Skid steer loaders buyers guide 2005
If you have visions of being a one-person construction team, then picture yourself working around your yard and property on one of these skid steer loaders. They're compact enough for getting around easily, but powerful enough to support a whole range of attachments.
Skid steer loaders are becoming a popular item with homeowners living in the country. And why shouldn't they? They can do almost anything. Just look at the tools you can attach: tillers, trenchers, grapples, augers, backhoes, buckets, and more.
If you want to take working in the yard far beyond the mundane gardening and mowing chores, then a skid steer loader is just the thing. Save time and money, and earn satisfaction by doing your own projects -- from planting trees to hauling building materials. The possibilities are endless. So stop dreaming about those improvements, and get out there and start working!
Get comfy in a Mustang
Mustang Manufacturing Company offers six skid steer loaders. Four models are upgraded, including the new 2074 Model (above) with a lift capacity of 2,250 pounds. The 2074 is available in single- or two-speed configurations moving the unit at speeds up to 12 mph. Improved ergonomics and redesigned hand grips provide increased precision and comfort. For more information, call 800/562-5870 or visit www.mustangmfg.com. List price: $26,000 to $32,000, depending on options.
A Deere in the yard
John Deere's Model 280 Series II skid steer features a 90-horsepower, high-torque, turbo-charged engine with direct injection. For easy maintenance, the skid steer has a quick-lift cab, removable side panels, and easy access to the top and rear doors. Optional attachments include multipurpose buckets, backhoes, augers, rotary tillers, and scrap grapples. For more information, see your local dealer, call 800/503-3373, or visit www.johndeere.com. List price: $37,949.
Easy access
Safety and visibility are the keys to the JCB 160 Robot skid steer loader. The skid steer features a single, low-slung loader arm design that allows for maximum visibility and safe and convenient access from a side door. The JCB 160 has a four-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine with indirect injection. For more information, call 888/742-5522 or visit www.jcbna.com. List price: $21,600.
Meet the Mini-Bob
Nicknamed the Mini-Bob, the 463 ultra-compact skid steer loader is the smallest model in the Bobcat loader line. The 22.5-horsepower model features a 700-pound rated operating capacity and maneuvers through narrow doorways, alleys, and gates. The 463 supports a multitude of attachments. For fast and secure attachment changes, the two-lever Bob-Tach mounting system is standard equipment. For more infor-mation, call 701/241-8700 or visit www.bobcat.com. Suggested list price is $14,000.
A winning Dingo number
The Toro Dingo TX 420 compact utility loader is powered by a 20-horsepower Kohler air-cooled engine. Although small in size, the Dingo doesn't sacrifice power -- it has a 1,480-pound tip capacity and offers more than 35 quick-change attachments. This makes the loader ideal for tree planting, material hauling, deck construction, demolition, and fence installation. The compact design helps do-it-yourselfers complete work productively. For more information, call 800/344-8676 or visit www.toro.com. List price: $15,000.
Cat on tracks
Caterpillar introduces two new compact multiterrain loaders on tracks. Model 247 has an operating capacity of 1,933 pounds and combines the upper portion of the Cat 226 skid steer loader with a rubber track undercarriage from ASV Inc., a Caterpillar affiliate. The 257 has the new undercarriage and is built from the Cat 242 loader. It has a 2,306-pound operating capacity. For more information, see your local Caterpillar dealer or visit www.cat.com. List price: $33,100 (Model 247); $37,070 (Model 257).
What a day for a Daewoo
The Daewoo 602plus skid steer loader has a 41-horsepower engine and a lift operating capacity of 1,450 pounds. The cab features great visibility for the operator on all sides. The loader's wide stance gives it improved stability. The universal attachment system works with most attachments. A lockable rear door allows convenient service access, which makes all routine maintenance items easy to reach. The 620plus is also simple to operate and has easy-to-use controls. For more information, call 770/831-2200 or visit www.dhiac.com. List price begins at $18,900.
New from New Holland
New Holland's LS160 skid steer loader features a 42.5-gross horsepower engine and a 1,500-pound load capacity. It has a low center of gravity and a long wheelbase for stability. The vertical-lift design gives excellent lift capacity with improved visibility. Hand controls are optional. For more infor-mation, call 630/260-4000 or visit www.newhollandconstruction.com. List price: $18,500 to $22,000, depending on options.
Walking tracks
The Bobcat MT50 Mini Track Loader offers big power in a small package. This compact, walk-behind loader is mounted on tracks. It is just 3 feet wide, 69.5 inches long, 44.4 inches high, and has a rated operating capacity of 500 pounds with a 74.8-inch lift height. For more information, call 701/241-8700 or visit www.bobcat.com. Suggested list price is $14,375.
Case compact is long on power
A member of Case IH's fleet of XTreme Machines, the Model 40XT packs no less than 60 horsepower and boasts an operating load of 1,500 pounds. Even more impressive is the loader's 4,273-pound break-out force, which is a measure of a skid steer's ability to break material out of a pile. In operation the 40XT reaches over 85.9 inches high for dumping. The hydraulic oomph to accomplish such jobs is provided by a 19.1-gallon-per-minute pump. Power is supplied by a Case-built 239-cubic-inch, four-cylinder diesel engine equipped with liquid (radiator) cooling. Features include a cab, seat bar with integral armrests, and front and rear halogen floodlights. For more information, see your local Case IH dealer, call 262/636-6011, or visit www.caseih.com. List price range: $23,000 to $27,000.
Gehl has two offerings in the compact range
The heart of Gehl's Models 3635 and 3935 (right) is a Yanmar-built three-cylinder, 100-cubic-inch diesel that turns out 36 horsepower. A 14.4 gallon-per-minute hydraulic pump backs the loaders' rated operating loads of 1,050 pounds for the 3635 and 1,260 pounds for the 3935. Features for both models include a standard safety cab, self-leveling loader action, a universal quick-attach mounting system for attachments, and hydralock automatic brake system. Call Gehl at 262/334-9461 or visit www.gehl.com. Approximate list price for the 3635 is $19,000 and the 3935, $20,150.
Thomas built for heavy-duty loading
A 46-horsepower Kubota diesel and 161Ú2-gallon-per-minute hydraulic pump combine to give the Thomas Model 153 one of the highest lift capacities (at 1,500 pounds) in its class. Plus, the 153 also offers over 4,150 pounds of breakout force. Power is transferred from the engine to hydrostatic pumps through a unique double universal joint that requires no adjustment. A heavy-duty drive chain propels the wheels. For more information, call 800/561-5623 or visit www.thomasloaders.com.
Fast lifting time for Volvo's MC60
A beefy hydraulic pump, turning out 161Ú2 gallons per minute, and a 491Ú2-horsepower Kubota four-cylinder diesel make the Volvo Model MC60 a horse in action. The loader can handle a 60-inch-wide bucket as a result of its 1,350-pound load rating. And responsive hydraulics provide a lift-to-dump time of just 3.9 seconds. Features include lubed-for-life universal joints and an extra wide operator compartment. For more information, visit www.volvoce.com.
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