Hey Fellas, I have both. The skid steer is much more handy than a loader tractor for many reasons. Visibility, stability, ease of use, hydrostat, etc..... .....but as with anything there are down falls. They are useless in mud or thawing frozen ground. IF you live in the northern states and have ruts that stay frozen all winter, they would beat a fella to death. I finally purchased tracks, a must for a skid steer!!! Much smoother, go anywhere traction, never been stuck with my tracks yet!!! I have a Scat Trak that was bought out by Volvo in 2003 I believe. You can find them used and they are terrific units. They were made in Wisconsin so parts are american. You can get the pumps serviced at any local hydraulic shop, they have all standard hose fitting you can get made most anywhere. The larger units use Perkins diesel engines, mine has a 1004 series 86hp 4 cyl engine in it and its TOUGH!!! I have a set of pallet forks/bale spikes, tooth bucket, smooth bucket, post hole digger, and have used other items on it. They are handy as a pocket on a shirt. If you arent mowing acerage and only using for grading, feeding, cleaning barns, manure piles etc..... ...go with the skid steer, they spin on a dime. Tractors are much better for pulling things, mowing, general farm work but for strictly a loader tractor, a skid steer will run circles around one. If I have any challengers let me know!!!
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