New here,first post with question

I'm 64 and have 9 acres that is one big hill. The only skidloader I have ran was a CASE 1830 and really enjoyed running that machine. I have a lot of landscaping to do(earth moving,grading and moving landscape tiles to build a patio etc) and general maintenance to do around the acreage. My dad has a bobcat 610, and he does not think the 610 being clutch drive would not be as safe as a hydraulic drive skidloader on my hill. WHAT I seem to be having trouble finding is in what year or what models were the first hydraulic drive machines. I'm looking for a machine but need to know what I'm looking at.

Your Dad is right but have to becareful with all skidsteers can be a bit tippy I have a 743 one of the most ever made lots around been seeing them for 3 to 6 thou

antfarmer2 said:

Your Dad is right but have to becareful with all skidsteers can be a bit tippy I have a 743 one of the most ever made lots around been seeing them for 3 to 6 thou

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A good tractor might be a better fit can do a lot with a loader and a box blade

antfarmer2 said:

A good tractor might be a better fit can do a lot with a loader and a box blade

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I do have a Ford 1500 20hp diesel with no loader. I have a rear blade, landscape rake, 48" tiller, 3 point dirt scoop , middlebuster 5 ft mower and a home made hiller/furrower. I garden about 7,000 sq. ft. and mow all but the lawn with it. I really do not want to put a loader on it because I find a loader in the way for most things where you don't need a loader. The skidder is because it would give me a dedicated machine for the loader work.

JD Dannels said:

I do have a Ford 1500 20hp diesel with no loader. I have a rear blade, landscape rake, 48" tiller, 3 point dirt scoop , middlebuster 5 ft mower and a home made hiller/furrower. I garden about 7,000 sq. ft. and mow all but the lawn with it. I really do not want to put a loader on it because I find a loader in the way for most things where you don't need a loader. The skidder is because it would give me a dedicated machine for the loader work.

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That's why I got my 743 and love it but not that easy jumping in and out lol

antfarmer2 said:

That's why I got my 743 and love it but not that easy jumping in and out lol

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Skidsteers are excellent tools if used properly. I would look for a 763 or comparable machine. Wider wheel tread the better. If going with a narrower 743 or 642 I would get offset wheels or wheel spacers to add stability

farmshop said:

Skidsteers are excellent tools if used properly. I would look for a 763 or comparable machine. Wider wheel tread the better. If going with a narrower 743 or 642 I would get offset wheels or wheel spacers to add stability

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If you could use a tracked machine, you might find it more stable.

The first mass produced hydro machine that Bobcat released was the 700, built concurrently with the 610. Like others have said, the oldest that you hold go is a 743. The 763 is considered to be one of the best radial lift machine that Bobcat built, and is more stable than earlier 7xx machines due to it's longer wheel base. If you are doing most of your work on steep hills, maybe a skidsteer is not a good choice for you, especially a clutch machine since they free-wheel in neutral. Could be a wild ride!! FWIW

SkidRoe said:

The first mass produced hydro machine that Bobcat released was the 700, built concurrently with the 610. Like others have said, the oldest that you hold go is a 743. The 763 is considered to be one of the best radial lift machine that Bobcat built, and is more stable than earlier 7xx machines due to it's longer wheel base. If you are doing most of your work on steep hills, maybe a skidsteer is not a good choice for you, especially a clutch machine since they free-wheel in neutral. Could be a wild ride!! FWIW

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That answers my main question. Thanks. Most of the work I will be doing will be on the more level parts of the property. The house is on the crest of the hill where it is reasonably level. The Patio will go in the backyard. I have a walkout section under the house that is level. Since I garden pretty seriously, I want to dig a fruit cellar on that end of the house. So would dig back into the slope and build up the walls with concrete block. One thing I have to consider is the weight of a machine for transportation. I have an F150 and don't want to have to buy a bigger truck to move the skidder.

JD Dannels said:

That answers my main question. Thanks. Most of the work I will be doing will be on the more level parts of the property. The house is on the crest of the hill where it is reasonably level. The Patio will go in the backyard. I have a walkout section under the house that is level. Since I garden pretty seriously, I want to dig a fruit cellar on that end of the house. So would dig back into the slope and build up the walls with concrete block. One thing I have to consider is the weight of a machine for transportation. I have an F150 and don't want to have to buy a bigger truck to move the skidder.

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Base 610 weighs 3800 lbs. This should definitely be within the capability of your F-150. FWIW - I move my machine (440b) on a 7000lb trailer (with brakes), pulled with a Kia Sorrento. I am currently between pickup trucks.
Equipped with a tooth bucket, the 610 should have no trouble digging your fruit cellar for you.