More to learn on Skid Steer Loaders

The skid steer loader is a compact utility vehicle designed to save labor on a variety of tasks. The vehicle, also known as a skidsteer or a skidstee, are extremely maneuverable and tough, providing operators with a handy tool for jobs such as loading and clearing.

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1. Skid Steer Loader Overview

2. Functions

3. Different Types

4. What Can I Do With One?

5. What Can't I Do?

6. When you should use one

7. Cost

8. Major Brands

9. Conclusion

Skid Steer Loader Overview

The first skid steer loader was developed in the 1950s, and was a self-propelled, open-seat, three-wheeled device that allowed the operator to lift heavy loads. The first model was used for farm work, in the clearing of manure on a turkey farm. The skid steer accelerated the work rate, much as a conventional front end loader, but the difference lay in its construction layout. The skid steer employed a unique steering system whereby the operator could turn inside a much tighter radius than a front end loader. It was the three-wheel design that enabled the skid steer to turn inside its own length, because the rear wheel was a caster wheel. More important than this, however, was the unique arm system-more on this shortly.

Modern skid steers have come a long way since their humble beginnings, but their handiness for a wide variety of jobs has not changed. Today, skid steer loaders almost always employ a full-body roll cage for the protection of the operator. Early models did not have this, and thus were somewhat dangerous for the operator. He could become entangled with the arms of the skid steer, especially when entering or exiting the vehicle, and there was the danger of getting a limb caught in the skid steer's arms when they were in motion. Today's models have eliminated this danger.

This introduces the other unique aspect of the skid steer loader, aside from its compact maneuverability. The skid steer owes its compact design and inherent mobility to its arm system. Unlike a conventional front end loader, the skid steer's arms are mounted on pivots toward the rear of the vehicle, instead of near the front. This means that the arms lay alongside the chassis of the skid steer when lowered, and this translates to a compact design. Extra length is eliminated with the rear mounting, without great loss of height ability.

Functions

The skid steer loader is a flexible and versatile machine, and the applications of it are almost as broad as your imagination. Since its basic function is to save labor on physical jobs, it is applicable to everything from farm work to heavy industry. For this reason, the skid steer loader is quite popular among a broad range of operators.

The basic function of the skid steer loader is to load and clear debris and other material. In this respect, it is quite similar to the conventional front end loader. Since these front end loaders are unable to access every area where they are required, however, the skid steer fills a unique role in performing jobs in cramped conditions where larger vehicles might not be practical or possible.

In forestry, for instance, the skid steer loader's compact design is valued because often the jobs take place in conditions without much room to maneuver. Larger machines, such as front end loaders, may not be able to get into the areas where a skid steer might operate. Trees may be close together, or roads too narrow. Whatever the reason, the compact design of the skid steer loader enables foresters to accomplish tasks that might otherwise be impossible with larger vehicles.

The skid steer loader is equally valuable on the farm or ranch. While perhaps not as common as a conventional front end loader like a John Deere tractor, the skid steer loader offers some advantages to farm or ranch work. Again, the compact design is its primary bonus, as it can maneuver into places a conventional tractor might not be able to access. This is handy in ranch work where fences might run closely together, or where buildings spaced close together might prohibit a larger vehicle. Many farms and ranches are not designed with very wide access points or entrances, so although a conventional loader may offer more leverage and power, a skid steer loader offers a definite advantage in mobility.

Different Types

One reason why skid steer loaders are so versatile is because they are adaptable to a wide variety of jobs and tasks. Their inherent design is partly to credit for this, but innovative companies have designed a large number of accessories and options for skid steers. These include different engines, different arm designs, different wheel systems (four wheel designs are available as well as tracked models), and, of course, a large catalog of different arm attachments and tools.

There are even designs that are operated from a standing position on the ground, instead of a driver's seat with a roll cage. These models are light, weighing as little as 500 pounds, whereas the largest models (with the protected driver's seat) can weigh over 3000 pounds. The horsepower on skid steer loaders can range from under 20 to over 85 and more.

Taking the various dimensions into account is also wise. Do you want a large skid steer loader for a big project? Make sure it will fit where you intend to use it. Do you have a project that requires the ability to maneuver in extremely confined spaces? The difference of a few inches may be critical. Spend some time shopping to find out what options are available, and whether they can mount the tools you need.

The tool accessories are diverse, ranging from basic buckets to augers to rotary cutters to snow shovels. These tools cover applications for farming and ranching, industrial work, leveling, debris clearing, and other tasks. If you can think of a job for the skid steer loader, chances are there is an attachment specific to that task.

Finally, you will want to consider whether to get a standard four wheel design, or a tracked model. The advantages of the tracked model include greater traction over unstable terrain, but may damage soft ground or even concrete, depending on the weight of the skid steer. The wheeled models sacrifice that extra traction for greater flexibility on more delicate terrain.

What Can I Do With One?

The possibilities are nearly endless. The skid steer loader is a good option for numerous jobs, from single afternoon tasks that can be accomplished by one person, to large construction zone projects. Finding a specific attachment to fit your purpose is not difficult, and there are plenty of choices.

The auger option allows you to dig holes in the ground, to plant trees, fence posts, support poles, and any number of other purposes. There is a backhoe option, with (not surprisingly) the ability to dig holes and trenches. A brush saw option allows you to cut through tough weeds and brush. There are tree spades and tree forks, which allow you to lift heavy saplings and plant them in holes perhaps dug by the skid steer auger. A sod layer attachment allows rolls of sod to be laid out quickly and efficiently. There are spreaders, scrapers, cultivators, mowers, rakes, pallet forks, graders, and more, all of them well-suited to their tasks.

What Can't I Do?

Given the admirable versatility, one might wonder if there are jobs for which the skid steer loader is not suited. What are the drawbacks? Are there similar machines that perform better? The answer is yes; some machines are better than the skid steer. For instance, large excavators are the better option for construction companies at work on a multi-story building foundation. Heavy bulldozers are better for clearing great amounts of heavy earth or rock. The larger models of conventional front end loaders usually have the advantage in sheer physical size, and can lift heavier loads.

Also, another disadvantage of the skid steer is its relative instability when compared with some other more conventional designs. The machine itself is not inherently unsafe by any means, but it can be more unstable in certain situations, such as when operating on an incline. Conditions like these offer greater risk to any loader, but skid steer loaders are slightly more prone to tipping when operating sideways on an incline, given their focused center of gravity. It is this very feature that makes them so versatile and useful in other situations, and is a natural cost that operators must take into account.

When you should use one

The skid steer loader can accomplish a wide variety of tasks, depending on the tool mounted on it and depending on the size and power of the skid steer. The skid steer is valuable in almost any construction zone, agricultural project, farm, or ranch. There are many different options, to apply to nearly any project. It may be helpful to think of the skid steer loader as a "niche" machine that not only rivals conventional front end loaders for many tasks, but also fills in the gaps where those conventional loaders might be inadequate to the task.

Again, mobility is the crucial issue. Sometimes a larger industrial-sized loader might be preferable, but simply impossible. There are numerous circumstances where a conventional loader might not work, so you might consider a skid steer loader in such cases. Such is the flexibility of the skid steer loader design that the smallest models might be perfect for the job, as they offer strength as well as compact design. If you are working on an industrial zone, a skid steer might be the best option over other loaders, especially if you are dealing in limited mobility conditions. In farm work, too, the skid steer might be a better choice for maneuvering in tight spaces and through narrow gates.