[JayG]

I need advice. I'm looking to purchase a Kabota tractor L39 (open to other models) with a front-end loader and back-hoe attachment or a skid steer for my landscape business. We do a lot of rock work. I'm interested in the pros and cons of both.

[Pelican]

I'm not sure what you mean by rock work.

My vote for landscaping is a skid steer. Very versatile, very maneuverable and a better lift capacity. I've got a Cat skid steer with Bradco backhoe, 4 way bucket, pallet forks, Harley rake, grapple rake, snowblower and jib boom. The variety of work I can do with this arsenal is amazing!. The attachments go right up front where I can see them and work extremely accurate. The disadvantage is visibility to the rear, plus a few minutes lost dropping the backhoe and attaching the bucket.

I'm not familiar with the size of the Kubota you're looking at. Most compact tractors don't have the lift capacity of skid steers. Compact tractors are better for mowing, and it's handy to have both the backhoe and loader at your disposal at the same time. I've found that parts are a problem with Kubota, I often have to wait a week for parts for my ZD28. You might want to look in to that.

[NCSULandscaper]

Originally posted by Pelican
I'm not sure what you mean by rock work.

My vote for landscaping is a skid steer. Very versatile, very maneuverable and a better lift capacity. I've got a Cat skid steer with Bradco backhoe, 4 way bucket, pallet forks, Harley rake, grapple rake, snowblower and jib boom.

Ive got the same setup and what a skid can do is amazing.........id definantly go with a skid steer if you are landscaping

[JayG]

Thanks for the advice. By rock work I mean we are consistently dealing with 1-11/2 ton pallets of stone to build whatever. I need my equipment to lift the pallets. From what I have been reading, the skid steer seems to be the most versatile, but I want to make sure this is the proper equipment for me before I purchase something so costly.

[JayG]

Since a skid steer seems to be the preference, any suggestions about make and model?

[Pelican]

You'll need a good sized tractor to lift that load. A 2000lb rated skid steer will move that load if you're careful.

[Pelican]

My preference is Cat. The pilot controls are very user friendly and the machine is very quiet compared to other brands. check with your dealers and let them know you're seriously interested, if they want to make the sale they will bring you a demo for the day. If you go Cat, don't go smaller than a 246.

[NCSULandscaper]

i dont know, my 236 CAT does everything i need it to plus some.........but as far as controls, CAT is superior to everyone else and their service is top notch(except their accounting dept) When i was looking at their machines........the dealer brought me a demo here which is over an hour away and said if it doesnt perform like you want call us and we will bring a bigger one up

[Pelican]

NCSULandscaper, are you moving full pallets of bricks? I regularly unload 3200lb pallets from my truck with my 248 and am on the bitter edge of tipping. I'd think a lighter machine would have a bit of trouble. You might be able to move the pallet, but can you drop it from 4' without standing on the nose? Now I'm curious.

[scl]

Back to it, a skidsteer will be much better than the tlb. Aren't many smaller tlbs that will move 3200 lbs. If you were doing a lot of lawn plantings where the 3 pt would come in play then maybe, otherwise, rent a hoe for the few times you'll need it, or a mini x, and get a good size skidsteer. Cats here are pretty pricey, I've had great success with my Bobcat, and you see a lot of NH's here because of price. You'd need an LS180 NH or an S250 Bobcat or better to be safe and not push the envelope. I've got a 45 hp tractor with backhoe, and a skidsteer (753 Bobcat) and while my SS won't do everything I'd like, it goes to every job, while the tractor stays home 90-95% of the time.

Scott

[NCSULandscaper]

Originally posted by Pelican
NCSULandscaper, are you moving full pallets of bricks? I regularly unload 3200lb pallets from my truck with my 248 and am on the bitter edge of tipping. I'd think a lighter machine would have a bit of trouble. You might be able to move the pallet, but can you drop it from 4' without standing on the nose? Now I'm curious.

if you are very very careful then you can lift a cube of bricks with it........i do it all the time, esp 1 3/4 ton pallets of stone......it handles it but like you, you just have to take it easy with them.

[Orchard Ex]

I have an L39 and for most of the things I do it's great. However - it won't lift a full pallet of pavers. It will lift 2/3 of the pallet without really straining though. It's very sensitive to getting the load too far out in front of the tractor. It is great to be able to drop the backhoe and put on the 3 point hitch for harley raking / seeding etc. Usually takes about 20min to swap. I personally like tractors better than SSL's and with the quick attach plate and aux hydraulics on the L39 it is very versatile. But if you want to be able to move big rocks or full pallets I'd suggest a larger SSL as these guys said. You might look for ones that can add ballast on the rear to help keep from tipping. I'm thinking about adding a larger used Skid Steer to my "fleet" sometime soon just to be able to lift "the big stuff". Or maybe I'll just go to one of the compact wheel loaders like the JD 244J...
So many cool toys, so little credit line left....

Regards,

[mrusk]

i Got a new cat 246b a couple of weeks ago. I been moving 2900lbs pallets of pavers all week long. I lifted one pallet to full height. I have no doubt i will be able to move a 3800lbs cube of SRW block around site. I do not think i will be able to unload it off a truck, but i don't think i will ever have to.

Once you buy a machine, you'll hvae no idea how you managed without it!

Matt

[capt_met]

if your looking at the L39 you might also want to check out the bobcat B300 TLB. i have one and love it. it does around 75% of the skid steer and mini-ex work i need it to. when it is too tight a fit i rent what is needed for that job. i can't tell you how it would do with a palet of pavers but i wouldn't think it would be a problem. i have lifted some very heavy stuff with the grapple up front with no problem. i believe it is rated around to pick up around 3200 lbs.
good luck

[JayG]

Thanks for all of the valuable input. It seems as though the skid steer would be a more practical purchase. I'm in northeast Arkansas, so if anyone knows of a good used skid steer for sale in the surrounding area, please let me know. I am also looking for a good used dump trailer, but from what I have seen, used prices are not much different than new.