Newbie Questions

[lawmans3]

I've used a skid steer many times but they were rentals so everything came setup. I'm looking to buy my own for home use only. I have 10 acres and i'm tired of spending all day digging out of the snow. I also have a lot of landscaping to do. My questions are probably pretty basic: Are front Aux hookups standard? If not is this something I should make sure I get? Are there different kinds of or sizes? Are foot controls better than the joystick type? Does this affect the front aux in anyway? What motor is the best or most trouble free? Kubota, Isuzu, Perkins? I'm looking at an 853 with 1800 hrs, anything particular about his model? The owner doesn't know what year it is but says it has the digital Hrs meter in it so it thinks it to be 95 or 96, does this seem correct? It has joystick controls and not the foot. I know it's a lot of questions. I appreciate any help! Thanks...mitch

 

[OldMachinist]

Front aux connections are an option but most machines have them and the quick connect couplers have been different over the years and brands. Whether you need them or not depends on what your going to use the machine for(backhoe, auger, snowblower, grapple attachments need them).
The following comments are just my personal opinions.
For homeowner use I'd stay away from the joystick controls. If something needs repair on the controls it will be expensive.
Older Bobcat machines with the Boss controller are something to stay away from also.
The Kubota engine is the easiest to get parts and service for.

 

[lawmans3]

Front aux connections are an option but most machines have them and the quick connect couplers have been different over the years and brands. Whether you need them or not depends on what your going to use the machine for(backhoe, auger, snowblower, grapple attachments need them).
The following comments are just my personal opinions.
For homeowner use I'd stay away from the joystick controls. If something needs repair on the controls it will be expensive.
Older Bobcat machines with the Boss controller are something to stay away from also.
The Kubota engine is the easiest to get parts and service for.

Thanks for the info! I need all I can get.

 

[2005DMAX]

Thanks for the info! I need all I can get.

I was kind of in the same boat as you. I was sick and tired of freezing my butt off blowing snow, so in January I purchased a 2002 753 Bobcat with 1800 Hrs. I have since rethought what I am going to do, and am now looking at upgrading to a new bigger machine with pilot controls(joystick). I am looking at starting a sideline business doing snow removal. Even if I only do one yard, it is still considered a business, and the whole machine will be a tax write off. Anyways, my point I was going to make is I tried out a new machine with pilot control, and it is night and day difference. I was able to feather the loader/bucket with much more precision than the old foot controls. I talked to the dealer, and they said they had virtually no issues with the pilot controls. I am not sure what the extra cost is for the pilot control, as the salesman was gone. Any info on the good or bad would be appreciated.

 

[jmatt20]

I was kind of in the same boat as you. I was sick and tired of freezing my butt off blowing snow, so in January I purchased a 2002 753 Bobcat with 1800 Hrs. I have since rethought what I am going to do, and am now looking at upgrading to a new bigger machine with pilot controls(joystick). I am looking at starting a sideline business doing snow removal. Even if I only do one yard, it is still considered a business, and the whole machine will be a tax write off. Anyways, my point I was going to make is I tried out a new machine with pilot control, and it is night and day difference. I was able to feather the loader/bucket with much more precision than the old foot controls. I talked to the dealer, and they said they had virtually no issues with the pilot controls. I am not sure what the extra cost is for the pilot control, as the salesman was gone. Any info on the good or bad would be appreciated.

well i don't know about joystick controls but i have never had a salesman try to close a deal by telling me "these thing break down all of the time ". if you want to know what works listen to the guys here or buy a case of beer and visit the dealer around closing time and make friends with one of the mechanics..they know what comes in for service and what models they never see>>

 

[lawmans3]

well i don't know about joystick controls but i have never had a salesman try to close a deal by telling me "these thing break down all of the time ". if you want to know what works listen to the guys here or buy a case of beer and visit the dealer around closing time and make friends with one of the mechanics..they know what comes in for service and what models they never see>>

I'm sure the joystick type controls are more expensive to fix as they would require a little more knowledge to fix. But, I won't use it everyday so I don't expect to put more than 200 hrs a year on it. The joystick controls should be ok for me. I will keep it in a heated garage which should help with some of the wear and tear of being stored outside. I would like to have the Kubota engine but I think Isuzu probably knows how to make a motor. This skid was only owned by private party home owners and not a contractor which really attracted me to it. I've looked at a bunch that were beat to crap. This one is very clean and has good paint which tells a story by itself. This is probably the wrong time of year to buy one as it becomes landscape season. I should pick my skid this week. I will let you know how it goes. I do appreciate everyone's feedback! Mitch

 

[jmatt20]

I'm sure the joystick type controls are more expensive to fix as they would require a little more knowledge to fix. But, I won't use it everyday so I don't expect to put more than 200 hrs a year on it. The joystick controls should be ok for me. I will keep it in a heated garage which should help with some of the wear and tear of being stored outside. I would like to have the Kubota engine but I think Isuzu probably knows how to make a motor. This skid was only owned by private party home owners and not a contractor which really attracted me to it. I've looked at a bunch that were beat to crap. This one is very clean and has good paint which tells a story by itself. This is probably the wrong time of year to buy one as it becomes landscape season. I should pick my skid this week. I will let you know how it goes. I do appreciate everyone's feedback! Mitch

before you put your money down read the s300 joystick control thread in this forum....
http://www.skidsteerforum.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=54&frmView=ShowPost&PostID=32725