Recommendations for good older skid steer, what to avoid

[case310350]

I did a search here and didn’t turn up much; I am sure this question has been asked before, so if there are all ready threads please point me to them. I am looking for an older skid steer, I only have about 7-8k to spend, Need it for moving debris and digging postholes. Possible snow removal. Would like to know what were the better machines in my price range, and machines to avoid. I know case 1845c are good, and I see many people have the 743 as well. I went to look at a 743 with 2400hrs machine looked clean, ran good for 5500.00. I took a day to due some research, and that was a day to long as it was sold. Looks like that was a good deal. looking forward to your comments

 

[Mr Jimi]

Welcome to the forum from another newbie, I have a Case 1845 C and I love it. For your 7K or 8K you will get a fixer-upper or an older one and I have heard nasty things about the belt drive Bobcats. Be careful and best of luck.
Jim

 

[m610]

For what you need a belt drive machine may be just the thing. I am looking for a newer machine to get more hydraulic power to run more attatchments. However don't dismiss a nice M-610 or even M-700 if the right one pops up. In general I agree with Bobcat 743, or 843, or Case 1845 or even a good Thomas loader( they seem to hold up well) better power with a Diesel but if cost is a factor go with the older gasoline powered Bobcat. 5000 is the most a 743 is worth in my opinion, and for 7-8,000 you shouldl be able to get a good running machine. Try to get 2,000 hours or less and avoid any machine used for demolition. If you have good mechanical ability a project machine will be less expensive to buy, but watch out for expensive parts. You can get an older belt driven machine for less than 3,000. CHanging the belt can be a headache, though if it wasn't maintained and has a lot of rust though

 

[Tazza]

For what you need a belt drive machine may be just the thing. I am looking for a newer machine to get more hydraulic power to run more attatchments. However don't dismiss a nice M-610 or even M-700 if the right one pops up. In general I agree with Bobcat 743, or 843, or Case 1845 or even a good Thomas loader( they seem to hold up well) better power with a Diesel but if cost is a factor go with the older gasoline powered Bobcat. 5000 is the most a 743 is worth in my opinion, and for 7-8,000 you shouldl be able to get a good running machine. Try to get 2,000 hours or less and avoid any machine used for demolition. If you have good mechanical ability a project machine will be less expensive to buy, but watch out for expensive parts. You can get an older belt driven machine for less than 3,000. CHanging the belt can be a headache, though if it wasn't maintained and has a lot of rust though

Depending on your mechanical abilities, a 743 would be very good. They don't have any electronics to worry about, parts are easily available. They have heaps of power and there are thousands out there!.
High hour 743 machines are that much of a problem, the hydrostatics and hydraulics are basically bullet-proof. With 5,000+ hours the engine does start to get a little lazy. Parts for the engines are still available too.
Keep looking, you will find something!