Getting to know you

Landscape contractors need to look closely at the support they’ll receive from the dealer and whether they’ll be there when there’s a skid-steer crisis, says Kent Pellegrini, sales support consultant, skid-steer and multi-terrain loaders, for Peoria, Ill.-based Caterpillar.

“Quality, professional service technicians and a reputation for parts and service availability are critical to your bottom line,” he says.

However, the most important guideline manufactures recommend when making a purchase is for landscape contractors to be comfortable with how the skid-steer operates for them. And this can only be accomplished by spending time in the machine.

Brad Lemke, director of product development at Grand Rapids, Minn.-based ASV, recommends landscape contractors rent skid-steers for a day or two and use them on the job site prior to making any purchasing decisions.

“It might cost you $150 to $200 a day, but it’s better than going out and purchasing a machine that ends up being a mistake,” he says. “And it’s not a total waste because you’re still getting use out of the rental.”

Receiving a demonstration from a dealer is another good way to get to know particular brands of skid-steers. As Dan Rafferty, product marketing manager at Savannah, Ga.-based JCB says, “Use the machines and make sure they do what you need them to do for you.”