Compact Tractor vs. Skid Loader

[Jake Cutter]

Looking for some advice regarding equipment changes... Currently run a Bobcat 753 (steel tracks) w/ Harley rake for all of my lawn installs and excavation repairs. I am considering a switch to a compact tractor (been looking hard at the Kubota 7800 HST) to try and increase my versatility. Biggest problem with the skidder is the weight. I frequently end up sinking in the yards that I've been hired to repair and sometimes have to pass on easy work (shrub removals, etc) for fear of the mess that I will make with the machine. The 30 hp tractor w/ front end loader will weigh in at about 1900 lbs; the skidder weighs about 3X as much. My big fear is that the power rake on the tractor will not provide results that I'm used to with my current set up. Am I crazy? My thoughts are that I could use the tractor to do a bunch more stuff (like trucking mulch from the street to the beds) with much less destruction than I do now. Seems to me that the skidder is really beneficial to guys that move a lot of material - I simply don't. Primarily lawn installs, repairs and mulch (in addition to mowing). Just trying to avoid making any more expensive mistakes. Thanks!

[1Chavez]

I have a T300 for grading and moving heavy material (4 in one bucket, auger and forks) and a L4310 HST on turf tires with a harley rake, front loader, tiller, brillion seeder and pulverizer. The harley works perfect, only down fall is the lifting capacity of the tractor compared to the bobcat, but having both machines is the way to go in my book.
-Rich

[Jake Cutter]

Sometimes the best advice is a bit hard to swallow - actually kind of figured I was going to hear that I needed to keep both... Thanks for your input, I guess that will be the plan. In your response you mentioned the brillion seeder, is that something you would strongly recommend? I'm not really familiar with the technology, what are the benefits? I bought a new hydroseeder (http://www.turboturf.com/) last year and I've got kind of mixed results from it. I spoke with the guy who invented the Eliminator attachment for skid steers and tractors and he uses a brillion, then hydroseeds over the bed - kind of seemed like a bit of overkill to me, but he's making a pretty good dollar doing it. Thanks again... ~ Dave

[1Chavez]

I am not a fan of hydro seeding. Sure it is easy to apply, but the results I've seen are not quality work (I've never hydro seeded myself, usually sod jobs, but enough seed jobs). The brillion gives a perfect even cover of seed, rolls the seed in the soil and rolls weight to help with washout all in one step. Is it required, no, does it make life easier, yes. This is the one I have: . Having both machines is extremely helpfull. You can go do a rough grade with the bobcat while another crew is doing the harley/seeding on the property you rough graded the day before. Also having a machine at the shop to load stuff while another is doing work is nice to have.
-Rich

[CleanCutMaint]

I had the Kubota 7800 HST. Notice I said had. I can't tell you about the need for both machines or not but I would strongly advise against the Kubota if you do decide to get a tractor. Kubota's are great, usually. But not this one. I bought one December of last year (tax purposes really), and then the disappointment began. I almost have to doubt it has 30 hp. This tractor doesn't have the power it needs, not even close. The 3 pt. hitch on the back is so close and compact that its hard just to hook stuff up. The hydrostatic was nice, but thats it. I got rid of that and bought a JD 970. It's 30 hp too but much more powerful than the Kubota...........? Don't know why. My advice would be stay away from the Kubota if your going to get a 30hp tractor. It was a very expensive mistake in my opinion. Simple things like landscape rakes, box blades, and scrapers are no problem, but my backhoe attachment and things like that were a complete ***** to hook up. Just compare the size (area) behind a JD 970 to the Kubota and you'll see what I mean. Not saying buy the JD, just look at the difference before you spend your money. Hope this helps.

Scott

[Jake Cutter]

Thanks Scott... Got a local rental guy that I do business with to loan me a 7800 with 6ft Harley Rake for a day this past weekend. Tried to use it around my property - was an absolute dog!! I agree with the lack of power you mentioned, did not seem to have enough juice to get the job done when brought into contact with any real vegetation. I was disappointed with the loader speed as well. Only real value that I could see at this time would be to use it on some of the larger mulch jobs. It's light enough to run across peoples yards w/o damage, but outside of that left me with a very bad impression. Someone mentioned the new Versatile Track System by Loegering for the loader; supposed to do a much better job w/ weight distribution. Guess that will be my next avenue to explore and after the experience with the compact tractor, the Bobcat has a home forever...

[1Chavez]

If you are going to go with a kubota, get an L series. The B's are not enough.
-Rich

[buster57]

I own a Kubota L3010 and can go up a very steep hill, with hydrostat, engaging a 66" First Choice rototiller, and it performs perfectly. The "B" series is mid to small in the CUT range. The L-3010 series is about the same size as the 4310 by Deere.