actually paying for them.

[@danielbargas3377]

I love the fact that you compare the midsize machines unlike everyone else who only shows top of the line units The Vermeer has the v1505 4 cylinder Kubota with 69 ft lbs of torque vs the ditch witch and toro with the d1105 cylinder kubota with 52 ft lbs of torque even though they both are 24.8 hp to remain under tier 4 regulations the Vermeer will feel much stronger

[@stevemclachlan8984]

Sk800 witch is in the video has the 1105D. Not the 902 as you stated.

[@jeffcollom7945]

Yep Vermeer will launch you off the back if your not ready. Has actually a throttle. Ditch witch has a computer button on most. And the control sucks on ditch with two joysticks

[@julianbautista2666]

I had a vermeer 5 year ago and still running like a champ, we do concrete and hardscape

[@christopherlucas4805]

The 100 or 925?

[@julianbautista2666]

725, and Just bought a new one 925 and it is just the best @@christopherlucas4805

[@bigsmoke7381]

@@julianbautista2666that’s good to hear I’m thinking about getting the 925 myself

[@bigsmoke7381]

Do you still use it ?

[@JonsDailyHustle]

This is a great side by side comparison. I'm looking to eventually get a mini skid steer 🙏🤞

[@evergreenlawncarellc1505]

Same! Which one you thinking so far?

[@JonsDailyHustle]

@@evergreenlawncarellc1505 I actually have no idea to be honest. It's really going to come down to what's in my price range and what I really need when it comes time for me to seriously buy one. Right now I'm just kind of oohing and aahhhing at all of them if that makes sense lol

[@eduardordz208]

I have work on all of those machine and hands down DitchWitch is the best, great quality on every machine they made!!! And super amazing service support! Like they say is the Rockies, “I don’t need luck, I got a DitchWitch”

[@Yonick1999z]

I’ve heard the complete opposite actually

[@joekenjic2244]

Wish you would’ve had the bobcat MT100 in there to compare it with them

[@jrac863]

You do not want the mt 100 not much of an improvement over the mt85 except for upgraded rollers and lift capacity.A terrible machine to work on .The ditch witch is the best mini u can buy,We own 2 sk800 in our rental company

[@unodajefe6044]

@@jrac863 in my opinion I think the vermeer ctx100 is better than the the ditch witch 800 , its stronger and easier to maneuver

[@chrisdygon3777]

They're all really good,, so are bobcat and kubota. See what's best for you and what dealer you like best If you need to work on turf toro is more gentle than the other 2, if you're doing tree work or construction, Toro is the least best of these 3

[@MADKIWI]

So the next thing to do is convert a tractor 3point linkage log splitter and make it as a new attachment. Job done....

[@donaldmatthies6026]

This was an ok video, when you were editing you skipped out in the Vermeer machine, but it's understandable. Personally the Kubota SCL1000 is the far more superior machine, which wasn't even shown.That is my personal opinion. Most all the machines run a Kubota engine, so why not just run the Kubota machine. Thank you for taking time to film, edit and post this video.

[@kevinrumsey3756]

Yeah, but as nice as that Kubota may be, you only have one size option so far. I understand they need to hit that 25hp mark to stay under emissions, but on our Ditch Witch SK850 (now enumerated SK1050) with the 37hp Yanmar, I can’t imagine having a whole 12 less horsepower! The particulate filter has ran on me only a handful of times in 1400 hrs of use. The extra power comes in handy for Harley rake, trenching, earth auger that we use. I would like to try the Kubota someday though.

[@Will-tm5bj]

Far more superior machine? Hahahahahahahahahaha No

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

Great info...filmed during and earthquake? Bhahhah...just bustin chops Charles...thanks for the info brotha!

[@jeffcollom7945]

Toro lol, I actually think Vermeer makes great equipment. I don’t like the two joystick drives for ditch witch. But the operator platform is way better for ditch witch. Vermeer is less maintenance but hard to get parts fast. All in all I’m a fan of Vermeer.

[@danieldmytriw3276]

Why can you use more attachments on the Vermeer then? Any else can? You mentioned that when going over the Vermeer I don't understand that I can run everything the Vermeer can and I have a ditch which the detent lever should not matter whatsoever. Only difference is the foot pedal on the ditch Witch which I honestly like being able to turn on off with my foot. Please let me know what attachment it can run that the others can't?????

[@danieldmytriw3276]

Love my sk800. Does everything I need it to do for landscaping / landscaping construction. Don't need 1550 yet

[@lukepedersen9681]

thanks for the vid

[@josemendoza5496]

The machines died when you ran them into a pile because that’s not how you get a full bucket I’ve seen CAT skids die that way it’s operator error not the machine

[@4SeasonsWithMartin]

Very nice

[@michaelmills3780]

hear you talking about vermeer but saw no action

[@CharlesBenz]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nae1eWh5abV_fLc

[@brandenkelsey8929]

I have a toro tx 1000 and it’s great !! But I like the ditch witch 1550, never used one ,heard they have a few problems, anyone know if they got them worked out looking to get something in that lift capacity, any advice would be appreciated

[@michaelmactavish4445]

kubota has the scl1000 a 1,000 lbs lifting compasity

[@kevinrumsey3756]

@@michaelmactavish4445 that Kubota is a nice machine, but an SK1550 is a much larger machine with bigger capacities. It is basically a small regular skid steer with a standing platform rather than a cab.

[@michaelmactavish4445]

@@kevinrumsey3756 the kubota SCL1000 mostually made from the svls with same design and ditch witch is accully partnered with kubota and vantrac

[@kevinrumsey3756]

@@michaelmactavish4445 How does this reply have anything to do with what I said? Go look at a spec sheet--heck, go walk around both a DW1550 and the new Kubota SCL and you'll see these are not comparable. Branden was asking about the Ditch Witch SK1550, and you then suggested a much smaller machine in the Kubota SCL1000. I pointed out that it was much smaller than what he's looking at, and all you have to say is the Kubota is based on the larger SVL's and Ditch with is "partnered" with Kubota? OK? The SCL 1000 is more comparable with the Ditch Witch Model in this video, the SK800. Both are around 25 HP and have similar specs. Don't get me wrong, it looks like a beautiful machine that I'd like to definitely try out someday. I own Kubota equipment myself, but to suggest the SCL1000 if someone is looking the Ditch Witch SK1550 is not helpful.

[@lavidawithjoey]

I am considering a tx 1000 since the ditch witch is a little more expensive on the used market in my area. Can you share any negative experiences?

[@diegovasquez9092]

Vermeer for sure 👍

[@mrdj5771]

Ditch witch also has the 3000

[@jrac863]

ditch witch are designed so much better than any other mini skid.Undercarriage light years ahead of everyone

[@alejandroayon7208]

I have to disagree the Vermeer is built 10x stronger definitely a heavier duty machine

[@danielbargas3377]

Light years ahead as in no grease fittings so everything will wear out prematurely, yeah no thanks gonna have to go Vermeer on this one

[@stevemclachlan8984]

@@danielbargas3377 Ditch Witch has Gar-max bushings that are rated for 3,000 hours and can be replaced. So your statement is wrong.

[@kevinrumsey3756]

@@danielbargas3377 1400 hours on our Ditch Witch SK850, nothing has worn out prematurely except tracks. They were having problems with bogey wheel bearing caps falling off for a while, but came out with a kit to stop that from happening.

[@jrac863]

@@danielbargas3377 take it from me i own a rental company with 2 sk755s over 3000 hours a piece no wear at all on any pivot points

[@conantdog]

I'd like to buy one of these and weld roll bar and a little seat and cab to it then it would be really worth the money your paying , I guess that's if you live in the Northeast like I do I would use it at least half of a time in bad weather and for snow removal but standing on it like that it's tough on an old man's back. Great video , so I guess I'd buy a compact tractor with a cab instead 😵

[@Will-tm5bj]

Wtf😂😂😂

[@NFAtoys]

You totally edited out any footage of the Vermeer operating the bucket. This makes your "comparison" claim in the title false. That's too bad. This could have otherwise been a useful video.

[@CharlesBenz]

Hey I didn't realize until after the fact I'm going to go through and get that re-edited

[@CharlesBenz]

@@fox13z400 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nae1eWh5abV_fLc

[@CharlesBenz]

@@fox13z400 hey, I was finally able to get the footage uploaded. I put the link at the top of the comments section so everyone would see it going forward. Thanks for being patient though.

[@ciscoortiz7129]

What was price on all of then?

[@CharlesBenz]

They are all around $30,000 usd. The reason the prices are not mentioned is due to the fact that they vary depending on region and different deals that the dealers are able to offer. Most pieces of equipment depending on availability are going to be around $30k and typically there's some room to negotiate in a bucket or some kind of other attachment deals.

[@DariusJones05]

Price range? Just need something small for home projects

[@CharlesBenz]

Each model is around $30k each. That varies due to location and market demand. You may also get some room to negotiate good deals on implements when you go to purchase. Get in touch with your local dealer in the brand you're interested and go from there.

[@DariusJones05]

@@CharlesBenz damn, don’t know if I can get the wife to not flip shit buying another expensive toy haha. Thanks mate

[@chenzhou4078]

Can you compare Vermeer925 and Bobcat MT100? thanks

[@Will-tm5bj]

I dont think there is a comparison between those machines

[@bigsmoke7381]

@@Will-tm5bjwhat’s the better machine?

[@Will-tm5bj]

@@bigsmoke7381 vermeer

[@bigsmoke7381]

@@Will-tm5bjnice I think I’m going to get one I was at the dealer today and at bobcat yesterday I thought I liked the Vermeer more myself but never used either

[@Will-tm5bj]

@bigsmoke7381 to be fair. I haven't either lol. I have run bobcat excavators and they are awesome, but from what I've seen online and in person the two stand on skid loaders I want most are either vermeer or ditch witch. I know a guy locally that may be selling his ditch witch sk800 in the next year, I'd like to get that. I bought a Chinese mini excavator last summer at an auction that has proven to be a very useful machine. I ran a couple of the Chinese skid loaders and they're a little jerky. The excavator is too, but I'm not standing on it

[@jabojr5171]

Why don't any of these manufacturer;s attach a rope to be able to lean back while your working?

[@maxwalmaggia3122]

Have you considered the Australian built Kanga loader DT835?

[@treadlightlyservicesllc.1930]

Sk800 is rated at 911 roc now

[@jossr71]

you forgot to mention how often the tracks come off on the ditch witch and its not just a pain in the ass to put them back but waste of time!!

[@CharlesBenz]

I've been running a 2020 sk800 with 700hrs on it now and have yet to experience the tracks coming off. I guess it depends on how it's operated and what terrain it's being driven on. Are you monitoring the track tension regularly?

[@4schitzangiggles]

If your tracks are coming off you don't have proper track tension or are abusively operating it. I've got over 2,000hrs on various mini skids in lots of different contortions and never have thrown a track when the PMCS has been done

[@johngivens4644]

EXCEPT THE FRIGIN ALTERNATOR BELT!!! DITCH WITCH 1050 WTF!

[@danis0benz]

I need to change mine and it looks difficult

[@danieldmytriw3276]

Gonna get full size next to run a rock hound. They can't run rock hounds that's about it. None can

[@ZR1Terror]

Need a better camera man. Or you need to dial down the exposure.

[@smackdown763]

Kubota scl1000

[@johnswan9123]

32K? OK.......

[@CharlesBenz]

That's about what they are going for right now. Always try to work a free implement in the deal too.

[@kevinrumsey3756]

These things can make you sooo much money while also saving your back. One of the best investments a landscaper, tree service, specialty service business can make. We send ours out almost every day. On multiple occasions when I am running our Ditch Witch I have gotten an audience that just stands there with their mouths agape because they are realizing how much work I am am getting done so quickly.

[@jasonharmon7777]

Do yourself a favor..loose the hard rock intro. I get it you like Metallica. Most do Not

[@ronaldpike4630]

What a pot Bobcat?

[@CharlesBenz]

The Bobcat rep never showed up to the showdown.

[@ronaldpike4630]

@@CharlesBenz shame not to include the Bobcat but I guess maybe the sales rep is a bit complacent. Too bad. His loss. It’s an impressive machine.

[@CharlesBenz]

@@ronaldpike4630 I'm going to meet up with the Bobcat reps soon and get something put out for the channel.

[@thirteenonetwentyone]

@@CharlesBenz any update on this meeting with bobcat and when the video may be out? Really town between a few of these machines

[@4schitzangiggles]

Bobcat might make good skid steers, but their mini skids suck. Loud, underpowered, loud, they don't deal well in gravel, loud... The hydraulic pump sounds like it's being overworked and is? Yup, loud. With the 4 I have rented, I could either drive into the pile, lift or turn, but I couldn't do more than one or two at a time. Super frustrating when trying to move 300 tons of gravel and rock around a house. Finally the other rental company got the SK850 back So i could rent it and I was able to get the job done on schedule. So not having the lack of having a bobcat is no big loss.