Choosing the Right Skid Steer for Home and Farm Use

[MikePhua]

Skid steer loaders have become indispensable tools for both professional contractors and homeowners looking to handle various tasks around the property or farm. Their compact size, versatility, and maneuverability make them ideal for everything from landscaping and material handling to clearing debris and digging. However, selecting the right skid steer for home and farm use requires careful consideration of the specific tasks you'll be performing, the machine's performance capabilities, and its suitability for your property size and conditions.
This guide will explore the factors to consider when choosing a skid steer for home and farm use, the top models to look at, and key attachments that can help you maximize the machine’s utility.
What to Look for in a Skid Steer for Home and Farm Use
When choosing a skid steer for household or farm tasks, the following factors should guide your decision:

1. Size and Maneuverability:
   Skid steers come in a variety of sizes, typically categorized as compact, mid-frame, and large-frame machines. For home and farm use, a compact or mid-frame skid steer is often ideal because it can handle a wide range of tasks while maintaining the ability to navigate tight spaces. A smaller machine is particularly helpful for working in confined areas, such as barns, gardens, and around structures.
   
2. Horsepower and Performance:
   The horsepower of the skid steer determines its lifting capacity, digging power, and speed. For light tasks like landscaping, dirt-moving, and snow removal, a machine with 50 to 70 horsepower should suffice. If you have more demanding needs, such as lifting heavier materials or working on larger properties, consider a model with higher horsepower.
   
3. Operating Capacity (ROC):
   The rated operating capacity (ROC) is an important consideration when choosing a skid steer. It refers to the amount of weight the machine can safely lift or carry. For general home and farm use, a machine with an ROC of 1,500 to 2,000 pounds is typically sufficient. However, if you need to lift large loads, opt for a skid steer with a higher ROC.
   
4. Lift Height and Reach:
   The lift height and reach of a skid steer are critical for tasks such as loading materials into a truck, stacking firewood, or unloading hay bales. While most home and farm tasks don’t require extreme lift heights, having a reach of at least 8 to 10 feet will allow you to easily clear walls, fences, and obstacles.
   
5. Hydraulic System and Auxiliary Power:
   Auxiliary hydraulics are essential if you plan to use a variety of attachments such as post drivers, augers, or snow blowers. Ensure that the skid steer you choose has sufficient hydraulic power to run these attachments efficiently. A flow rate of 20 to 30 gallons per minute (GPM) is common in machines designed for general use around the farm or home.
   
6. Terrain and Tires/Tracks:
   Consider the type of terrain you'll be working on. For soft or uneven ground, skid steers with tracks (often referred to as "CTLs" or "compact track loaders") provide better flotation and traction, preventing the machine from getting stuck in mud or soft soil. If your land is primarily firm or paved, tire-based models are more than sufficient and easier to maintain.
   
7. Comfort and Ease of Use:
   Since skid steers often require long hours of operation, comfort is essential. Look for a machine with an ergonomic design and good visibility. Features such as air conditioning, suspension seating, and user-friendly controls can make a significant difference when working for extended periods.
   

Top Skid Steer Models for Home and Farm Use
Several skid steers on the market are well-suited for home and farm tasks. Some of the most popular models include:

1. Bobcat S70:
   • Engine Power: 23.5 horsepower
     
   • ROC: 1,300 pounds
     
   • Lift Height: 7 feet
     The Bobcat S70 is a compact and highly maneuverable skid steer designed for small properties and tight spaces. It’s perfect for landscaping, light excavation, and material handling tasks around the home and farm.
     
2. John Deere 318G:
   • Engine Power: 56 horsepower
     
   • ROC: 1,750 pounds
     
   • Lift Height: 10.5 feet
     The John Deere 318G is a compact but powerful skid steer that can tackle a variety of tasks. With its solid build and excellent hydraulic power, it’s suitable for digging, lifting, and hauling on medium-sized farms or properties.
     
3. Case 570N Tractor Loader:
   • Engine Power: 74 horsepower
     
   • ROC: 2,200 pounds
     
   • Lift Height: 12 feet
     The Case 570N offers the power of a larger machine while maintaining the versatility of a skid steer. It’s great for heavy lifting and earth-moving tasks around large farms, making it a good option for those needing to manage larger projects.
     
4. Kubota SSV65:
   • Engine Power: 64 horsepower
     
   • ROC: 1,950 pounds
     
   • Lift Height: 10.8 feet
     Kubota’s SSV65 is well-regarded for its durability and ease of use. It’s a solid all-around machine that can handle everything from snow removal to lifting heavy materials.
     
5. Gehl V420:
   • Engine Power: 74 horsepower
     
   • ROC: 2,100 pounds
     
   • Lift Height: 12 feet
     The Gehl V420 is a vertical-lift skid steer that provides excellent reach and lifting capability. This machine is ideal for tasks requiring heavy lifting or long reach, such as loading high-sided trucks or handling large materials.
     

Popular Skid Steer Attachments for Home and Farm Tasks
Skid steers are known for their versatility, which is largely due to the availability of various attachments that can be quickly swapped in and out. Some popular attachments for home and farm use include:

• Bucket: A general-purpose bucket is essential for loading, digging, and moving materials. Standard and heavy-duty versions are available, depending on the tasks you’ll be doing.
  
• Forks: Fork attachments are ideal for lifting and transporting materials like firewood, pallets, hay bales, or boxes of supplies.
  
• Post Driver: A post driver attachment is useful for installing fence posts or setting up structures on your property or farm.
  
• Auger: For drilling holes, such as planting trees, installing fence posts, or setting up signage, an auger attachment is invaluable.
  
• Snow Plow or Snow Blower: Clearing snow from driveways, walkways, or barnyards is a breeze with a skid steer-mounted snow plow or snow blower.
  
• Landscaping Rake: Great for grading, leveling, and clearing debris, a landscaping rake is useful for lawn care and land preparation.
  
• Grapple Bucket: A grapple bucket is perfect for handling logs, brush, and other bulk materials that need to be moved, especially when you need to grab or hold onto awkward items.
  

Maintenance Tips for Skid Steer Operation
Proper maintenance ensures your skid steer operates efficiently and lasts for many years. Here are some maintenance tips:

1. Regular Oil Changes:
   Change the engine oil every 250-500 hours, depending on usage. A high-quality oil will keep the engine components lubricated and prevent premature wear.
   
2. Check Fluids Frequently:
   Regularly check hydraulic, coolant, and transmission fluid levels. Low fluid levels can cause serious damage to your skid steer’s performance and efficiency.
   
3. Clean the Air Filter:
   A clogged air filter can reduce engine efficiency and performance. Clean or replace the air filter every 100-150 hours.
   
4. Inspect Tires or Tracks:
   Ensure that your tires or tracks are in good condition, and check for proper tension. Regularly inspect the tread for wear or damage and replace as necessary.
   
5. Grease the Machine:
   Regular greasing of pivot points, arms, and other moving components is essential to prevent friction and reduce wear. Grease the machine every 50-100 hours of operation.
   

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Skid Steer for Your Property
The right skid steer can make a significant difference in the efficiency and ease of completing tasks around the house or farm. By considering factors such as machine size, lift capacity, engine power, and attachments, you can select a skid steer that will meet your needs for years to come. Whether you’re performing light landscaping tasks or lifting heavy materials, there is a skid steer on the market that fits your requirements.
By investing in a reliable machine and following proper maintenance procedures, you can ensure that your skid steer will continue to perform at its best, saving you time, effort, and money in the long run.