Are you exploring the market for a skid steer loader? These small construction vehicles are great for a variety of construction projects. They can also be used for landscaping and other similar jobs. Before deciding which skid steer loader is right for your project, it’s good to get some facts about this machine.
Buying a skid steer for sale is not as simple as walking into a salesroom and driving out with one. You want to check out a few features before picking the best one. After all, they do come with different specifications for different applications.
Read on to find out some facts about skid steer loaders so you’re better informed before purchasing one.
Table of Contents
1. When Do You Need a Skid Steer?
With so many different construction machines to choose from you may be wondering if the skid steer loader is what you need. The first fact about a skid steer loader is that it’s a versatile piece of machinery:
- They can lift and carry material such as soil.
- You can use them to do clean-up of sites.
- Grade and level ground
- Prepare turf
- Spread material
- Skid steer loaders can even be used to prepare cement slabs and for road sweeping
While primarily designed for digging applications, with a number of attachments, this machine becomes extremely useful. The skid steer is commonly used on construction sites, while many landscapers will also include them in their projects. Skid steer loaders can also be found on mining sites.
2. They’re Called Skid Steer for a Reason
The steering of the skid steer is locked on both sides. This means the driver of the skid steer is able to operate the right and left wheels separately. By being able to turn the left wheels independently of the right wheels, the machine is able to turn in place. In other words, it can skid, hence the name, skid steer.
This function gives the vehicle excellent manoeuvrability, allowing it to turn in tight, small spaces or in short distances.
3. Attachments for Skid Steer Loaders
Various attachments can be added to the skid steer loader to enhance its job applications. The most common type attachment used is the bucket. This allows for lifting and moving of materials with ease and efficiency. One example of using the bucket attachment is for clearing snow. Concrete buckets are also popular attachments, as well as digging buckets.
Other attachments that can be used with a skid steer are:
- 3-point adaptors: Perfect for connecting tractor attachments to the skid steer.
- Brooms: These are ideal for sweeping roads, car parks, side curbs and other similar areas to clear away debris and snow.
- Concrete or rock breakers: If your job requires the breaking of hard materials such as concrete and rocks, then these attachments added to your skid steer will get the job done.
- Beach cleaners: An innovative design, these attachments are perfect for cleaning up beaches and other areas requiring the removal of fine debris.
- Booms: If you’re looking to lift and move heavy loads with your skid steer, then adding a boom will ensure the job is done accurately and safely.
The list of attachments goes on and includes backhoes, bale handlers, concrete mixers and so much more.
4. Skid Steers Come in Different Weights
It’s important to factor in the weight of the skid steer. This will determine the type of project it can be used for.
The lighter skid steer will come in under 795kg. They’re perfect for jobs such as landscaping and interior work such as factories. This weight accounts for more manoeuvrability and for better operating in tighter spaces.
A medium size skid steer will weigh anything between 795kg and 1 000kg. With slightly more power, this type of machine can do larger projects compared to the smaller skid steer. The tyres or tracks can be adjusted and the machine can be driven over concrete or asphalt without causing structural damage.
The largest skid steer will weigh over 1000kg. These are your best options for demolition and excavation work on a large-scale. It must be noted transporting these machines to another site entails using a heavy-moving vehicle.
A Final Word on Skid Steer Loaders
With such innovative designs, going with a skid steer loader for your project won’t be a mistake. Buying one from a good brand gives you features such as strong power, ease of operation, different speed travel and comfortable ride features. When buying a skid steer loader for sale you want to make sure it has excellent durability.
Bucket breakout force as well as lift versatility are other features that’ll give you value for your money when buying a skid steer. High performance equals high productivity so make sure your skid steer performs well. Also ensure you can find spare parts easily for the skid steer you buy and that it’s kept in good nick at all times.
These versatile machines can go a long way to helping you succeed in your projects so get the best one you can afford. It’s a piece of machinery you won’t regret having on your inventory list.
