Thomas Skid Steers – A Dependable Workhorse with a Loyal Following

[MikePhua]

Origins and Manufacturing Background
Thomas Equipment, based in New Brunswick, Canada, produced skid steer loaders mainly during the 1980s through early 2010s. Their machines were designed around simplicity and reliability, using common components such as Kubota diesel engines and Vickers hydraulic pumps. Production eventually ceased, with focus shifting toward compact walk‑behind units, but many units still operate today thomasloaders.com+3Heavy Equipment Forums+3SteelSoldiers+3.
General Reputation and Performance

• Reported as durable and basic, Thomas skid steers lack luxury but excel in functionality.
  
• Known for minimal electronics and simple mechanical layout, making them easy to repair.
  
• Operators in Manitoba and Maine frequently cited seeing these machines daily on jobsites, noting their long service life and robustness New Ag Talk+7skidsteerforum.com+7Heavy Equipment Forums+7.
  

Technical Specifications at a Glance
Notable models included T133, T153, 1700 ProTough, 185, 2200, and 250—with operating weights ranging from 3,700 to 8,000 lbs. Most featured Kubota diesel engines, hydrostatic transmissions, and universal hydraulic components VeriTread.
Technical Terms Glossary

• Hydrostatic transmission: Uses hydraulic fluid to connect engine power to drive wheels—offers smooth control and zero-radius turning.
  
• Kubota diesel engine: Compact, fuel-efficient, and easy to find parts for—trusted by many operators for reliability.
  
• ProTough series: Heavier-duty variants with reinforced frames and higher capacity components for professional use.
  
• Hydraulic motor/pump: Off-the-shelf parts that power drive and auxiliary systems; rebuildable and widely available.
  

Field Evaluations and Operator Feedback

• A machine with 5,000 hours still “ran like new” when regular maintenance was performed.
  
• Another user reported minimal breakdown over nine years in stone delivery and general contractor work.
  
• One veteran user insisted that routine upkeep and standard parts access made Thomas machines as dependable as Bobcats, if not more economical Facebook+12LawnSite+12Wikipedia+12Heavy Equipment Forums+3SteelSoldiers+3skidsteerforum.com+3Heavy Equipment Forums+1skidsteerforum.com+1.
  

Common Concerns and Limitations

• Thomas loaders are no longer manufactured, so OEM parts availability is limited. Many components must now be sourced via general suppliers or salvage parts.
  
• Some owners reported difficulty getting warranty support or technical assistance as the company evolved and ultimately exited skid steer production Heavy Equipment Forumsskidsteerforum.com.
  

Community Quotes Reflecting Operator Sentiment

“These machines are built tough... built to stand up to what is thrown in their way.” — operator of a T133 with high hours skidsteerforum.com+1skidsteerforum.com+1
“They were durable, simple, and most models came with Kubota engines.” — consistent positive review from upstate New York operator Haytalk+3Heavy Equipment Forums+3skidsteerforum.com+3

Real‑World Use Cases

• A T133 in rural Maine was regularly used for construction and farming tasks—it served for nearly a decade with only minor repairs.
  
• Operators in Southern Canada used Thomas machines for landscape work, praising their stability, parts interchangeability, and ease of maintenance.
  
• Many replacement components like hoses, bearings, filters, and hydraulic parts remain available via third-party suppliers, thanks to the use of generic sub‑assemblies skidsteerforum.com.
  

Best Practices When Considering a Thomas Skid Steer

• Confirm engine type, usually Kubota, and check parts support through engine suppliers.
  
• Investigate hydraulic component rebuild options, since pumps and motors use generic vendors.
  
• Prioritize machines with clear maintenance history—hours matter less if regular servicing was done.
  
• Have a shop equipped to repair older, less-standard skid steer designs—be prepared to DIY minor issues.
  

Why Owners Still Choose Thomas Machines
Their appeal lies in practicality: low purchase cost, simplicity, rebuildable systems, and hardware that any heavy‑equipment mechanic can understand. Many operators view Thomas machines as a reliable "no‑frills" alternative to more expensive brand names.
Conclusion
Thomas skid steers may not rival modern Bobcats in feature count, dealer coverage, or comfort—but their value persists where ruggedness, simplicity, and budget matter most. Owners praise them for strong Kubota engines, generic parts that are rebuildable, and mechanical layouts that last decades with care.
In essence, if you’re seeking a lean, tough, and cost-effective skid steer for farm, landscape, or light construction use, a well-maintained Thomas loader remains a solid contender—even years after the brand faded from mainstream production.