I am looking into getting a skid steer. I have some ditch digging projects. I have mostly been looking at the smaller skid steers like the Bobcat M371 , JD 70, Case 1816 or the mustang 310. Or any other ones in that category. Which ones should I stay away from and which ones should I just plain run from. What I have found so far is a Mustang 310 for $3900.00 or a rough looking John Deere 125 for $2750.00. I would like to stay under 3000.00 if possible. I always look at the weight of the item I am wanting to purchase, so I know what it is worth at the scrap yard if it all goes south. Thank you in advance for your thoughts and opinions. Thank you
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SkidRoe
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Finding a working machine for under $3000 could be a hard find. Anything you find for this money will likely require work.
If it were me, would look for a hydrostatic machine, they are much more user friendly, so that would preclude any Bobcat 3XX machines. We used to have an M371, and replaced it with a new 440B, which I still own. Says a lot about the 440B.....
Cheers - SR
If it were me, would look for a hydrostatic machine, they are much more user friendly, so that would preclude any Bobcat 3XX machines. We used to have an M371, and replaced it with a new 440B, which I still own. Says a lot about the 440B.....
Cheers - SR
Is the 440B a hydrostat? All that are below that are Belt driven? Is that correct. Thanks
SkidRoe
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Yes, the 440b is hydrostatic. The 3XX machines are not necessarily 'belt' driven, but utilize clutches for their drive control.
Many models do utilize a belt drive to drive their hydraulic pumps or clutch steering transmissions. Only very early machines actually used belts as a form of clutched drive control.
Regards - SR
Thank you for the education.
Can these things be towed. for instance, if it breaks down, can it be towed to the trailer to take it to the garage. I didn't know if the hydrostat would lock them up. If so would you have to remove the drive chains to make it move?? Thanks
On an older case ( 1845 I think) there is supposedly a valve or fitting dedicated to open up specifically for the purpose of rolling the machine engine off . A maximum distance to facilitate loading into a trailer . Can't say about newer machines or bobcats .
Well the John Deere 125 I was looking at sold to high at an auction. I thought it would be cheaper there than what they were asking on the lot. I was wrong. So what about a Hydro-Mac 8C. Any thoughts on that? Thanks
I just read where the John Deere 70 and the owatona 330 is the same machine, is that correct? Is it a hydrostat, or does it have belts and clutches? Thank you
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