Getting the Right Machine!

[dunners]

hi, I currently run a small power washing business and i am looking to expand into broiler houses and im also looking to offer the option of cleaning out the house with a skidsteer and brush.... i have only had some experience working a skidsteer just doing general farm work with one. so im looking some information on what would be the best machine for this job with a price range of £5000 - £6000?? and some hints on what to avoid and look for when buying.

 

[Tazza]

I assume you are from the UK? For that kind of money you should get a decent machine.
The only things to look out for is that you can get good service on the machine, there is no point in buying a cheap machine if you can't get parts if or when you need them. I'm not sure about the flow required to run a broom but i would ensure you don't need Hi Flow before you buy the machine and broom. It Hi Flow is needed get a machine with Hi Flow.
Do the usual, start the machine when the engine is stone cold to give you an idea on the condition of the engine. When they are worn they can be a pig to start when its cold.

 

[dunners]

I assume you are from the UK? For that kind of money you should get a decent machine.
The only things to look out for is that you can get good service on the machine, there is no point in buying a cheap machine if you can't get parts if or when you need them. I'm not sure about the flow required to run a broom but i would ensure you don't need Hi Flow before you buy the machine and broom. It Hi Flow is needed get a machine with Hi Flow.
Do the usual, start the machine when the engine is stone cold to give you an idea on the condition of the engine. When they are worn they can be a pig to start when its cold.

Yea the UK, well Northern Ireland to be exact. I was looking around and found that most skidsteers under £3000 would leave me looking for another one ssoner than i intend to. I think if the option is there to have Hi Flow i will get it as in the future i may require it. As for parts i have Bobcat, JCB,Case near by and a Mustang dealer in reasonable distance.... thanks Tazza. does anyone in the US or Australia know much about the small skid steer by toro called the Dingo? as it has just resently come on the market over here also in Europe and most seem to be a bit unsure if its as good as they say it is!!? i know its not the machine for my job but im always on the look out for new opportunities....

 

[Tazza]

Yea the UK, well Northern Ireland to be exact. I was looking around and found that most skidsteers under £3000 would leave me looking for another one ssoner than i intend to. I think if the option is there to have Hi Flow i will get it as in the future i may require it. As for parts i have Bobcat, JCB,Case near by and a Mustang dealer in reasonable distance.... thanks Tazza. does anyone in the US or Australia know much about the small skid steer by toro called the Dingo? as it has just resently come on the market over here also in Europe and most seem to be a bit unsure if its as good as they say it is!!? i know its not the machine for my job but im always on the look out for new opportunities....

We have had dingoes over here for years, great for small jobs where you want to move just a shovel full of dirt at a time but for a large job forget it! The ones i have seen are very small, you stand on the back and drive around. They are pretty expensive too. They do have options of 4 in 1 buckets, auger plus more. I would only look at one if you plan on small jobs, i don't know their lifting capacity but i would suspect it would only be in the 200 KG range.

 

[SnowCat]

We have had dingoes over here for years, great for small jobs where you want to move just a shovel full of dirt at a time but for a large job forget it! The ones i have seen are very small, you stand on the back and drive around. They are pretty expensive too. They do have options of 4 in 1 buckets, auger plus more. I would only look at one if you plan on small jobs, i don't know their lifting capacity but i would suspect it would only be in the 200 KG range.

I have a landscape and pool business been in business for 20 years save yourself alot of heartache and get a Bobcati have had them from day one. These machines never let me down only minor repairs. Bobcat has lots of attachments, the visability out of a bobcat no one comes closethey might be a bit more money but you get what you pay for.

 

[Alan Bechard]

Yea the UK, well Northern Ireland to be exact. I was looking around and found that most skidsteers under £3000 would leave me looking for another one ssoner than i intend to. I think if the option is there to have Hi Flow i will get it as in the future i may require it. As for parts i have Bobcat, JCB,Case near by and a Mustang dealer in reasonable distance.... thanks Tazza. does anyone in the US or Australia know much about the small skid steer by toro called the Dingo? as it has just resently come on the market over here also in Europe and most seem to be a bit unsure if its as good as they say it is!!? i know its not the machine for my job but im always on the look out for new opportunities....

I would seriously look at the JCB if I was where you are at. JCB skid steers are I believe made in your basic neck of the woods, which would have to help parts availability I would think. The biggest thing though, I am guessing that you work alone, and when running a SS you will want to get in and out to do something, move something etc. etc. The robot with the single sided arm and side door has to be one of the best safety features available in a SS in my opinion. I know, I know, EVERYONE always grounds their load, and turns off the engine prior to getting in and out of the cab...... Or reaching over the front to lock on an attachment... yeah, right. The robot with the single arm and side entry door may help you when you are tired and silly and make that bad judgement call. That said, I have a Bobcat 743 because that was what came available.