Building a House with Wood

[Ripitz]

Opinions requested: can I safely learn to drive a (track) skid steer if I've never done it? I may try to rent one.

Yes, but I prefer and recommend getting a stand-on. They have better visibility (especially going backwards) and aren’t as tippy. Much easier to hop on and off to move something or rake something out (this is huge if you’re working by yourself) They are much smaller so you can get into tighter places and lighter so there is less disturbance. The only downside is the bucket is smaller so you will be making more trips. In my area they are much less expensive to rent than a full machine.

 

[Campgottagopee]

I've tried to hire someone to help me spread my topsoil and driveway stone but everyone good is booked solid until the ground freezes.

It's becoming clear to me that to finish this house I'm going to need to rent a skid steer or a bobcat or something.

Who's got experience with a skid steer or bobcat?

Opinions requested: can I safely learn to drive a (track) skid steer if I've never done it? I may try to rent one.

Yes, you definitely can. Watch a YouTube video and go for it.
Or borrow Corks tractor with the FEL

 

[Sbob]

How about a small loader with a york rake?
I would think that would be a better application than a skid steer for spreading topsoil.

 

[tirolski]

Yes, but I prefer and recommend getting a stand-on. They have better visibility (especially going backwards) and aren’t as tippy. Much easier to hop on and off to move something or rake something out (this is huge if you’re working by yourself) They are much smaller so you can get into tighter places and lighter so there is less disturbance. The only downside is the bucket is smaller so you will be making more trips. In my area they are much less expensive to rent than a full machine.

The tree service I worked for, as a grunt in my younger daze, told me when they got their stand on track machine it was a big enhancement to getting things done efficiently. Tis especially useful in tighter spaces. It looked like fun.

 

[Campgottagopee]

How about a small loader with a york rake?
I would think that would be a better application than a skid steer for spreading topsoil.

For 2 years I've told Harv he needs a tractor with a FEL....LoL

 

[Tjf1967]

What

Yes, but I prefer and recommend getting a stand-on. They have better visibility (especially going backwards) and aren’t as tippy. Much easier to hop on and off to move something or rake something out (this is huge if you’re working by yourself) They are much smaller so you can get into tighter places and lighter so there is less disturbance. The only downside is the bucket is smaller so you will be making more trips. In my area they are much less expensive to rent than a full machine.

What he said. Get a dozer blade on that and also rent a Kubota loader. Your spouse can deliver the top soil and you can push it around. Once you get into a rythme you will get a lot done. I can't wait to see what you come up with.

 

[Joneski73]

Can’t go wrong with the skid steer or the stand on Dingo with a bucket. Just a short learning curve and you should be good to go!

 

[Harvey]

The closest place to me that rents one has this model. It would cost me including delivery, maybe twelve hundred 43 days.Uh what do you guys think

| Toro

www.toro.com

 

[Ripitz]

For just the bucket or are you getting other attachments?

 

[Campgottagopee]

The closest place to me that rents one has this model. It would cost me including delivery, maybe twelve hundred 43 days.Uh what do you guys think

| Toro

www.toro.com

Looks like it would do the job.
Not sure how far you have to go but my buddy owns Village Rentals in Speculator.
How much do those things weigh? Would your Maverick tow it? Just thinking it might save you some coin if you could get it yourself.