Help with picking a machine

[Bute56]

Hello. I am looking into buying a skid steer. Any advice is appreciated. One of my main concerns is the weight of the machine. I have been using an L170 weighing about 5500# and a 16' trailer weighing in the 2000# range. My pickup handles this load pretty well. I could shave a little weight off of this setup with a shorter trailer, maybe a 12 footer. The new holland has done everything I have asked of it so the horsepower (56?) is good. I want something with a cab. Long story short, the l170 is exactly what I need but they seem a little pricey. I can only afford to spend around $15000. What makes, models, years and hours on the clock should I be looking for. I'm in no hurry either so I can stand to wait around on a deal. Thanks alot.

 

[earmuffs]

the problem i found with the shorter trailers are getting the weight right over the axles. hence way to much tongue weight. i like my gehl 4640. 8000 hours and very little trouble. you can get in and change hoses easily, comfortable and good visibility.

 

[Bute56]

the problem i found with the shorter trailers are getting the weight right over the axles. hence way to much tongue weight. i like my gehl 4640. 8000 hours and very little trouble. you can get in and change hoses easily, comfortable and good visibility.

Thanks for the reply. I have been finding machines (mostly bobcat) in the 10,000 dollar range with 2k-3k hours on them an 88-98 year models. 46 hp. range. does that sound about right? Most of them have a few issues. Things like hydro lockout not working right, seat lockout not working right, small hydro leaks. how are these things to work on?

 

[Tazza]

Thanks for the reply. I have been finding machines (mostly bobcat) in the 10,000 dollar range with 2k-3k hours on them an 88-98 year models. 46 hp. range. does that sound about right? Most of them have a few issues. Things like hydro lockout not working right, seat lockout not working right, small hydro leaks. how are these things to work on?

That seems a bit high for a non working machine, or one with issues. Lockouts not working is generally an easy fix, usually a seat or seat bar sensor.