buying a skidsteer brush mower implement, but renting the skid steer

[Bszweda]

Hey guys,

I have about 50 acres I need to brush hog on a yearly basis. I am thinking about buying a skid steer brushmower implement, but renting the actual skid steer from somewhere. The weekly skid steer rental would cost me about 850 dollars, but if I were to rent their bush hog mower it would be an additional 800 dollars per week. I feel like buying a 5k brush mower implement would make more financial sense in the long run, but rent the skid steer. Have any of you guys done this before? Do you think the rental company would allow for this?

Thanks,
Brad

 

[Iowa_Dave]

I have rented a skid steer several times and while I have never then used my own bush hog attachment, because I don't have one :), I can't think of any reason why you couldn't then use your own attachment with the rented skid steer.

 

[hillrunner]

I'd much rather put that 5 grand towards a skid steer. You can do endless projects with one of those but a brush mower is pretty worthless on its own. A skid loader will hold its value much better than the mower will as well.

 

[bzb_1]

I wouldn't buy the implement without a way to run it...Just curious but once you cut what you want would a regular brush hog work? If so why not a tractor with a loader, a normal brush hog and rent the skid/brush cutter once? I own a tractor and skid steer. I love having both at my disposal but I spend 95% of my time on my tractor compared to my skid steer. I used a heavy duty brush cutter once and now maintain everything with the tractor and brush hog. I have owned my skid steer for three years...Its rough, bought it used and had it gone over and repaired everything wrong. It has not been a minutes problem since. It is a handy machine. If I had to pick I would go with a tractor with a loader especially for habitat work.

 

[Bszweda]

thanks for the replies.... I am a remote land owner, and don't want to worry about storing a skidsteer or tractor. I have a 3 sided shed, but figure the mice would cause problems. Another reason I feel a skidsteer with tracts would be easier and faster on hills . I was thinking if I purchase a skid steer bushhog it will pay for itself in 4 or 5 years vs renting it once a year for a week at a cost of 800 dollars.

 

[hillrunner]

thanks for the replies.... I am a remote land owner, and don't want to worry about storing a skidsteer or tractor. I have a 3 sided shed, but figure the mice would cause problems. Another reason I feel a skidsteer with tracts would be easier and faster on hills . I was thinking if I purchase a skid steer bushhog it will pay for itself in 4 or 5 years vs renting it once a year for a week at a cost of 800 dollars.

I'd venture to say your cheapest option in that scenario is probably hiring it done. I would not own a piece of equipment that I needed to rent a machine to run or even move it. Brush cutters break down, they need the blades sharpened and replaced from time to time, seals go bad and hoses get pinched not to mention the depreciation. The cost of ownership will exceed the original purchase cost.

 

[Tree Spud]

I'd venture to say your cheapest option in that scenario is probably hiring it done. I would not own a piece of equipment that I needed to rent a machine to run or even move it. Brush cutters break down, they need the blades sharpened and replaced from time to time, seals go bad and hoses get pinched not to mention the depreciation. The cost of ownership will exceed the original purchase cost.

I tend to agree. One question comes up how do you move it without a machine or get it into your trailer if it needs to go in for service?

 

[247Deer]

I own both a skid steer and and tractor with FEL both are 90HP and both have advantages and disadvantages .Heavy brush mowing with trees skid steer can't be beat and much easier on equipment hills can be a problem if wet traction with a 4 wheel tractor is better. Skid steer uses more fuel but is more maneuverable like a zero turn mower.As far as renting one and using your own mower it should not be a problem but your mower has to be sized to your skid steer keep that in mind when buying one you have standard flow and high flow +GPM flow to consider when renting