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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[jakegibbs]

Small Tip from our farm to yours is when you get to that last 1 inch or so depending on how clean you want back dragging will make it so much cleaner for live stock

[rackemhardandy]

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.

[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.

[ramiller]

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.

[aratcalderon]

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

[jerrylansbury]

Question ???? Why own a skid loader ??? I grew up using a tractor and 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 and a much longer reach for moving and removing trees etc. A skid 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 !

[allenmeierotto]

That machine was made prior to the year 2000 judging from the older leaping deer logo I see. Elsewise, whoever repainted it used older decals, etc. I know the original JD skid steer loaders that were engineered and built in Tennessee back in the 90's were an absolute basket case, with fortunes spent on field mod programs and lawsuits for carpal-tunnel syndrome, etc. I wouldn't touch one of those with a ten foot pole, and I grew up on a JD farm.

[ericlohman]

I bought a 05 deere 325 during the equipment shortage due to the plandemic as well. It had only 1400 hours and was the base model single speed, no hiflo, hand and foot controls and paid 19k for it (thats a wicked lot of money to me). You didnt mention what you actually paid and im curious if you dont mind will ya share? Also i share your concern problems and am terrified at something major going wrong. Or even minor like the injectors for this you have to remove the engine 😳.

[rickayers]

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.