Hello everyone, my names Dan, I'm probably one of several posters to ask this question but please be patient with me. First off I know nothing about skidsteers, but I have rented a few and found them to be an incredibly versatile machine. I also recently had the misfortune of hiring a shady contractor to build a house for me and now that I fired him and finished the house myself there's a huge mound of dirt behind my home that needs to be spread out to become my future yard. I have decided to purchase a skidsteer and do the project during my free time. I budgeted $10,500 to purchase this machine and would greatly appreciate recommendations from some of the members of this forum on the following. 1-What brand is most reliable ( I'm looking for one that's darn near bulletproof) 2-What model would you suggest ( it's been my experience that I would much rather be overpowered than underpowered ) 3-What type of options are important on one 4-what brands or models to avoid 5-how many hours are too many hours? Thanks in advance, and must say that the members of this forum seem to be very nice and informed people. Dan