I would not consider it to be top heavy. In most conditions I think it's more stable than a normal mini excavator of similar weight and size. I'm not sure if Mecalac makes a light material bucket, but if they don't, you could use a skid steer adapter and any skid steer bucket with that. However, as with any tracked excavator or skid steer, it will have terrible traction in the snow, unless you get special tracks or cleats for it. I have a skid steer adapter for mine and use it with forks and a vibrating roller. What are your expected uses for the machine?