A Takeuchi Skid Steer for Farming


For many ranches, a skid-steer loader is just as vital to the operation as a feed truck or a four-wheeler. These machines are extremely versatile. They have a small footprint for their capacity, and a good operator can make quick work of common tasks. However, there are several things to consider before purchasing a machine.

THE DEMO
You wouldn't buy a new truck without a test drive. The same should be true for machines. At Top Lift Enterprises we allow serious buyers to "demo" a new machine. Always test drive the brand and size of machine you want to buy before making a purchase.

NEW OR USED
New machines will always have the latest upgrades and the shiniest paint for they come without the worries of past abuse. If you are the kind of person who always buys a brand-new truck, this might be the best option for you. However, there are many good used machines available too. Unless you know what to look for, it is best to buy used machines from a dealer like us here at Top Lift Enterprises with 5 locations nationwide. If you do choose to buy independently be suspicious of fresh paint, rust and oil leaks. Always open the inspection panels and raise the cab. Ask for maintenance records and about any repairs. It is buyer beware. Great deals might mean that it's stolen also so be sure to always check the serial number. For inventory selection at Top Lift Enterprise check our website www.toplift.com and give us a call us!

SIZE AND POWER
Decide what operations the machine will perform and let one of Top Lift Enterprise’s highly experienced sales manager’s find the machine that fits your farming needs. Always remember the biggest machine is not always the best. Evaluate the lift height and tipping load specifications relative to what you plan to move. Consider height constraints in pens and buildings, the width of openings and how often you will haul it on a trailer. Typically, a s Takeuchi skid steer is easier to haul than a tractor with the same capacity.

TRACKS OR TIRES
Rubber tracks have a larger footprint and tend to be easier on grass. Consider these for use in muddy areas and when use in pastures is common. They provide better traction but cost more to replace than tires. Steel tracks that install over the tires are also available. These provide the most traction but are the hardest on grass. If the primary use will be on concrete, consider solid tires over pneumatic for longer life.

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Think about what attachments you might need for your operation before buying a machine. Make sure it has auxiliary hydraulics at a flow rate appropriate for any future attachments. Also, a cab with heat and air conditioning is nice especially on those cold Canadian days or hot humid Canadian summers.
HOW MUCH IS IT NEEDED ON THE OPERATION
Seriously consider what a Takeuchi skid steer is needed for on your operation. If you can think of uses to justify the purchase, it should be an easy decision because you will find many other uses you hadn't considered. Below is a partial list of possibilities. The ideas are endless with the number and diversity of attachments available. A Takeuchi skid steer can increase the efficiency of many ranch operations.

POTENTIAL TAKEUCHI SKID-STEER LOADER USES
  • ·       Fence building: Remove old posts and wire, dig corner and line post holes, drive t-posts, shape water gaps, and clear brush.
  • ·       Handling hay: A properly sized skid steer is faster than a tractor when loading and unloading hay, and can be used to feed hay.
  • ·       Handling feed: Mix and deliver rations, and handle pallets of mineral and feed. A skid steer enables bulk flat storage.
  • ·       Manure management: Scrape pens, clean up hay feeding areas in the spring, and load and spread manure.
  • ·       Road maintenance: Spread gravel, fix holes and drainage, and push snow.
  • ·       Brush clearing: Preparing fire guards, remove small brush and use as tree shears for larger trees.
  • ·       Water: Trench lines, install tanks, excavate breaks and add rock around water points.
  • ·       Construction: Level and grade building sites, and handle materials.
  • ·       Animal handling: Yes, they even make a calf corral that you can lower over a new calf for protection against aggressive cows.

Endless ideas: Add attachments like grapple buckets, forks, side flow auger buckets and a 3-point adapter plate for more uses.

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