[TerraSerenity]

Well I have to admit I have no interest in buying a Bob Cat since I run a New Holland 665. BUT a my wife's horse friend does. She lives out in no-where PA. She is looking to using a skid steer on her horse farm, With all here little horses. Draft's like in Budweiser horses. So you could say they not only EAT alot but imaging what happens after they eat!? YOU BET!
So I suggested looking into the Bob Cat for several reasons. Most common model out there. She shouldn't have to hard a time finding a dealer for parts and service. Plus finding some thing used....

So this is what she is trying to shot for in a machine which can lift min of 800 pounds, move dirt, poop... you know the normal skid steer stuff. I feel a compact tractor might be a little short on the lift when she has to move a 800 square bale.

She is looking to spend around $5,000 which I feel might be $5 short on a nice used machine. But with all that being said. Can some of you give me MODELs which could be in the $5-8 range used. So I can point here in the correct directions. I'm clueless when I look a machinetrader with all the chooses.

[AZTLANLC]

Sorry but I think 5% budget would buy you a piece of equipment that in the long run would cost you thousands more.
You might be able to buy a real old machine for that amount but don't expect nothing reliable, a bobcat 453

[TerraSerenity]

Great I'll pass that on. I feel the same way. That's why I spent 12k when I bought my 665 equipment. But I can tell you more about New Holland then I can about BoB. I don't think she needs something that is a every day work horse. Just a 1-4 time use a month. I'll pass that 453 on. Thanks Aztlanlc

[scl]

463 Is Bobcats smallest machine, great for getting in stalls, but a little light on lift capacity. 800 is about all it wants. You can find these fairly reasonable from time to time. Next in line is the 553/s100, but I don't know much about those. Next, and probably her best value, would be a 751/753/s130/s150. These are 60" wide and have a short wheelbase for maneuverability, with a lift capacity of 13-1500. You can find some low hour ones for $9-$12k if you keep your eyes open, and they are TANKS. I've had a 753 for 8 years and love it.
Skid Steer Loaders Overview - Bobcat Company

Scott

[GLAN]

I had once worked on a property in a "Very" affluent area, not far from me......They had a small stable, 4 or 5 horses, corall and padoc.

Twice a year I had to haul off the Manure.........They had a small Bobcat.....was told it was the farm model....what ever.

Not much carrying capacity......not much height clearance.......but it did surve it's purpose and worked well......if it's considered personal use....the small one is fine........If anyone prefers to over buy.......that's a personal choice

[4seasons]

What about something like a dingo?
you can get what everattachment you want for it.
plus you can probably find one in that price range


on a side note what's solar landscaping?

[SOSPD]

I have a 2001 463 w/1700 hrs and it has been very reliable and is a worker. I use mine to run a trencher and backfill after my mini-Ex and it works great. The 700 lb lift capacity is a limitation and it does not have the power / weight to lay the bucket down and cut a grade (you have to root your way through). Other than that its a handy thing to have, at 36" wide w/wheels tucked in and 42" wide w/wheels out it will run through any gate. Average price range for my machine is around $5,500.00 - $6,000.00.

[RHPL]

Deffinitely go for a 463 or a dingo or something like that. Anything bigger, like an older 700 series machine will result in big repair bills in the long run. I bought a 1988 743 back in 2002 for $8K. I worked it pretty hard and over the next 4 years I spent over $10K on repairs including fuel pump, rad, head gasket etc. About 2 years ago it started blowing white smoke again (almost time to do the head gasket agsin?) so I traded it in and got $5K towards a bigger machine.

A smaller machine will be newer and with beter access for the same money.