Any of y'all on here used an MT85 (mini skidsteer) in thick mud at all? Among the endless list of projects I have at the house this year, i'd like to start setting some wood posts for a perimeter fence and also removing dead and down timber from the woods. I live in west central MN where the soil is straight clay and perpetually soaking wet so I was curious how the mini skidsteer would handle that. I was thinking about renting one with a grapple bucket and an auger. Another option for the posts while I am waiting on the ground to dry out (it never did last year) is a two-man auger but i've heard those have trouble in heavy clay as well and I want the posts sunk 4' ideally. I've used a S650 quite a bit at work over the years but never messed around with the little guy so wasn't sure of its limitations other than the listed specs. Any thoughts?
mini skidsteer question...
- Thread starter jb0311
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The MT85 does have tracks on it. It's the model without a cab that you stand on a platform on the back to operate. I don't see it used much other than minor landscaping duty. Pretty much all of my experience from work is on the S650 that I wouldn't dare take into this muddy of an area, even with the steel tracks on, but it is quite a bit heavier as well. My property is surrounded by farm fields that I would have to track around to dig the post holes. I guess if nothing else, the mini would be easier to pull out lol.
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When I've seen people muddle through in bad conditions with machines like this, they lay a "road" first. A layer of gravel, or just a bunch of plywood/chipboard for it to work off.
Diverdon, You are the first person I've ever heard recommend a Gehl skid steer. No operator I've ever talked to has anything positive to say about them.
We have had one on the farm for about 15 years. I haven't got it stuck or broke anything yet, but I'm no pro and I don't use it every day. A skid steer would never work for us. It would always be stuck and making ruts. The Compact trac loader has a very low ground pressure, you can run it right across the lawn even in the spring and do almost no damage.
I'm familiar with CTL's and skid steers. I'm a Kubota tech and construction is a big part of my job.
I’m renting and I’m very rural so I’m at the mercy of what they have. The closest rental place is over an hour away. It’s either the mini or an S130 (tires). Once the ground dries I will be getting the 130 to do some minor dirt work but that will get stuck in a heartbeat in wet ground. The mini has all the attachments I’ll need for a weekend of work (auger and grapple). I’m familiar with the capabilities of the larger skidsteers from operating them, I’ve just never used the mini. It’s small size could either be a benefit or a problem in mud.
Ah...understand completely. Wasn't being a smartass, was just asking the question. Good luck with the project!
We use our cat 279 and 287 tracked skid steers in anything and everything. Both were bought as used rental units so I would be surprised if your rental place doesn't have something comparable. Either one will run the auger in heavy sticky clay. Last time I drilled holes they were 8' deep and 4' across, never slowed down.
They are heavy, be prepared to have a 12k lb machine + trailer if you're using your own truck.
They are heavy, be prepared to have a 12k lb machine + trailer if you're using your own truck.
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