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QUESTION:I am looking to buy a Skid-Steer for my ranch. I've been pricing the Gehl
4625, the John Deere 6675 and the New Holland LX565. Can anyone give me a
recommendation as to which model is best?
ANSWER: As one who runs construction equiptment for a living, I would highly recomend
that you check out a Bobcat. They are the most used brand on commercial
construction sites. Having had the opportunity to run all the makes and models
I would recomend that you stay away from the Gehl and the New Holland. They
both have a tendency to get stuck alot, they are not as manuverable as the
Bobcat, and tend to need more frequent service. These are of course my
personal opinions , but I have been running equipment for 20 years with several
major contractors, and I think if you were to ask them they would tell you to
check out a Bobcat. Also if I am not mistaken, New Holland is made by Ford not
John Deere.
Have used virtually all models. They each have different features. for
example, New Holland has a high speed gear that allows it to travel very fast.
This makes it the best for plowing snow. However it does not have the power or
balance of some of the others. I have owned Gehl, stay awy from them. For all
around multi-purpose use I would choose either Case or Bobcat, whichever I
could get the best deal on.
The John Deere unit uses the New Holland
chassis. The engine is a John Deere. The New Holland uses a Ford
(obviously).
I've heard both good things and bad about Bobcat. The one thing I've seen is
that the Bobcat series sort of started the concept of Skid-steer loaders
and, as a result, are extremely popular.
But why would the Bobcat not get 'stuck' where the Gehl and New Holland
would? How is the Bobcat more manuverable?
And, what tends to break-down on these units? Not being in contruction, my
unit would be more for light ranching use (snow removal , trenching, mowing,
excavation, pick-up and carry, etc.). There would be some heavy load
handling, but not as a matter of course.
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