... and the more I look, the more confused I get. I guess that's because I really don't know a lot about them... I've run a few, but that's the extent of my expertise. Just to be 100% honest, I flat don't have the cash to buy "new" anything, and I ain't gonna' go the credit line way for one (I want to avoid any new monthly). I have no livestock, I don't grow crops, I'm just a guy living out in the county and a skid loader isn't something I "need"... more like something I could use. I could use it for clearing snow, moving a little dirt and rock now and then, moving firewood, pushing brush into piles, hauling the burn barrel into the woodlot for dumping, moving objects too heavy to lift (or I don't care to lift) and various other "light" duty jobs... and it wouldn't be used every day, probably not even every week. I don't believe I need to list all the possible jobs related to firewood... most anyone here can pictures those. The thing is, I have no "loader" of any sort, and my back ain't getting any younger.
So I'm lookin' at used and I see 'em priced everywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand... different brands... different models (which mean nothing to me)... different sizes... etc. So I'm askin' you guys that own and use 'em...
The small(ish) ones look like they'd be handier for me... but how small is too small ??
Is there certain brands/models that should be avoided ??
And what "problems" should I be looking for ?? I mean, I know about engines and what to look for, and I understand the hydraulics and what to look for, and yeah, I know tires ain't cheap. But what "unique" maintenance/wear items/possible expense/often neglected/problems should I be lookin' at ??
I guess I'm just askin' for a little general direction towards shopping used skid loaders. I have no delusions, I realize I'll probably spend some money on one after the purchase... I'm just hoping to avoid getting stung with an expense costing half, or equal to, the purchase price.
Thanks guys.
So I'm lookin' at used and I see 'em priced everywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand... different brands... different models (which mean nothing to me)... different sizes... etc. So I'm askin' you guys that own and use 'em...
The small(ish) ones look like they'd be handier for me... but how small is too small ??
Is there certain brands/models that should be avoided ??
And what "problems" should I be looking for ?? I mean, I know about engines and what to look for, and I understand the hydraulics and what to look for, and yeah, I know tires ain't cheap. But what "unique" maintenance/wear items/possible expense/often neglected/problems should I be lookin' at ??
I guess I'm just askin' for a little general direction towards shopping used skid loaders. I have no delusions, I realize I'll probably spend some money on one after the purchase... I'm just hoping to avoid getting stung with an expense costing half, or equal to, the purchase price.
Thanks guys.