Buying and Operating a Used Gehl Skid Steer: Practical Insights, Pitfalls, and Preservation

[MikePhua]

Introduction: A Versatile Workhorse
Gehl skid steers have long held a reputation as rugged, simple machines designed for versatile use across agriculture, construction, landscaping, and industrial operations. From clearing brush to lifting pallets, these compact loaders punch above their weight. However, buying a used one—especially from earlier generations—comes with both opportunity and risk. Evaluating mechanical condition, sourcing parts, and understanding the machine’s design philosophy are critical steps in making a good investment.
This article takes a deep dive into used Gehl skid steers, particularly models from the 1990s and early 2000s, examining common challenges, owner experiences, technical advice, and tips to avoid costly mistakes.
Understanding the Gehl Design Philosophy
Gehl’s philosophy has historically been rooted in simplicity, serviceability, and reliability. Many older models, like the Gehl 4625SX, 4625, and 5635, were designed with minimal electronics, a fully mechanical drivetrain, and user-friendly access for maintenance. They’re appealing to owners who want to avoid complex diagnostics and prefer doing their own service work.
Key design features across older Gehl skid steers include:

• Mechanical hand and foot controls (no fly-by-wire or joystick systems)
  
• Chain-driven final drives with easy inspection ports and accessible tensioning
  
• Kohler, Deutz, or Kubota diesel engines, depending on the model and year
  
• Standard SAE quick-attach plates for compatibility with aftermarket attachments
  

While newer machines might offer more comfort or digital control options, these older units shine in raw usability and cost-effective operation.
Common Pitfalls When Buying Used
Skid steers, more than many other machines, are subjected to aggressive use—pushing, lifting, dragging, and bouncing across job sites. A used unit, especially one that hasn’t been maintained well, can hide issues that only appear under load.
Here are the most important areas to inspect:

• Drive Chains and Sprockets: These wear heavily and can be expensive to replace. Look for uneven drive, hesitation, or loud clanking noises when turning.
  
• Hydraulic Leaks: Pay close attention to the lift and tilt cylinder seals, control valve, and hoses tucked inside the frame.
  
• Engine Performance: Listen for hard starts, surging, or smoke on acceleration. An otherwise strong engine may have dirty injectors, a worn fuel pump, or low compression.
  
• Frame Cracks and Welds: Look around the loader arms, pivot points, and rear engine mounts. A cracked frame can compromise the entire machine.
  
• Lift and Tilt Pins: Excessive play at these joints indicates lack of greasing or long-term misuse. Fixing them can require line boring.
  

A small landscaping outfit in Missouri once purchased a used Gehl 4625SX from a farm auction. It ran well at idle but bogged down under bucket loads. After inspection, they discovered a clogged fuel screen buried in the tank—one of several “hidden” problems that escape a casual glance.
The Deutz Engine Factor
Some Gehl models—particularly the 5635 and 4835—are powered by Deutz F3L1011 or F4L1011 diesel engines. These air-cooled engines are efficient and lightweight but have unique quirks.
Notable features:

• Air-Cooled Design: No radiator or coolant system to fail, but vulnerable to overheating if cooling fins are clogged with dust or chaff.
  
• Timing Belt Drive for Camshaft and Injection Pump: Needs replacement around 2,000-hour intervals. A broken belt can cause catastrophic engine damage.
  
• Hard-to-Start When Cold: Especially without working glow plugs or intake heaters. Some operators install block heaters or ether kits in cold climates.
  

An equipment dealer once shared how a Gehl with a Deutz engine sat on his lot for a year because nobody could get it to start. The cause? A missing fuel shut-off solenoid—$65 and ten minutes later, it fired right up.
Hydraulic Performance and Control Feel
Gehl machines have a reputation for smooth hydraulics and responsive operation, especially with foot pedals and mechanical hand controls. However, older machines may develop:

• Spongy controls, often due to air in the system or worn control valve spools
  
• Slow boom and bucket response, which could mean weak hydraulic pumps or leaking internal cylinder seals
  
• Auxiliary hydraulics with poor flow, sometimes caused by clogged filters or deteriorated hoses internally shedding rubber
  

Checking all hydraulic functions under load—such as lifting a full bucket of gravel or tilting under resistance—is vital to diagnosing system health.
One operator recalled a Gehl 4835 with “ghost tilt”—the bucket would slowly curl even without input. The issue? A leaking pilot check valve inside the control block. Parts were still available, but labor was a full-day job.
Operator Ergonomics and Cab Environment
Compared to modern machines, older Gehl skid steers feel tight and spartan. Controls are analog and purely mechanical. Yet many operators appreciate this simplicity, especially in wet or muddy environments where electronics fail.
Cab characteristics include:

• Slide-up safety bar and lap bar system for operator presence
  
• Narrow entry doors that can be awkward with heavy boots
  
• Manual throttle levers and choke (for gas engines) on earlier units
  
• Limited rear visibility, common across all skid steers of the era
  

Adding aftermarket LED lighting or mirrors is a common upgrade. Sound insulation is minimal, and operators should expect to wear hearing protection after extended use.
Parts Availability and Support
One of the main concerns when buying older equipment is the long-term availability of parts. Gehl, now under the Manitou umbrella, continues to support many legacy models, and several aftermarket vendors offer filters, belts, and engine parts.
Parts that are generally easy to source:

• Filters (fuel, air, hydraulic)
  
• Engine belts and glow plugs
  
• Hydraulic cylinder seal kits
  
• Drive sprockets and chains
  
• Tires and wheels
  

Harder-to-find parts:

• Control valve components
  
• Frame parts or panels
  
• Cab glass and door latches
  
• Deutz-specific electronics (solenoids, sensors)
  

A contractor in Maine sourced his control arms from a salvage yard in Indiana and rebuilt his own seat bracket using plate steel and a welder—examples of how resourcefulness often substitutes for unavailable OEM parts.
Cold Weather Performance and Fuel Issues
Older Gehl skid steers can struggle in cold weather, particularly diesel models without glow plugs or working intake heaters.
Cold-weather tips include:

• Use winter-grade diesel with anti-gel additives
  
• Install a block or tank heater to keep the engine warm overnight
  
• Test battery voltage regularly, as cold cranking amps drop significantly
  
• Keep hydraulic oil within the correct viscosity range, or risk sluggish controls
  

In North Dakota, an operator installed a magnetic oil pan heater and a timer to kick it on three hours before his shift. This setup ensured starts even in –20°F conditions.
Stories from the Field: Why People Stick With Gehl
Despite quirks and age, Gehl skid steers retain a loyal following. The reasons include:

• Simplicity: Minimal electronics, direct-mechanical systems, no proprietary diagnostics.
  
• Serviceability: Engine access via side panels and rear hoods is generous.
  
• Affordability: Used models often sell for half the price of competitive Bobcat or Deere machines of similar size.
  
• Durability: With proper care, these machines run well beyond 6,000–8,000 hours.
  

One excavation company still uses a 5635 for trench backfill and grading on tight residential lots. “It may leak a little and scream when it runs, but it’s paid for and does the job every time,” the foreman said.
Conclusion: Know What You’re Buying—But Don’t Underestimate the Machine
Buying a used Gehl skid steer can be a rewarding investment—if approached with mechanical awareness and a critical eye. These machines aren’t luxurious, but they are hard-working, field-repairable, and often significantly less expensive than their competition. For the independent contractor, farmer, or rancher who wants reliable performance without breaking the bank, a well-maintained Gehl may be the best-kept secret in compact equipment.
In a world full of electronics and over-engineering, the older Gehl is a reminder that sometimes, all you really need is steel, hydraulics, and grit.