Was it a Good Idea to Buy a Used John Deere Skid Steer?

Back in 2022 we purchased a 20 year old John Deere 250 Skid Steer. We used it lightly and then paused on a big project as we awaited some direction. Nevertheless we loved it and used it quite a bit ... until it lost all of its lifting power. After putting A LOT of money into repairs, was it still a good idea for us to buy a skid steer? No really, that is what we are wondering ...
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[@CMDSR]

If the skid steer sets in a barn gathering dust then it’s gonna nit break down. If it’s out working daily it’s gonna need repairs from time to tine. Don’t feel bad about your purchase cost plus the repair cost , that’s part of ownership.

[@aratcalderon5735]

I bought a John Deere skid steer 250 last year on an auction for 2500 best purchase I made.

[@rackemhardandy1381]

We've had a JD 250 for many years now. Ive had the main tandem axle pump out once. Not a fun job.The caps on the underside came loose. A tech told us to never idle at the lowest position as it makes everything rattle more. Seems to always have some kind of leak though. For the small farm operation we have it does great for us. All machines have there issues. I think it's a luck game. We did put run flats on ours and permanently mounted chains on the pneumatic tire for moving snow. Best decision Ive ever made. Oh and a new air ride seat was a big improvement too.

[@TheBeginningFarmer]

You are completely right about the shaking that little 3 cylinder diesel produces! I too was told not to run it at idle. I think I just need to put some hours on it and I will feel better about everything. Right now I'm just wary of everything :)

[@jerrylansbury9558]

Question ???? Why own a skid loader ??? I grew up using a tractor and loader..... A narrow bucket ( 4ft wide ) . A single cylinder to tilt the bucket. One way cylinders on the main boom. Most farmers dont understand what a good hydraulic system means and is ! A tractor and loader has many uses..... and a much longer reach for moving and removing trees etc. A skid loader.......the trees are nearly in the cab with you. Or they will come visit you soon ! You can use a heavy duty I beam for a blade to push snow and dirt ( on a tractor ) ...also adding weight ( ballast ) .
I used a skid loader for two days removing bales from a field. Yah cant go through deep snow with a skid loader ( 3 feet deep ) . If you want to have back issues....buy a skid loader ! The bar that went across my chest nearly broke my sternum !
A skid loader is great for close quarters and on smooth surfaces. Not for in fields ! Unless you want to visit the chiropractor weekly !

[@ramiller5675]

The only pieces of equipment that I've bought new were a hay trailer and a squeeze chute. Every other piece of equipment was bought used, most of it needed fixed in one way or another, and a few things I wish I'd never bought.

[@TheBeginningFarmer]

Same here on our farm :) The newest piece of equipment we have is our hay rake ... it's nothing special, but I do love it!

[@rickayers3150]

I don't know buddy. Im not a John Deere man im more of a Kubota man. If it was me i would run the hell out of it and see what happens. If it dont work out dump it. Hey wish you luck.

[@TheBeginningFarmer]

We're going to hit it hard this spring for sure! I guess if we need some cash flow we will sell it and then move on to the next plan ... whatever that is :) Thanks for watching!