Skid Steer Loader Buyer's Guide
Introduction
Skid steer loaders, or “Bobcats” as they are often referred to, are one of the most adaptable construction machines available. In addition to being extremely maneuverable and compact, they can easily rotate a large variety of different attachments which makes them ideal for many different industries, including construction, landscaping, manufacturing and demolition.
Skid steer loaders come standard with four wheels built close together, however they can also be fitted with tracks for slick, muddy conditions. Usually the engine is located behind the cab, and there are two arms that run from the back to the front and latch on to the attachments, which do most of the work (plows for shoveling, augers for drilling).
The actual “skid steer” term is used because of how the vehicle drives. Instead of driving like a car, by turning the wheels in a certain direction, a skid steer loader turns by moving the wheels on one side while stopping the wheels on the opposite side. This causes the skid steer to “skid” on the wheels that are stopped, pivoting around them. By operating this way skid steers have the ability to turn around inside their own length, making them extremely maneuverable in compact environments.
The brand name “Bobcat” is often loosely associated with all skid steers. Most dealers will understand what you are asking for if you say “Bobcat,” but its best to use the generic skid steer term unless you are specifically asking for the Bobcat brand.
Skid Steer Purchasing Basics
Considering Size
When deciding on a skid steer loader there are three questions you will need to ask about the size you want.
First you will need to consider the physical size of the skid steer. Take a look at any garages, gates, trailers or other small areas your skid steer will need to fit in. Most skid steers are between 3’ and 6’ wide, and between 5’ and 7’ tall. Understanding the physical limitations of your work area can make it easier to narrow down your choices.
The next factor to consider is the dumping height, or how high you will need the skid steer to lift. It is important to realize whether you need to dump over a 9’ truck or a 4’ fence. This is usually called the “height to hinge pin” measurement, or the distance from the ground to the point where the loader arms pivot the bucket. This usually ranges between 8’ and 10’.
These two factors - dumping height and physical size - are the most important in skid steer purchases because they are often requirements that you cannot get around. However a third main factor to consider is how much you need to lift, or the lifting capacity. Many manufacturers also refer to this as the operating capacity. Lifting capacity is important, however if your primary concern is fitting through compact spaces than you might need to settle for a little less capacity.
The most popular size, according to Compact Equipment magazine, is the 1,750 lb – 2,200 lb range. While recently manufacturers have developed skid steers that can lift over 3,000 lbs, if you require this much lifting capacity it might be better to consider a full-size front end loader instead.
Tires
There are three main choices of tires for skid steer loaders: hollow air-filled rubber tires, rubber tires filled with pneumatic foam and solid rubber tires.
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Air-Filled Tires – these are the least expensive and are the best for smooth rides on rocky or uneven surfaces, however they have the highest risk of getting a flat.
- Foam-Filled Pneumatic Tires – foam filled tires are immune to flats but are much more expensive. Also because foam-filled tires are much heavier than normal air-filled tires they can lead to breakdowns from the extra strain placed on the skid steer’s transmission.
- Solid Rubber Tires – these are generally a lot thinner and aren’t a weight issue like the foam-filled tires, and they won’t go flat, however they are going to give a much rougher ride.
If your operating environment is covered with lots of sharp debris such as nails or glass or if you will primarily be driving on smooth flat surfaces such as roads then solid rubber tires will offer the best value because of their longevity. However in most general conditions air-filled tires are the best because of their economical and comfortable value.
Tracks
A multi-terrain loader is basically a skid steer loader mounted with dual treads instead of wheels, similar to a bulldozer. The advantage to having tracks is that you get much better traction in mud and loose terrain than you would with wheels, in addition because the weight is distributed across a larger surface there is less damage done to the ground than with a skid steer loader.
Multi-terrain loaders tend to be bigger than skid steers, with more capacity and thus more expensive. Generally it’s only necessary to consider a track loader if your primarily going to be operating on loose terrain most of the time. If you only occasionally need tracks, you can purchase kits that allow you to attach tracks to a wheeled skid steer.
Other Factors to Consider
Once you have determined the size and capacity requirements for your skid steer, you will need to try out the available models and consider the following factors:
- Comfort – comfort is important because in many instances a skid steer operator will be inside a cab for hours. You will want to make sure the seat is comfortable, that you can easily reach the controls and that it is easy to get in and out of.
- Visibility – It is important to have good visibility from inside the cab, this can speed up work and reduce errors and accidents. Make sure you can see the edges of the attachment and can reasonably see the sides from your seat.
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Maintenance – Skid steers are tough, but they are also worked hard and will require constant maintenance. Evaluate how easy you can access the parts such as the hydraulic pumps and engine.