Best Skid Steer for Farming

Versatile workhorses for livestock and crop operations

Farm skid steers need durability and dealer support over cutting-edge features. A mid-size machine (2,000-2,700 lb capacity) handles most farm tasks. Vertical lift preferred for bale handling. John Deere and Kubota lead in rural dealer coverage.

Top Picks for Farming

John Deere 320G

Best for Rural Areas

Excellent dealer network in agricultural regions. Proven reliability in dusty, dirty farm environments. Parts readily available at local dealers.

Capacity

2,690 lb

HP

75 HP

Lift Type

Vertical

Used Price

$35K-$55K

Kubota SSV75

Best Value

Excellent value with strong dealer support. Kubota diesel reliability. Popular with mixed farming operations and hobby farms.

Capacity

2,690 lb

HP

74 HP

Lift Type

Vertical

Used Price

$30K-$48K

New Holland L230

Ag-Focused Design

Purpose-built for agricultural applications. Superior cab filtration for dusty conditions. New Holland/Case dealer network in farm country.

Capacity

3,000 lb

HP

90 HP

Lift Type

Vertical

Used Price

$35K-$52K

Common Farm Applications

Feeding Operations

Round bale handling, TMR mixing, silage pushing. Vertical lift and bale spears essential. Daily use machine.

Manure Handling

Barn cleaning, pile management, spreader loading. Corrosion resistance important. Consider washdown package.

Snow Clearing

Farmyard, lane, and building access. Enclosed cab essential in Canadian prairie winters.

General Material Handling

Pallet forks for feed bags, seed, supplies. Bucket for gravel, dirt, grain pile cleanup.

Key Features for Farming

Vertical Lift

Essential for bale handling and truck loading. Provides reach needed for stacking and feeding. Most farm operations require vertical lift.

Cab Filtration

Sealed cab with pressurized filtration for dust, chaff, and crop residue. Critical during harvest and feeding operations.

Dealer Network

Rural parts and service availability critical. John Deere and Kubota have strongest agricultural presence. Consider nearest dealer distance.

Serviceability

Easy access for daily checks and basic maintenance. Farmers often do their own service. Consider parts commonality with existing equipment.

Essential Farm Attachments

Attachment Use Case Used Price
Bale Spear Round bale handling $500-$1,200
Pallet Forks Feed, supplies, pallets $600-$1,200
Manure Fork Bedded pack, loose manure $800-$1,800
Grapple Bucket Brush, debris, silage $2,000-$4,000
Snow Pusher Farmyard snow clearing $1,500-$3,500

Wheeled vs Tracked for Farm

Most farms prefer wheeled skid steers:

  • • Lower operating cost: Tires cheaper than track replacement
  • • Concrete-friendly: Less wear on barn floors
  • • Faster travel: Better for moving between buildings
  • • Cold weather: No frozen track issues

Exception: Feedlot and silage operations may prefer CTLs for muddy conditions and pushing power.

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