Skid Steer vs Tractor

A comparison of two machines and their pros and cons. Here's how to justify
some heavy equipment in your life: • Heavy Equipment Will I...
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[@426fourspeed]

If you have land to maintain consider a tractor. If you have land to develop consider a skid steer. Keep up the good work!

[@bradcavanagh3092]

That's an astute bit of advice. I wouldn't want to mow 10 acres with a skid steer, but I wouldn't want to build a driveway with a tractor.

[@charlesmatthews9946]

Every thing I can do on the compact tractor mostly plus alot more I can do on a bobcat if I had to choose I'd buy a bobcat

[@timothymbess]

​@@bradcavanagh3092and if push comes to shove, consider how often you'll do each task. I'd rather have to build a driveway with a tractor if it means I get to use that tractor to mow my 10 acres. You'll be mowing the grass a few times every month, compared to building a driveway perhaps once or twice in the lifetime of the home

[@brentives4688]

@@timothymbess That's a good point, especially since you can rent a skid steer for your once-in-a-lifetime driveway build. Renting a tractor once a week to mow the grass would get costly.

[@Sc-jf3yk]

We got a Kubota tractor with a 5' brush hog and a bobcat tracked with a 6' brush hog. Bobcat is 3 times faster than the Kubota and safer on the hills. For me it's the bobcat everyday doesn't matter what I'm doing. Maintaining around 50-60 acres. But really when I'm doing whatever, time doesn't matter just enjoy doing it.

[@justinweier4099]

Nothing makes me happier with KZbin than having a question...and finding that you've (EC) made a video that answers it. Thanks as always for the great information!

[@alexanderburtonlinn3250]

The man who taught me to run a skid steer insisted that I make wide sweeping turns, unless it was absolutely necessary to flip around quickly. His main concern was wearing out the tires or tracks, also to save work after tearing up the job site.

[@davidlohberger5237]

If his tractor could turn as tight as the skid steer, it could do a lot more damage than it does now.

[@slip0n0fall]

I own a similar-sized compact tractor. I tell folks all the time, "it gets me into trouble", and what I mean is it enables me to tackle jobs I maybe wouldn't have done otherwise, and so am forced to finish them.

[@markkline6718]

Having been a Dairy Farmer for over 30 years I have operated both tractor loader and Skid steer. When recently I replaced my Skid steer I went with a 70 hp. Kubota tractor with loader and had the third function hydraulics installed on the loader so now I can use a grapple. I have found that I can work in 90 percent of the areas I used to with my Skid Loader. And I don't have to trailer haul it short distance. Skid Loaders have their place,but for my operation currently my loader tractor has replaced it.

[@samhklm]

Both are great tools, but the tractor is less expensive and good for most small farm tasks. I love skid steer equipment for most anything hydraulic. Brush clearing, loading and unloading heavy items and a mulitude of attachments that provide special ability for a specific task. Skid steers cost more, the attachments cost more and the maintenance costs more, but they can be the right tool for the job.

[@MFKR696]

I've personally always hated using Skids to unload trucks. I was a forklift operator before I was anything else, though, so I'm not unbiased. Can't stand having the load swinging like that; Extremely unstable. Nevermind that I've never met a single Skid operator who does that safely. To each their own, I guess.

[@ackack612]

It's been quite a while since last encountering a video from this channel. Too bad for me. I'd forgotten how good this guy is. Excellent verbal skills, organized in what he wants to convey and his presentations are top notch as a result. No "ahh"...no "umm" ad nauseam confirming how poor too many content providers are in their overall preparation. Am I in the market for either machine? NOPE. But I know in watching his video I'll not only enjoy the experience, chances are I'll learn something as well. Good deal. THX!

[@johndunbar2393]

I live in the dry, windy part of Kansas. I worked at a business on a farm, where the skid steer was running in the same place maybe 200'x200', day in, day out. The dirt was so ground up, it was basically moon dust, and was 2,to 3 inches deep in some spots. The slightest wind, and you were blinded by powdered dirt. The slightest rain, and we couldn't work because it was a mud bog pit. Skid steers can be handy, but I like a tractor myself.

[@robertblackman3451]

I have a skid steer and a loader tractor. They have specific jobs, because they are different. They both can do things for me the other cant. It is important to understand they are not the same.

[@JohnnyHildebrand1969]

Though I have been impressed with the skid steer, I always fall back to the tractor. Thank you and God bless.

[@gregorilopez]

Another great video. I have the smallest Kubota (BX1850) on 3/4 acre. But I also use it to shuttle material on job sites as a contractor. I put turf tires on mine which are even easier on grass and landscaping. It is 4 feet wide so I also have 10 or so mill seconds of ½ plywood that I use as roads to help soften the impact to the landscape.

[@jamesrobertgrimes]

Don't forget the cost, tractors win often because they are a fraction of a skid steer machine including attachments.

[@Sc-jf3yk]

You also have to look at hours too. Hours on a skid steer are not the same as a tractor.

[@sweetpigfarm3645]

Around st louis a skid can be cheaper than a tractor with a loader I got a 40hp dal601 under 6k. A tractor with a loader is normally over 10k

[@Zengineer]

Have owned both a tractor and a track loader in the past 2 years. This sums it up well. I loved the tractor for working by myself, off and on all the time, unloading, loading, maintenance activities on the acreage. But if you have to dig, move dirt, use forks, work on slopes, and generally are sitting in the machine working, the skid steer kicked butt. A maintenance tool (tractor) versus a construction tool (skid steer) in my experience.

[@turbotransporter]

I love my Kubota L2501 for it’s all around versatility and its mechanical fuel system; no computer controlled anything. I have a FEL w/toothbar, pallet forks, box blade, post hole auger, tiller and a backhoe. I’ve used it for trenching, building retaining walls, digging out huge stumps, raising shingle up to the roof, grading my driveway, etc etc. One small problem is that neighbors that previously wouldn’t give me the time of day suddenly want to stop by, admire my machine and talk about their projects. 😮😅

[@InspiredCraftsman]

Quick way to make friends in a neighborhood is grade the dirt road everyone uses.

[@turbotransporter]

@@InspiredCraftsman do you live on my street 😜

[@TheGunner11]

Had a tractor around for the last 30 years. Adding the skid steer front QD standard to tractors in the last years has really upped their viability.

[@rickpratt8789]

If I had to choose between the two, I couldn't! Guess I'll just get one of each!

[@John-yf8qh]

ONE REALLY IMPORTANT THING With most things in life but for heavy equipment especially, don't cheap out on maintenance as it'll only cost you more in the long run. Listen to the engines in both of Scott's tractors, they sound brand new. I'd gamble he takes great care of them and that will repay him over the years in unbroken work schedules etc. Can't agree more with the level of productivity Scott mentions here either. It goes through the roof almost instantly, especially when replacing a shovel and a barrow as it did once for me :) :)

[@mondoman1890]

Thank you, Scott. we can always count on you for sound and good advice .

[@mikegrasso749]

I run a Kubota B2301 with a FTL and backhoe. For my use which is Gentleman farmer sort of thing it is perfect. I have for 20 years maintained a long gravel driveway with this tractor. I thought that I was doing well, then we have a paving company in to pave the driveway. They brought a skid steer. What a difference! For the driveway work the skid steer was much better than my tractor. However, as you pointed out it could and did tear up the surface when it was maneuvered. Thank you for your review of both types of machines.

[@peefor135]

Another very interesting video. As others have said, a telescopic loader is something I would not be without. Mines an Avant 755i but other makers have a similar sort of machine.

[@JustinBiddix]

I’ve run both a lot, I own a skid steer. You pretty much nailed the important facts. The skid steer is much faster at getting stuff done minus the repairs to the lawn afterwards. It’s very difficult to see surrounding out of the skid steer, after many hours of operating a particular machine you really develop a feel for maneuvering the machine in tight areas where you need to see. I described it to my dad this week as machine operating of this skid steer is 40% vision and 60% feel. A tractor is good if you aren’t in a hurry and want to spend much less money.

[@practacticaloutdoorsandthi6962]

You are spot on!! Also something to consider is the value of having the attachment on the back of the tractor while having the loader out front. May not be an issue on a job sight but a different story out somewhere without easy access

[@steveuible5915]

Scott. Buckets for tractors and for skid steers come in many different sizes, depending on the material and application. All buckets are measured in cubic yards. That is how you measure capacity, not filling a bucket with the bucket you happen to have on the machine. Keep Uo The Good Work.

[@adamlink7779]

Scott could be a main contractor for the show “This old House” great at delivering information that everyone can understand

[@Mixwell1983]

He will have to work on his Boston accent for that.

[@montelott8570]

Good presentation Scott, on a skid steer you learn to even use plywood on lawns and make wide arcing "Y" turns to save the grass. They are a ton of fun cleaning up logging slash with a grapple attachment. They also do well plowing snow. But l agree for a land/ homeowner the small wheel tractor is a better choice.

[@FRED_Creates]

Scott, While I've owned both types of machines over the years I currently have 2 tractors for my 20+ acres of mixed landscape. In a world of comparisons (and like this video's subject), I've likened the skid steers to the 'foundation and rough carpentry' jobs - and the tractors to the 'finish carpentry and trim' jobs. I currently run a 40hp cab tractor for all of my flail mowing, snow plowing, driveway maintenance, and tilling/ground plowing tasks, My little 20hp unit works great for finish mowing and gardening/loading tasks. I'm sure that with all of the attachments for both tractors I may be invested in both for slightly less than a good skid steer - and with lots less maintenance and hauling issues. If I need something bigger for excavation/loading, I will rent a skid or a mini-ex. Thanks for the thoughtful video once again!

[@SDruralLife]

Thanks for these comments. I also have a little 20 hp tractor, but am about to buy a bigger tractor also because the smaller tractor just doesn’t cover all the needs very well, but is still very useful. I feel guilty about having two tractors, so your comments help me realize there is good justification for that.

[@johnsrabe]

I assume I am not the only person, watching this who lives in a small house in the city, and could never get either one of these, let alone park it, or use it anywhere. Love watching the videos though. It’s a little bit like buying a lottery ticket.

[@Version135]

Friend: escape to God's country!

[@johnsrabe]

@@Version135 Oh I love the city. But I have considered it. The UP, etc.

[@Miniscapes515]

When i started my landscape company. I only had enough funds to buy one piece of new equipment. We chose a kubota b series tractor with a backhoe and several other attachments.. never regret it. Might not lift as much or be as nimble as the skid steer same can be said about the back hoe vs. excavator. But the tractor can do everything those machines can, but those other machines can't do all a tractor can. And we do a lot of already established properties, so less impact on the turff is great.

[@northeasterndirtandpropert7974]

All good points.Each has there place.I'm all about good used equipment.Now,put a counterweight on the L-2500.Safer,and less strain on the front diff.

[@MrTim3990]

Last year I bought a Kobota L3901 with the backhoe attachment. Definitely the best tool when buying some land to improve!

[@tedbastwock3810]

Nice, fair, well done comparison, thank you

[@TinManKustoms]

Great information. Tractors are definitely the most affordable solution for someone who is doing a bit of everything. Skidsteers are great for loader work and not for long distance travel. But if you got money to burn small telehandlers can do everything that both of these units can do and more.

[@jerryrosman5122]

My first skid steer was in 1975. Case 1737 after that 2 1845s and currently Gehl 6556. Also tractor loaders on farm also, the front wheel assist was the game changer with the 2 wheel drive tractors. Otherwise always spinning a rear wheel.

[@cynthiawilliams8432]

Thanks Scott, a good comparative analysis for me.

[@bobmanns3623]

Another fantastic and thorough video!!!

[@michaelkrenzer3296]

For me, the lift profile of the utility tractor was a huge benefit over the lift capacity (both volume and weight) of any skidsteer I could afford. Even my subcompact tractor can pull an engine from any car and most light duty trucks if you drop them on their axles...then lift said engine into the back of my truck past the tailgate. Add to that the ability to hitch up any of my trailers and move them around without getting out or the seat, mowing, dragging cars around (rear visibility) and I am happy. I have moved and back dragged about 18 yards of stone and it does not excel at it...but beats a wheelbarrow. The backhoe is the one I urge folks to think long and hard on. I ran the math and I could rent a mini-ex that is SO much faster for 42 days compared to buying one as part of my package and I would have to store it during mowing season, it precludes a trailer hitch when attached, adds length and height limiting where I can go with it.

[@jphickory522]

Good points

[@rickinsley6761]

I have experience in both.This is a good review. I always enjoy your prospective.

[@daveperala4965]

I've always had a much easier time placing material and grading with a loader/backhoe loader than a skid steer. Very interesting take on it that you found it easier with the skid steer.

[@mattmc121]

As someone who has owned both for many years, if I could add a few notes- On the negative side for the skid steer- You can't get out of the skid steer to do anything if you need to hold the bucket or the load up for any reason. There are fewer attachments that you can use with a skid steer than with a compact tractor, (unless the skid steer is plumbed and prepped and powered for hydraulic attachments). The backhoe attachments for skid steers are terrible, but the ones for compact tractors are not bad A skid steer is prone to getting stuck in wet or steep situations, (you can sometimes use the bucket to boost yourself out, but not always) On the plus side for the skid steer- It can lift far more weight than the bucket on a compact tractor can It has a smaller footprint and can maneuver in much tighter spaces.

[@mattywho8485]

If you own the right skid steer, you can get out at any time. I bought a Kubota just for that reason, the glass goes up over your head as opposed to a JD or others that is hinged on the side, then you are stuck in there until you lower the boom.

[@mattmc121]

well, you can usually take the doors off, but I actually have a kubota ssv75 with a door that slides up, I use it daily, and I'm telling you I can't get out when I need to in many cases. if there's a granite step in the bed of my one ton and I need to get out to hook a strap on the forks to unload it, there's no way I'm getting out with the machine next to the truck and the boom up, unless I was shaped like a snake. Likewise if I'm setting granite steps at a doorway... it's not good. I suppose I could get out in some situations if I really want to do some contortionist moves, but years of experience has taught me that it's stupid to crawl around under raised hydraulics that will crush you if a line blows, and I've had them blow... it never happens when you expect it. And as a stonemason who slings and lifts lots of very heavy stones, it's ingrained in my brain to never get myself under anything that can crush or mangle me, ever. So getting out with the boom up is not an option. @ho8485

[@EightWheelsRollin]

Good comparison video! Thanks!!

[@gunningopher]

The box grader on a tractor is perfect when you need to do any grading for slopes and roads. Much better than back dragging a skid steer in my limited experience. I can borrow a skid-steer with a loader bucket for free, and I still preferred to rent a kubota when I graded a pad in back of my dad's place for his trailer.

[@adammoore7994]

I use my skidsteer almost daily. Moving large logs and lumber pallets around the sawmill was difficult and hard on our tractor. The skidsteer doesn't break a sweat on these tasks. And it's irreplaceable when doing dirt work or clearing. It makes a similarly sized tractor look like a toy. But, when I need to bush hog a large field, the tractor doesn't beat me up near as bad. And it's much cheaper to operate / fix / buy.

[@dgodrummer8110]

same here, skid steer to the rescue. I have a small sawmill and pad area b/c I live on a hill side. I excavated the hill with the skid steer, moved the dirt, placed abut 200 boulders to support the dirt wall I created, used other 200 boulders to create retaining walls (all with forks, I sold the hydraulic rock bucket last year, too heavy anyways) and b/c I have so little area the zero point turn is essential. Blown roads down into the yard. I have an auger, forks, bucket and backhoe attachment. I've put many hours on all the attachments. But mostly it's just forks for the mill. and to haul, the skid steer fits perfectly into the dump trailer. I spent $25 grand on my 2000 863 including all the attachments. No high flow, which is no big deal to me. Sure I could add a high flow pump, it's a simple add on, but other than a snow blower, not sure what I'd use it for. I can push/move snow, and that's fine for me. Bought it in 2018, it had 850hrs on it. it's 2023, I have 1500 hrs on it. I change oil, clean/replace air filters, lube... thing has been a small beast for me and continues to impress. and talk about moving logs, and some real big ones! I don;lt hesitate to relocate stacks of logs to clean up the sawmill pad. Time for bushings I believe. Arms are getting a little clanky. Neighbor and I plow a few folks in the subdivision and we share wiring on each other's machines. He's a welder by trade, so anything that requires a weld is covered. I feel fortunate to have found this machine less than five miles up the road. I was looking all over the country and considering thousands in hauling fees.

[@kamo7434]

TLB for 95% of people. 1-5 acres Subcompact or Compact. More than five acres go with something bigger. IMHO, once the construction phase of the homestead is done, a tractor becomes far more versatile overall for property maintenance. It may not do everything as quickly as other machinery, but it will get the job done. Now if you're trying to run a business and doing lots of dirt work, then that's a different story.

[@britmckee4224]

Awesome video. Thank you.

[@chrisspanyer1525]

Love the weeping willow great video. Thanks

[@Charley_Buehner]

A good skidder is one of those pieces of equipment that you never realized you can't live without - until you get one, and wonder how you ever lived without one

[@Version135]

Blessed is the right word. If you have access to heavy machinery it sure multiplies but also enables previously near impossible tasks like moving large rocks. We had a 25hp LS. Traded it for a 47hp Kubota and it has done a ton for us. PTO chipper is probably our most used implement.

[@BackyardEngineer334]

If you can get by with neither that’s the best way to go. One less thing to fix & take up space.

[@mst5632]

I started by 40 acre homestead project with a Kubota L3901. Have done a huge amount of work with her. After then getting a Yanmar excavator (B7) which completely stepped up my game, I added a JD 333E skid steer. I find I go to the JD for many things I used to do with my Kubota. Honestly, haven’t brought the Kubota out from her shelter in weeks now whereas I used to use her almost every weekend (homesteading days.) As I have both, I can attest that everything Scott said in this video is true. Just as true as 426fourspeed’s comment as being true as well. Stay blessed & work hard everyone. Thank you, Scott.

[@cowtownokla]

I can afford a tractor but I can't afford a skid steer...

[@J.A.Smith2397]

Great topic!

[@nedsurf1876]

Thanks for this video. Was considering a skid steer as an alternative since there seems to be more of those for sale (used) but think a tractor would be better for the few acres I have.

[@magnoid]

I've been waiting for a video like this!

[@johnfilce9236]

Nice comparison!

[@7viewerlogic670]

Great info.

[@shreyansdoshi]

Great video as always.❤️😄

[@Lektrician]

Well done!

[@tommybounds3220]

Thank you for the video.

[@garychaiken808]

Good job. Thank you 😊

[@tomalealso]

we are just finishing up the ground work of a new house, it was challenge because it was so muddy, we ended up waiting until the ground dried out a bit. one thing I noticed was that the skid steer did better in the mud than the tractor that we used at first. thankfully someone we knew had a little skid steer very much like the Case, If it was me I would get one with the tracks, they are way better when the ground gets soft.

[@ofwoodsandwords4424]

Yep, a very hard if not impossible dilemma, argued on across coffee tables and keyboards alike, even in my own head. I have a Kubota b26, very thankful to have it, but often thin a compact track loader would be better. But it allows me to maintain my 75 mostly wooded acres and my parents small 7 acres an hour away, ease of transport. I tire of the three point hookups though, and the newer compact loaders you hook up from the seat. But hard to beat a small backhoe tractor for most things.

[@TwoKnowingRavens]

For pure construction site functionality - Skid steer. For anything agricultural or "homestead" related - Tractor

[@dankeen4030]

Nice video. Skid steer is great, they do tear up a yard, even when using big ark turning. Would like to see your point of view on Plan C: Small Articulated mini loader. Best of both worlds?

[@kenchilton]

These are two different animals. The Kubota is about flexibility. The skid steer is a function-specific tool. You might as well compare a Leatherman to a pipe wrench.

[@atomicsmith]

Been looking at mini articulating loaders. Seems to be the best of both worlds. (They lack three point attachments, so tractors are still king for ag work.)

[@DavidSilvia-ms7tk]

A track skid loader is a whole nother game

[@watchthe1369]

As a rural homeowner, he tractor wins every time. the 3 point hitch and a skidsteer plate on the bucket end means it can handle agricultural and construction implements. The skidsteer does not plow however. Tractor has fewer blindspots, the tow bar can drag a dump trailer too, so the high capacity of the skidsteer is offset for rural property. If I needed a seriously flexible construction machine I would get a skidsteer.

[@jonathankipps9061]

I took exception to a couple of your points. Skidsteers are harder to get 'into' than tractors. The act of climbing down into the cockpit of a skidsteer is difficult if your knees are not working correctly. Stepping up onto a tractor is easier by comparison. Skidsteers are generally easier to work on than tractors. If you know the basics of working with hydraulic lines, you're pretty much good to go. There's no hassle of working with chassis splits and specialized splitting stands like is the case with tractors. It takes longer to get the cab out of the way on certain models of skidsteers, but once the cab is slid forward or tilted upward, everything is laid out and is easy to get to. A skidsteer can be used effectively on a lawn, but you have to modify your turning method to avoid tearing up the grass. If you use gentle three-point turns like you would with the tractor, the grass will survive as well as under a tractor. These three-point turns may seem frustrating compared to how a skid-steer can turn normally, but really it's no less efficient than that same three-point turn in a tractor. Generally speaking, a skid-steer will have higher maintenance costs and more breakdowns on a per-hour basis; but I've definitely known tractors that challenge that concept!

[@dgodrummer8110]

bought an older skid steer w/ very low hours, a few years ago. smoking' deal with many attachments. so glad I did. there are deals out there, just gotta be patient and ready to move on them. zero point turn is a game changer for my small pad mill operation. and they are fast. I wouldn't have the patience to drive a tractor after operating a skid steer. I watch my neighbors and think, OMG that's so slow, like a tortoise. Yeah I tear up the dirt, then I back drag, then I tear it up, then I back drag again. It's a work pad.

[@bekabeka71]

A tractor is a must have 👌🏼 even old ones and small ones are ridiculously expensive

[@todmills]

Inflation has really taken its toll since in 1990 when I bought my 1959 Ford 861 40 hp diesel tractor + 72" Mott flail mower for a total price of about $2,800.

[@RandallSoong-pp7ih]

Excellent!

[@dsmithspecialisttransport2741]

I love that proverb So true mate👍

[@TheWestAspen]

Other benefit of the farm/landscape tractor is the attachments, tiller, mower, etc. Have the equivalent of today's Kubota BX series, combined with a Takeuchi TB 235 mini excavator, and that combo can handle most projects efficiently. Kubota tractor is effective at shuttling material a medium distance, and Takeuchi does the heavy lifting without needing to travel much distance (which is slow). Don't get me wrong a track loader moves a ton of material, but the weight and damage done in the travel way doesn't work unless the distance between material movement is long, or it is a completely dry condition. There's a tool for every job, and you end up owning a garage full as a builder...;)

[@jeffputnam8554]

When I sold my plumbing business I kept my skid steer and attachments. So handy to have when I need it. Rock bucket, trencher, front hoe attachment, log splitter, 4 foot hula hoe attachment which I built, post hole auger, regular bucket, pallet forks, It is a time saver, back saver and blessing to have. I have been operating them for 35 years and it has become second nature. I also have seen attachments for a host of other needs including a home built boom for setting trusses. Love their versatility

[@jonathankipps9061]

Something critical to keep in mind -- The skid-steers of the previous century were initially conceived for working in turkey houses. High maneuverability, and the ability to move lots of fluffy materials, were their strong suit. Up until 2000, skid-steers were primarily for material handling. Moving this pile of stuff from here to there; cleaning out manure and loading it into a spreader, loading a dump truck, et cetera. Sometime around the turn of the century, skid-steers made the life-altering jump onto the construction sites, where they began to replace small bulldozers for grading, excavating, and land-clearing projects. This necessitated longer wheelbases, heavier weight, greater breakout strengths on the loaders, higher horsepower, and tracked undercarriages. Your 1845c is of the old-school variety -- conceived in the 1980's, and built in the 1990's. It can do a fair bit of clearing and grading, but it's still inferior to a newer skidsteer that's built for those tasks. I'm running a 1840, which is a more compact version of the 1845c, but with most of the same internal components. It's absolutely perfect for farm work of the type that I do, and can handle some limited grading. But if I'm trying to do any excavating below grade, its short wheelbase, limited traction, and low weight make it miserable for the job.

[@spevakdesigns]

We just bought a 10 acre property with a dilapidated house and barn and I've been debating this exact decision. Considering the scope of repair work and the additional development work I am planning to do, as well as the fact that i have a ton of friends in the area with tractors and excavators, I think the choice is becoming quite clear.

[@GibClark]

I had an old case 530 , with the construction option, front loader/hoe at home. Miss it dearly. Ran track hoe and skid loader at work. Perfect world, all 3. A great option for farm tractor is to install a quick detach. We did that at my friends cidery/farm. Cut ears off of the loader bucket and welded on the quick detach plate, found it used. Tractors like to spin in rear when heavy weight is applied to front bucket or forks. We built a scrap metal box which mounts quickly to the 3 point hitch and was filled with leftover concrete. Drives much better and less bounce. Tractor vision is great but it's almost impossible to see the front bucket , trade offs in all things

[@jakeschroeder1553]

I've never run a skid steer but I've spent many hours on a front end loader almost identical to Scott's. The main difference in my mind is efficiency vs. versatility. A skid steer will move material and work twice as fast as a loader but try tilling, plowing, or finish mowing with a skid steer.

[@nickeckemoff7631]

You have to consider weight foremost. For dirt or heavy duty work, you need a machine that weights 4 tons + (8000 LB). A farm tractor in this weight range will be very large and cumbersome to maneuver. Most skidsteers weigh 2-3+ times what a typical compact tractor does because they are designed for heavy duty work, but a tractor is made for land maintenance or agricultural tasks. If you compare a 4-6 ton skidsteer to a 4-6 ton construction grade tractor backhoe, the difference is less in terms of capability. My 8500 LB tractor backhoe wont lift as much as a similar weight skidsteer and is not as nimble, but it will still get the job done equally fast. This backhoe is designed for heavy duty work and while it is a tractor, that is not the primary purpose. I personally don't like skidsteers: - Getting in and out is difficult or impossible depending on what attachment you got up front and what position the loader is in or there is a glass door. At best, it's certainly not an easy in and out like an open station tractor is. - Visibility side and back is poor. Dirty beat up front glass often feels like you need to look through fog. - Attachments are very expansive and some of them don't make much sense up front (means you go backwards a lot... see prior point). - Most new ones have controls mostly electric over hydraulic, which can be jerky and delayed. - They beat you up operating due to no suspension (all you get is an air seat) - They tear up the ground easy and cause lots of destruction. You're constantly making a mess and cleaning up after yourself. Leave ugly track marks everywhere that then turns into mud. - They use lots of diesel per hour (2-4 gallon per hour on a decent size machine). - Tracks don't compact soil well and get torn up easy on rocks. - Hassle of keeping dirt out of tracks/sprockets. - Very difficult to get unstuck from mud. - They don't hold their value well... people either buy them to not use then want to sell or beat the crap out of them. Where a skidsteer shines is how compact and maneuverable they are to do some heavy lifting. If doing heavy duty work like land clearing, a large excavator or bulldozer is best. A large 20,000 LB backhoe also works great. A 10,000 LB skidsteer isn't too useful aside from moving material around or doing finish grading, both of which a tractor could do though slower.

[@RealWolfmanDan]

Au contraire! I've intentionally used skid steers as pseudo tillers/plows, ha ha. Would love to have a Kubota with a backhoe. Great video as always

[@ToddFathers]

I have a Bobcat A300 (All Wheel Steer) that does little to no damage on any terrain. It is much less impactful than my Kubota tractor. Thank you for the video!

[@krenwregget7667]

the tractor is really made for home and farm use as there is a bunch of agricultural attachments for the back that you can't get for a skid steer. However, there are a bunch of attachments for the front of the skid steer that you can't get for the tractor that are used in construction. Really two different animals with a little bit of crossover in the middle.

[@wpherigo1]

Thanks! Never knew.

[@radaraacf]

In australia skid steer operators mostly pop wheelies to turn without damage to sand pads

[@garbo8962]

Back in the 1970's work place had a slid steer that back then was called a " Bobcat ". Was great for lift two 55 gallon drums and c!earing snow off sidewalks & small parking lots. Bad thing with no windows or windshield cats are like being in a freezer when working cold winter days.

[@WeirdSeagul]

i think its hard to beat the ability of the back hoe if you need a universal machine.

[@steveday6246]

The Kubota would be even kinder to lawns with R-4 tires instead of those ag tires. Also, sharp turns with the front tires engaged with tear up turf! (I have an L-2900 same vintage as yours)

[@azenginerd9498]

After having used a skid steer in building my own house I can't count the ways it has been wonderful. But I have also noted a few detractors... Firstly - and most operators IGNORE this dangerous move - you can't get out with the bucket raised. If you are using it to lift and place things up high it almost always becomes a two-person job. Secondly, because you can spin them on a dime, it is GUARANTEED that the hired help will turn the tires into racing slicks in record time. Thirdly, because of their compact nature, wrenching on one usually involves and elevated level of contortionism, one-handed fiddling by Braille, and cussing.

[@noc8076]

Then you have plan-C, the small articulated loaders like Avant, MultiOne and Bobcat. Comes in a range of sizes from able to drive through a door, up to rivaling a medium skid steer. I have one that lifts and loads as much as the loader on a 100hp tractor. Its the piece of equipment I use 80% of the time. With a channel like yours, you'll have no problem getting one to demo to show people.

[@Axworth]

I can swear this is the builder of a home I worked on in Lake Placid.

[@robertbogu4794]

Thank you Sir

[@richardross7219]

The bigger the boys, the bigger the toys. When you hit the big rocks, a big track loader is necessary. Once the big work was done, the tractor with front end loader and 3 point hitch is handy. I have 5+ attachments for my 3 ph. Look for an earthcavator attachment for your 3 ph. Its great for grading. Nice video. Good Luck, Rick

[@corey6393]

Agree with all points made. I have a late 70's Kubota L185DT. It is very small, and perfect for my property. I've done a lot of construction over the years, and a backhoe and skid steer are much better for that task. But for moving some gravel, tilling a small garden, and moving snow, a small tractor is the best.

[@WickedZZzY]

One other thing to take note of is that in terms of ground speed (getting from point A to point B) a tractor is always faster than a skid steer.

[@americanangler94559]

Good episode

[@sweetpigfarm3645]

I like your points. I hate always looking backwards on my tractor. My skid its in front of me. Price in st louis, a tractor with a loader is almost more expenive then a skid. My 40hp dsl601 with track over wheels and grapple i got under 7k total in it. I love it feel way safer in it and have done some great land clearing and logging. The same work in a tractor would have been longer and would have would worn me out more..and thats saying soming as the skid has all manual controls and can wear you out. Yes fixing a tractor is easier.

[@FarmBossSaws]

I have a 75hp tractor with a loader and it can be hard to see in front of the loader for delicate work vs the skid steer. You need to keep practice on the tractor loader and take it slow at first especially if you are also using the clutch and gears at the same time, also having a spotter can help!

[@thomasmees6831]

Renting skid steer attachments makes the skid steer like a Swiss army knife because of the available hydraulic flow. Tractor attachments are limited due to PTO and limited hyd flow. Tractor easier for 1 person, skid usually requires 2 as the operator has to crawl out over the load or attachment.

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍.Thank you

[@MRSketch09]

You probably won't see this. But 'ASV, track loaders' with their low ground pressure... Looks like it solves a lot of the skid loaders weaknesses. Particularly 'RT-50 Compact Track Loader' On the bigger loaders, they even have the "Imax cab" which is a nice touch, but needed on the smaller units.