Skid steer loaders are versatile, compact machines used across industries. With a wide range of options, attachments, and configurations available in the market, choosing the right skid steer for your application can be challenging.
At ASCO Equipment, we sell, service, and rent skid steer loaders. With decades of experience equipping businesses with the machines they need since 1960, we have the expertise to help you select the right skid steer.
Why Skid Steers Are Essential for Modern Jobsites
Skid steer loaders are heavy machines with lift arms that provide high maneuverability in tight spaces. They can also be equipped with various attachments, expanding their versatility for additional applications. Their versatility eliminates the need to purchase multiple specialized machines, while their compact size and agility increase work efficiency, leading to significant savings on time, labor, and costs.
Some of the key applications of skid steers include:
- Construction: Skid steers are used for excavation, material handling, demolition, road maintenance, grading, and leveling.
- Landscaping: These machines are ideal for bush clearing, earthmoving, mowing, and maintenance.
- Agriculture: Farms rely on skid steers for tasks such as handling hay, feeding livestock, trenching, and water installation.
Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Skid Steer
Skid steer loaders are optimized to excel in a wide range of tasks, and understanding the most critical components of these machines is essential for making the right choice. Here’s a skid steer guide with the main things to consider:
Skid Steer Sizes and Operating Capacities
Matching a skid steer’s capabilities to your application can enhance efficiency and safety on the jobsite. The machine’s size and operating capacities must meet the specific tasks you’ll be performing and the space you’ll be working in. Key operating capacities include the maximum lift weight or Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) and the engine power.
Skid steer loaders are typically divided into three frame sizes:
- Small-frame models: They are designed for lighter tasks and operations in tighter spaces. They normally have an ROC under 1,750 pounds and 50-horsepower engines or lower.
- Medium-frame models: These skid steers are suitable for a wider range of tasks and are compatible with different attachments. Their ROC ranges from 1,750 to 2,200 pounds and a 50- to 70-horsepower range.
- Large-frame models: These machines have a rugged build, making them ideal for heavy-duty jobs and handling large attachments and loads. They have an ROC of over 2,200 pounds and engines with over 70 horsepower.
Radial vs. Vertical Lift Types
Once you have selected the right size and operating capacity for your application, you can choose between radial and vertical options. Both configurations offer different advantages and lifting capabilities.
Radial lifts arc upward and outward, making them ideal for working at ground level and tasks that require reaching forward. Vertical lifts move in a straight, vertical line, which is useful for lifting heavy materials to significant heights.
Terrain Capabilities: Skid Steer Loaders vs. Compact Track Loaders
Skid steer models come in different configurations to tackle specific work environments and tasks. Compact track loaders work on challenging terrains and uneven surfaces, while skid steer loaders have tires that are better suited for speed and maneuverability on hard, flat surfaces. Tires are ideal for paved surfaces like concrete and asphalt. They offer a tighter turning radius and higher speeds.
Compact track loaders distribute the machine’s weight over a large area, which provides excellent stability and superior traction. These benefits mean less ground pressure, minimizing damage to sensitive surfaces like lawns. The larger contact area also provides better pushing and lifting force for heavy-duty applications on mud or sand.
Safety Requirements
Understanding the safety protocols and requirements for skid steer loaders will help you prepare with the necessary training and equipment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires operators and businesses across the U.S. to follow regulatory guidelines for preventing injuries and accidents.
Some of the key OSHA requirements for earthmoving equipment, including skid steer loaders, include:
- Training: Training for operator authorization must be documented and include safe operation, hazard recognition, and emergency procedures.
- Safety features: Safety systems and features like seat belts, restraint bars, protective guards, and shields must be used at all times.
- Site safety protocols: You should perform pre-operation and walk-around inspections before each use.
How to Choose Attachments
One of the skid steer’s biggest benefits is its adaptability. With the right attachment, you can enhance these machines to perform multiple tasks. To select the right attachments, choose options that are compatible with the machine’s hydraulic flow rate, have a quick-attach system for easy switching, and are made of durable materials.
Some popular skid steer attachments include:
- Buckets
- Forks
- Brush cutters
- Grapples
Find the Right Skid Steer Loader at ASCO
ASCO Equipment is a family-owned company offering heavy equipment solutions in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Companies in construction, agricultural, material handling, and mining rely on us for a wide inventory of quality equipment and exceptional service. We source our skid steer line from CASE Construction, a leading manufacturer of construction machinery, to offer you the highest power and quality.
We offer expert support for buyers and renters, from helping them find the right skid steer to providing flexible in-house financing options.
ASCO is committed to keeping you going with superior skid steer loaders. Browse our online showroom or contact our team online to find the right new, used, or rental skid steer loader for your application and budget.