I have been getting the itch to get a second machine as well. However, I am getting tired of taking the backhoe on and off the Bobcat to put the bucket or pallet forks on (yes it only takes 5 minutes, I know). I am also tired of destroying every lawn I go near with the bobcat.
Many guys around here have one Skidsteer and one Tractor-Loader-Backhoe in theire stable. A common choice is a Kubota L35 as a second, or first, machine A lot of my planting jobs would be better suited to a TLB, but I like the ruggedness of the Bobcat for grading, new lawns, and new contruction. One limitation on my Bobcat is its 1600 lb lift capacity, not a full pallet of pavers. We have to hand pull the top few rows of a pallet or else the pallet will rip up the ground as we push it.
Digin, how do you get around this with your smaller Bobcat?
My second machine, when the time comes, will most likely be a TLB. I like this machine from Bobcat
http://www.bobcat.com/products/item....ml?itemId=1751 and it ran nice when I demoed it in the Spring at a Bobcat open house. However, comparing a TLB to a skid-steer is like comparing apples to oranges, different feel and diffferent characteristics. I need to demo some other machines to make a fair comparison.
Final note, Bobcat makes a skid steer with four wheel steering. It can four wheel steer or lock up and run like a normal skid steer. You may want to check that out.