Skid Steer Loaders and Parts

A skid steer loader, otherwise known as a Bobcat, is a major brand in the market of small construction machinery.  A skid steer is small in size, has great maneuverability, and has several attachments to make it even more efficient.

Most owners of a skid steer loader use it for construction, demolition, and landscaping projects.  Loading and unloading dirt, rock hounding, lawn installations, trenching; you name it, it can probably handle it.

A skid steer is a 4-wheel machine, and can be fitted with tracks for use in muddy or slippery conditions.

The engine is usually rear-mounted behind the cab, and has two arms forward facing for ease in hooking up snow plows, shovels, and many other everyday attachments.

Why is it called a Skid Steer Loader?

They are steered by the skidding of wheels.  Like a tank, a skid steer loader can stop one set of wheels while the other set keeps revolving with every turn. this allows it the ability to turn around with little room.

What to look for in a Skid Steer Loader?

There are three main factors when shopping for a skid steer:

1.    Where do you plan on storing your skid steer?  Any time you purchase equipment, you must consider storage.  Do you have somewhere to park?  Most residential areas will not allow you to park a piece of equipment on the road, or even in your own driveway.

2.    What is the height of the lift?  What do you plan on using your skid steer for?  How high will you need it to reach?  Are you dumping over a truck that is 9′ tall, or maybe a 4′ fence?  This is called the “height to hinge pin”, otherwise known as the distance from the ground to the pivot point of the arms on the bucket.  The range is usually between 8 and 10 feet.

3.    What is the lifting capacity?  Are you lifting pounds, tons, etc.? When shopping for a skid steer loader, this is known as the operating capacity.  The most popular operating capacity for a skid steer is between 1,700 and 2,200 pounds.  Some loaders can easily lift over 3,000 pounds, but if you plan on this using it in this capacity, you may want to consider a full sized front end loader.

Other components to consider.

Just like everything else that we shop for, we think about the extras. When shopping for a pick up truck, we think: “do I need power windows and door locks”, “do I need air conditioning”, etc.  The same applies with a skid steer.

Skid steer loaders are available with the basic necessities, and with the extras.  This is where you really want to put some extra thought into your purchase.  When I bought my first skid steer, I decided that I would not be using it enough to justify heat and air conditioning.  Boy was I wrong.  I had regret in the first summer.  Doing a landscaping job, 90 degrees, and here I was suffering inside the cab of my skid steer with no air conditioning.  I won’t make that same mistake twice.

Your situation however may be different.  It really all depends on the climate that you live in. Either way, I recommend giving this some extra thought before purchasing a skid steer loader.

A skid steer loader is an important investment, so be sure to make your decision wisely, and you will enjoy it for years to come.