The OP said " I need to make fire lane roads, clear some 20 year old regrowth, build a pond, and make a long gravel driveway. " Now you bring your 257 skid steer and I'll bring my D6N or 953C and we each bring $1,000 for every hour the other is still working after the first one finishes. I won't even charge the OP. The floor is open for side bets too.

[/quote]

Now this is getting interesting. Lol. This is a very helpful debate for me. I thought about a skid steer for the ease of transportation and I already know how to operate one somewhat. I don't think it has the weight to accomplish what I need without it taking a really long time. I thought about a dozer because of the ability to level dirt. I thought about a loader for knocking down trees and carrying dirt. I guess the debate in my mind carries on. But, if y'all want to have an equipment competition on my property. I will open it up to you. I will buy the beer. Winner gets turkey rights for 5 years.