Anyone have a skid loader
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Anyone have a skid loader
I'm thinking about one. The make and model I’m looking at is a Gehl 3510, I think it’s a ’90, Gas, I think it even has a ford engine. 
Or something in the 4 to 5 $grand range. I have a long list of projects that makes buying more sense than renting, such as digging for a patio, and knocking down some old barn foundation walls, plowing snow in the winter. But one project has me concerned; digging up a gravel driveway.
I need to cut down half the parking area (about 15’ x 25’) 12” to 18” as its not level and I’d like to build an apron for the garage. The last layer of gravel is about 20 years old, only compacted from cars driving on it, but it feels spongy on wet spring days, I’m thinking lack of base. Would a pro with a dozer be more appropriate for this job, or can a small skid loader handle it?
Any insight appreciated
Or something in the 4 to 5 $grand range. I have a long list of projects that makes buying more sense than renting, such as digging for a patio, and knocking down some old barn foundation walls, plowing snow in the winter. But one project has me concerned; digging up a gravel driveway. I need to cut down half the parking area (about 15’ x 25’) 12” to 18” as its not level and I’d like to build an apron for the garage. The last layer of gravel is about 20 years old, only compacted from cars driving on it, but it feels spongy on wet spring days, I’m thinking lack of base. Would a pro with a dozer be more appropriate for this job, or can a small skid loader handle it?
Any insight appreciated
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: NW burbs of chicago
I've got a case 1835 you'll need a tooth bar to penetrate anything really. A skid steer is a great and very handy tool.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: The Big, Oregon
If you have a 400 and c6 laying around, you could copy my current project...........
7' bucket with a standard bobcat style attachment, extendable booms, and auxiliary hydraulics for brushhog, hole digger, etc.
I'm not a big fan of the smaller skid-steers, anything the size of the Bobcat 753 has a pretty low breakout force. The S-150 is decent, with more weight it could do some real pushing. A 763 could be decent, but not for larger jobs.
The first machine I've been inmpressed by in a long time is a tracked John Deere loader, we just got six of them where I work, but probably just a bit beyond your budget.
Without teeth, something that light won't break loose dirt worth anything. You will need teeth to have any effect on anything packed. You could probably get bolt-on tooth holders, just drill holes in the edge of the bucket to fit the holders. You would probably have to cut the holes with a torch, since most buckets have a hardened leading edge.
7' bucket with a standard bobcat style attachment, extendable booms, and auxiliary hydraulics for brushhog, hole digger, etc.
I'm not a big fan of the smaller skid-steers, anything the size of the Bobcat 753 has a pretty low breakout force. The S-150 is decent, with more weight it could do some real pushing. A 763 could be decent, but not for larger jobs.
The first machine I've been inmpressed by in a long time is a tracked John Deere loader, we just got six of them where I work, but probably just a bit beyond your budget.
Without teeth, something that light won't break loose dirt worth anything. You will need teeth to have any effect on anything packed. You could probably get bolt-on tooth holders, just drill holes in the edge of the bucket to fit the holders. You would probably have to cut the holes with a torch, since most buckets have a hardened leading edge.
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Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 13,589
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From: NW burbs of chicago
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
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From: The Big, Oregon
I looked at that before, that stuff just seems really underpowered. If you have self control, you can never have too much power. Just keep in mind, most earthmoving equipment has enough power to destroy itself, not to mention major damage to you and anything around it.
Of course, the thought of straightpipes and doing 20mph wheelies in a skidsteer motivates me-
I just looked that Gehl up online- pass on it. There is no way you can put enough downforce on it to make it dig at all, even with teeth. That thing might be good for moving around beauty bark, or piled loose dirt, but with that much overhang and that short of a wheelbase, it will be very tail-heavy.
Of course, the thought of straightpipes and doing 20mph wheelies in a skidsteer motivates me-
I just looked that Gehl up online- pass on it. There is no way you can put enough downforce on it to make it dig at all, even with teeth. That thing might be good for moving around beauty bark, or piled loose dirt, but with that much overhang and that short of a wheelbase, it will be very tail-heavy.
Last edited by Ford_Six; May 3, 2006 at 11:12 PM.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: north central Indiana
I'm familiar with the Gehl 3510. We have a used one on our lot right now. (I'm SM at a New Holland & Bobcat dealer) It has the Ford gas engine. Myself, I'm not fond of the hand controls. Much prefer controlling the lift and tilt functions via foot pedals. The 3510 is no powerhouse, by any means.
Personally, I prefer the New Holland machines and Bobcat makes some good units too. The later NH machines will accept Bobcat attachments, and there are attachments available to do almost anything you'd want done. The NH have a wider track and longer wheelbase so are very stable, where the Bobcats tend to be a bit on the tipsy side. (With no bucket or attachment mounted I've seen some of 'em come close to rolling over backwards)
Just my two cents...
Personally, I prefer the New Holland machines and Bobcat makes some good units too. The later NH machines will accept Bobcat attachments, and there are attachments available to do almost anything you'd want done. The NH have a wider track and longer wheelbase so are very stable, where the Bobcats tend to be a bit on the tipsy side. (With no bucket or attachment mounted I've seen some of 'em come close to rolling over backwards)
Just my two cents...
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