tracked loader vs skid loader vs compact tractor

[Butterz]

Tracked loader vs skid steer vs compact tractor - What do you guys use for residential tree work? I'm in the market, and I am leaning towards the john deere 4120 compact tractor for the following reasons: turf friendly, fast travel speed on roads, good loading capacity, and with ag tires it is better in the snow than a tracked loader. I do like the idea of a skid though because you can really beat on them without killing them...they are just so destructive on lawns...any way around this?

Thanks guys!

 

[treeclimber101]

You will find a lot of good in both .... I run a skid steer and mini . I have worked with guys who run tractors and they love them. Hard to say

 

[kyle goddard]

This is how we ride., plywood and ramps fit in tall box to the right.

 

[Butterz]

right on! treeclimber101 - what kind of skid do you have, and how does it handle on turf?

 

[treeclimber101]

I have a standard gas powered mini and a bobcat 7753 skid loader which I only use on jobs that lets just say the turf isn't a high priority

 

[Butterz]

^^^that's a sweet setup you have there dude

 

[treeclimber101]

^^^that's a sweet setup you have there dude

Thanks man

 

[2treeornot2tree]

Bobcat makes a skid loader that is all wheel steer.

I have a cat 236 with rubber over the tire tracks I use some times. I just put down ground mats where I need to turn so as to not tear up the grass. I also have a dingo that I use most of the time.

Around here if you tell the customer that you can do it cheaper with causing some turf damage they are all for it.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk

 

[andrew]

There are alot variables to consider. My first question would be do you have plywood and mats? If you do and dont mind taking the time to put them down I would most certainly lean towards a skid steer for the lift capacity and ability to dump into taller trucks and also the variety of attachments. Compact tractors are light and manuverable and pretty easy on lawns if you have turf tires. But if you get into bigger wood you will have have issues with lift capacity. You will run into issues with gates and fences with either machine since they are large. Like metioned above we also have a dingo with forks that we use on the majority of jobs.We have all three types of machines but if your doing alot of residental work start with a mini skid like a dingo or vermeer. These little machines are amazing and go just out anywhere you can walk.

 

[sgreanbeans]

I have had all variations of this. What I found, that works for me is a smaller skidloader. Kinda, a happy middle place.

 

[VA-Sawyer]

I use a 753 skid steer. I also have experience with a T300 and the little walk behind Bobcat ( MT50?).
I have found that a careful driver can do a lot to avoid turf damage in a skid steer. It is my first choice if terrain and access are not factors.
The larger tracked Bobcats are more stable on slopes.
The walk behind mini track was very slow. There were times I felt we could move the wood faster by hand. (Faster, NOT easier.) I think part of the problem with the walk behind was the weight of the grapple itself.

 

[cory nicols]

Tracked loader vs skid steer vs compact tractor - What do you guys use for residential tree work? I'm in the market, and I am leaning towards the john deere 4120 compact tractor for the following reasons: turf friendly, fast travel speed on roads, good loading capacity, and with ag tires it is better in the snow than a tracked loader. I do like the idea of a skid though because you can really beat on them without killing them...they are just so destructive on lawns...any way around this?

Thanks guys!

I use a swinger loader 2000 and it works great. I know it's not on your list but consider looking into articulating loaders if you have not already. Size does not seem to be a big concern considering what your looking for and they lift high with next to zero yard damage. Your work environment will really dictate the best choice from your list.

 

[gorman]

I run a 70hp asv. I love it up until the point I have to turn. Straight in, straight back does nothing to the lawns. If I turn I set up a pivot pad with plywood. Additionally I put a mat where the lawn meets the road or whatever. There is usually damage at that point too.

If you have the budget, whatever u buy get a rotating grapple (branch manager, Ryan's grapple etc). It will be well worth your investment. I wasted 3k on a grapple bucket first.

 

[PassionForTrees]

I have been using a 40 Hp Compact Tractor loader back hoe for over 15 years now, extra wide turf tires and lots of common sense knowing when your absolutely going to need mats and when you can get away from them. Some people are just Skid Steer guys and some Tractor guys period. Get what you like to run and then be efficient with it! I like the tractor option also due to the back hoe and so many different implements, root rake grapple, Forks , bucket, Auger with various bits, york rake, 3point hitch with a 2 inch receiver ect.. and you can to on and on all on the same machine!

 

[rtsims]

2tree and 101: are the dingo and mini's in general adequate for loading rounds/ logs into a dump trailer? Just wondering if they have the lift height and room infront of the machine to load over the side. Im sure you can use ramps and load from the back but that seems like it would be hard to fill a trailer that way.

 

[Butterz]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, I really appreciate it!

 

[treeman75]

2tree and 101: are the dingo and mini's in general adequate for loading rounds/ logs into a dump trailer? Just wondering if they have the lift height and room infront of the machine to load over the side. Im sure you can use ramps and load from the back but that seems like it would be hard to fill a trailer that way.

That was one of the most important things for me when I was looking for a mini, the lift height. The vermeer and ditchwitch have the highest reach out of the mini's and they are both the same. I bought a vermeer s650tx and a 14' PJ dump trailer and it works good, I can lift logs over the side to load.

 

[rtsims]

That was one of the most important things for me when I was looking for a mini, the lift height. The vermeer and ditchwitch have the highest reach out of the mini's and they are both the same. I bought a vermeer s650tx and a 14' PJ dump trailer and it works good, I can lift logs over the side to load.

Nice. looking to get into one this year, trying not to finance. Whats the price tag on that machine? Do you guys use a grapple?
I also have a 7x14' PJ dump and I want something that will fill it. Tires of spending a full day after a takedown loading wood by hand and breaking our backs.

 

[treeman75]

The price will be 4k to 20k depending on unit and hours. Take your time and do your homework and shop around there are deals out there you just have to find them and be ready to buy when you find one. I use a branch manager grapple and think its the best for minis, also have a little bucket grapple for stumps and stuff. I highly recommend a mini it will change your life for ever! Even if you have to finance part of it just do it, you wont be sorry. We havent dragged brush or loaded logs by hand in four years. If mine blew up today I would be at vermeer buying another the next day! I wont do tree work without one again!

 

[treeman75]

I have alot of pics of mine working but there in my other computer and its not hooked up right now. If you search old threads on minis you will see some.