New buyer

[pigdoc]

Sorry for a newbie question, but that is what I am: looking for a used skid steer to move snow at my small farm in Iowa. I'd like to spend

 

[nobull1]

I assume you are a vet? If that is so you probably don't want to be wrenching on skid steers in most likely stormy weather. I would spend a few thousand more and find a better machine. But if that is all you want to spend and don't mind doing work yourself there are machines that can be had.

 

[dozer]

I assume you are a vet? If that is so you probably don't want to be wrenching on skid steers in most likely stormy weather. I would spend a few thousand more and find a better machine. But if that is all you want to spend and don't mind doing work yourself there are machines that can be had.

In my experience in that price range you will be dealing with a lot of hours. Look for things like leaks, weak hydraulics, play in the arms. Idle it up and see if it crawls away. Make sure all the lights and guages work as this will usually show signs of electrical gremlins.
A great test for the engine and the hydraulic system is this. Fire it up and drive it for about 15-30 minutes depending on how much time you have. Lift some dirt if possible and play around with it. After that time find something immovable for that machine. (Usually a concrete curb if possible.
Place your bucket there so it won't slip and push forward. Either the tires will slip and spin, the engine will die, or very little will happen.
The first is the best as that shows the engine and drivetrain are still in good shape.
The second is Ok since your drive is strong but your engine may be losing power.
The third is bad since you are going to have some issues with drive.
Now this isn't a super technical test but I have been through three machines and I did this test to all of them and have had very few problems with the above mentioned things. One that did not spin the wheels or bog the engine a friend ended up buying. Turned out engine was so worn out it shouldn't have started. (goodbye $5000 )
Just my .02
Good Luck. My first machine cost $4000. My second $9000 and my current $14000. Its an addiction.
Dozer

 

[pigdoc]

Thanks for the two responses. After looking at lots of used ones, I agree that I might need to spend a bit more (hopefully keep it below $10k) and get something with fewer hours. I appreciate the advice on what to look at in a used machine. I'm in central Iowa and found several in Wisconsin that offer promise. Also, after being outside in -20F windchill, a cab and heater would be good perhaps? thanks in advance.

 

[Iowa Dave]

Thanks for the two responses. After looking at lots of used ones, I agree that I might need to spend a bit more (hopefully keep it below $10k) and get something with fewer hours. I appreciate the advice on what to look at in a used machine. I'm in central Iowa and found several in Wisconsin that offer promise. Also, after being outside in -20F windchill, a cab and heater would be good perhaps? thanks in advance.

I agree cab and heat is really nice. I would say that if you can get your snow pushed in a half-hour or less, and if 10K is the upper limit, I'd probably go without a cab to get a much better machine, especially if you are looking now. (Cab and heat cost $2000 to add using factory components, and in the winter that is what the option will cost on a used machine at a dealership) Actually what I would REALLY do is wait until I had the money for cab and heat. I will never own another machine without it. As to price, age is what really lowers the price, far more than condition. So I would look for something like a 753-763 with low hours and from a good home. It seems that, if you can wait until spring or summer, there are more cab and heat machines to choose from. They always get scarce by the onset of "full-blown nasty" weather. A Bobcat salesman friend of mine says when it gets cold and nasty he can just about name his price on cab and heat machines. Be careful buying private. Lately, due to the downturn in construction, I have heard of a couple "new" owners losing their machines to the "old" owner's lender. Make sure you at least have your dealer look up the serial # to make sure everything seems ok before you buy. If you are busy making money, then I would find a neighbor to push your snow and forget it all together. Its only "fun" for the first 5 minutes or so.

 

[pigdoc]

I agree cab and heat is really nice. I would say that if you can get your snow pushed in a half-hour or less, and if 10K is the upper limit, I'd probably go without a cab to get a much better machine, especially if you are looking now. (Cab and heat cost $2000 to add using factory components, and in the winter that is what the option will cost on a used machine at a dealership) Actually what I would REALLY do is wait until I had the money for cab and heat. I will never own another machine without it. As to price, age is what really lowers the price, far more than condition. So I would look for something like a 753-763 with low hours and from a good home. It seems that, if you can wait until spring or summer, there are more cab and heat machines to choose from. They always get scarce by the onset of "full-blown nasty" weather. A Bobcat salesman friend of mine says when it gets cold and nasty he can just about name his price on cab and heat machines. Be careful buying private. Lately, due to the downturn in construction, I have heard of a couple "new" owners losing their machines to the "old" owner's lender. Make sure you at least have your dealer look up the serial # to make sure everything seems ok before you buy. If you are busy making money, then I would find a neighbor to push your snow and forget it all together. Its only "fun" for the first 5 minutes or so.

I drove a 2004 Gehl 3635 today with 2380 hrs, cab, heater. Since this was the first time I had been in one, it was interesting. Local JD dealer came down from $13.5k to $11k on it. All hydraulics seemed to work fine. I moved a little snow at the dealer without problem. When I tested it for 'creep', I had to tweak the controls to get it to be absolutely still. It seemed to start without problem, has new tires, no new paint but looks good. Monday I'll look at a 2008 Mustang 2041 with 266 hours, cab, heater, priced at $16,500. That is more money, but pretty new and more hp. Any advice is welcome.

 

[nobull1]

I drove a 2004 Gehl 3635 today with 2380 hrs, cab, heater. Since this was the first time I had been in one, it was interesting. Local JD dealer came down from $13.5k to $11k on it. All hydraulics seemed to work fine. I moved a little snow at the dealer without problem. When I tested it for 'creep', I had to tweak the controls to get it to be absolutely still. It seemed to start without problem, has new tires, no new paint but looks good. Monday I'll look at a 2008 Mustang 2041 with 266 hours, cab, heater, priced at $16,500. That is more money, but pretty new and more hp. Any advice is welcome.

I think you are getting into the price range of "little work required". A cab and heat is a must for Winter IMO. Another big thing is dealer availability and parts. If parts are hard to get or the dealer is a problem get another make.

Brian

 

[Iowa Dave]

I agree cab and heat is really nice. I would say that if you can get your snow pushed in a half-hour or less, and if 10K is the upper limit, I'd probably go without a cab to get a much better machine, especially if you are looking now. (Cab and heat cost $2000 to add using factory components, and in the winter that is what the option will cost on a used machine at a dealership) Actually what I would REALLY do is wait until I had the money for cab and heat. I will never own another machine without it. As to price, age is what really lowers the price, far more than condition. So I would look for something like a 753-763 with low hours and from a good home. It seems that, if you can wait until spring or summer, there are more cab and heat machines to choose from. They always get scarce by the onset of "full-blown nasty" weather. A Bobcat salesman friend of mine says when it gets cold and nasty he can just about name his price on cab and heat machines. Be careful buying private. Lately, due to the downturn in construction, I have heard of a couple "new" owners losing their machines to the "old" owner's lender. Make sure you at least have your dealer look up the serial # to make sure everything seems ok before you buy. If you are busy making money, then I would find a neighbor to push your snow and forget it all together. Its only "fun" for the first 5 minutes or so.

Since you asked, here is my take--worth exactly what it cost you. For $16,500 you could buy a JD 4430 and loader and have something to "farm" with. That is a LOT of money to push a little snow on a hobby farm. Obviously, it is your money, and if you can easily afford it, who am I to say?? I made a living for several years on a machine that cost less than that. You could write checks for snow removal for DECADES for less than that and never go outside!! Of course, it is your money and if you can afford it, then its nobody's business but yours. You may want to realize that you are in the "expensive toy" category now--but that is all right, too as long as you don't kid yourself about the REAL reason too much. I have a friend who has way too nice of machinery, and he says he gets more enjoyment out of it than a fancy boat or a vacation home. If you are in that category, then ENJOY!!!

 

[pigdoc]

Since you asked, here is my take--worth exactly what it cost you. For $16,500 you could buy a JD 4430 and loader and have something to "farm" with. That is a LOT of money to push a little snow on a hobby farm. Obviously, it is your money, and if you can easily afford it, who am I to say?? I made a living for several years on a machine that cost less than that. You could write checks for snow removal for DECADES for less than that and never go outside!! Of course, it is your money and if you can afford it, then its nobody's business but yours. You may want to realize that you are in the "expensive toy" category now--but that is all right, too as long as you don't kid yourself about the REAL reason too much. I have a friend who has way too nice of machinery, and he says he gets more enjoyment out of it than a fancy boat or a vacation home. If you are in that category, then ENJOY!!!

When I tried out the Gehl3835, I looked at the oil in the dipstick. It was really dark and appeared to be needing a change. Shouldn't a dealer be expected to service machines they are re-selling, such as changing the oil? How much of a red flag is this? Thanks.

 

[nobull1]

When I tried out the Gehl3835, I looked at the oil in the dipstick. It was really dark and appeared to be needing a change. Shouldn't a dealer be expected to service machines they are re-selling, such as changing the oil? How much of a red flag is this? Thanks.

Depends on the dealer. Some dealers will check them out and service, while others don't touch them. I think the thought is; we don't want to find problems that we might have to explain or repair. That doesn't mean there are problems, just they are not looking. I also know some dealers that sell so many used that they are just in and out the door and don't have to bother. As far as a red flag.........maybe a yellow. The big deal as I said before is parts and service. If any machines you are looking at have service or parts potential problems I wouldn't take it regardless.....been there, done that. For the amount of money you are now talking you should be able to get a reasonably good machine of any make. Try talking to a couple of business people who use quite a few of the machines and find out what is working for them and what to avoid. I bet a couple of phone calls would help with your decision. Most business owners if you can get them on the phone would probably give you a minute or two and their opinion, if you have the questions pre-planed ahead of time to ask. This is a big investment and a little help locally wouldn't hurt.

 

[Iowa Dave]

When I tried out the Gehl3835, I looked at the oil in the dipstick. It was really dark and appeared to be needing a change. Shouldn't a dealer be expected to service machines they are re-selling, such as changing the oil? How much of a red flag is this? Thanks.

Is this your first experience with diesels? The oil will be black about 2 hours after you change it. Although it sure might need changed. Many dealers will put ANYTHING right on their lot, no matter how much work it needs. What do they have to lose? Maybe someone will wander in and take it as is. If they HAVE to fix it to sell it, they will, but why not wait and see? Maybe they will get lucky. I am getting a kick out of your posts. First, you want to spend less than $7000. In just a day or two, you moved to nearly 2 and a half times that! Like I said, its your money and you don't have to answer to me. But I sure would like to be your salesman--able to turn a $7000 sale into a $16.500 sale is smooth work! If you have $$ bulging out of your pockets, then I would say the more you spend the better off you will be--as far a a good, nice machine. Just remember it has moved from a $7000 possible "need" to a $16,500 "toy" in a heck of a hurry. You may want to step back and cool off so the eventual purchase later is based on a true evaluation of your needs and not the emotion of now. You might be getting caught up in the moment, and waiting will cool your jets and let you make a better decision. Write a few checks to have your snow removed for now and make a better decision later. Instead of scouring the country and buying the best one available at the moment, I'd bet if you wait, the ideal machine will pop up sooner or later. If you buy too soon based on emotion, you may end up with buyer's remorse. Thia advice is worth exactly what it cost--take no offense and do as you please. Everyone on this site is here to help. I know I am--I just don't want you to regret your purchase later. To me it looks like you are moving plenty fast.

 

[jerry]

Is this your first experience with diesels? The oil will be black about 2 hours after you change it. Although it sure might need changed. Many dealers will put ANYTHING right on their lot, no matter how much work it needs. What do they have to lose? Maybe someone will wander in and take it as is. If they HAVE to fix it to sell it, they will, but why not wait and see? Maybe they will get lucky. I am getting a kick out of your posts. First, you want to spend less than $7000. In just a day or two, you moved to nearly 2 and a half times that! Like I said, its your money and you don't have to answer to me. But I sure would like to be your salesman--able to turn a $7000 sale into a $16.500 sale is smooth work! If you have $$ bulging out of your pockets, then I would say the more you spend the better off you will be--as far a a good, nice machine. Just remember it has moved from a $7000 possible "need" to a $16,500 "toy" in a heck of a hurry. You may want to step back and cool off so the eventual purchase later is based on a true evaluation of your needs and not the emotion of now. You might be getting caught up in the moment, and waiting will cool your jets and let you make a better decision. Write a few checks to have your snow removed for now and make a better decision later. Instead of scouring the country and buying the best one available at the moment, I'd bet if you wait, the ideal machine will pop up sooner or later. If you buy too soon based on emotion, you may end up with buyer's remorse. Thia advice is worth exactly what it cost--take no offense and do as you please. Everyone on this site is here to help. I know I am--I just don't want you to regret your purchase later. To me it looks like you are moving plenty fast.

When a dealer says, we have always done the service on this machine, what that means is they change engine oil and filters and grease it if the owner brings it in. They do not replace worn parts or clean the muck out of the lower machine or check lube levels in hard to get at places as I found out. Take your time and if it is a used machine study it carefully. If I bought another I think I would try to find a trained skidsteer mechanic to give me his opinion, it may cost a $100 for his time but it may save you much more.

 

[OldMachinist]

When a dealer says, we have always done the service on this machine, what that means is they change engine oil and filters and grease it if the owner brings it in. They do not replace worn parts or clean the muck out of the lower machine or check lube levels in hard to get at places as I found out. Take your time and if it is a used machine study it carefully. If I bought another I think I would try to find a trained skidsteer mechanic to give me his opinion, it may cost a $100 for his time but it may save you much more.

If you find a machine you really like see if the dealer will let you take a oil sample from the engine and hydraulics and send it out for analysis. Any dealer that won't let you do it you may not want to do bussiness with. They may want a deposit to hold the machine. I use Blackstone Labs http://www.blackstone-labs.com/ they send you the kits for free and the testing is $22.50 per sample. Of course if the dealer has changed the oil it won't show anything.