crane operator
Senior Member
Hi Billybonds, I work for Doggett Heavy Machinery, a John Deere dealer out of Houston and in my opinion, skid steers are one of the most universal pieces you can own. I'm not sure about other manufacturers, but Deere sells a steel track to go over the skid steer rubber tires that could help with your wear and tear issues. I know that you mentioned wanting a compact track loader, but this fix would make a skid steer more versatile.
He's moving mulch/ bedding/ manure around in a horse farm, plowing a little snow on the driveway and trying not to tear up the riding arena. And you are recommending steel over the tire tracks? I don't know if your a salesman, but buddy, you better learn a little more about what you are selling. I don't think Over the tire steel tracks are the solution here.
I think for the gooming of the riding arena, you aren't going to have anything do better- than the 3 point pull behind, on a small tractor, like you are already doing.
A rubber tracked loader that will do your forklift duties with pallets and concrete blocks is going to have to be pretty good sized.
I'm going to throw out a little something more outside the box- how about a small wheel loader? Something like a Cat 924 or the IT version. They make a smaller one than that even- I'm not sure on its model number. Visibility is great. Controls would be much like your tractor, steering wheel and loader joystick.
Better lifting capacity than a tractor loader, and I'd recommend a quick attach for the front, so you could switch quick between a set of pallet forks and a bucket.
The downside is going to be size, if you are trying to get into a free stall type building and clean stalls, it would be way too big. But if your just clearing outside fenced in paddocks, I think a small wheel loader wouldn't be a bad choice. You would sit up high like you do in a tractor, but it will turn shorter and be more manuverable.
Probably the only other tight thing would be the gates, if you are all 8' gates, it might be tight for a 924. If you have really small areas to clean, a skid would zero turn and clean out corners.
If you are driving between your farms, I'd lot rather road a wheel loader than a skid steer, or especially a rubber track loader, they are horrible rough to road any distance in on pavement.
If you are loading the manure in dumpsters, a loader would be much nicer for that than a skid steer or compact track loader. Keep you away from the material a little, and be higher up for visibility.
I do have question though- What's RCA? Recycled Crushed Asphalt?
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