Skid steer loaders are among some of the most multi-skilled heavy equipment in the industry today. Although they may appear small, they have lift arms which are quite powerful and used for different tasks. With a skid loader, there are numerous jobs you can get done. Skid steers originally began as a farming tool but later began to be used in other construction jobs such as demolition work, landscaping, and others. Apart from that, they can also be used for moving dirt, snow, or other construction materials.
Choosing a Skid Steer
Contractors require construction equipment that can perform a number of tasks on a project, so versatility is king on many jobsites. When choosing a skid steer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Skid steers have three main types in terms of size. All of these have different attachments specific to the job at hand.
Small skid steers are good at working in tight places and are great for projects of a smaller scale. Medium skid steers can take on both big and small jobs. They are the choice for jobs where it will not be possible to get a large skid steer. Large skid steers are beasts in tackling all kinds of construction jobs from excavation to heavy lifting.
Besides the size that is appropriate for the job you have at hand, there are other things to consider before you make a purchase. You should think about the following things to get the best return on your investment:
Scale Things Up
The size of the rig, as well as the size of the jobs for which it will be used, is perhaps the most important choice to make when buying a skid steer. If you expect to work in interior or tight spaces, you will want one that can navigate as required but still has enough horsepower and lift height for larger jobs. Do you frequently work on smaller projects? When it comes to constantly moving equipment on a trailer, keep in mind the equipment’s size as well as DOT weight regulations.
A skid steer is classified as either a radial or vertical lift system. A radial lift is better for contractors who use their equipment mostly for digging or work close to the ground. When the majority of the work is performed at or above eye level, vertical lift skid steers are preferable.
Consider the form and size of attachments you will be using on a regular basis. You can decide which skid steer is best for you based on their weight and frequency of use. Check that the computer you buy is compatible with the accessories you want to use. Pay attention to the auxiliary hydraulic flow numbers on your skid steer as high-quality hydraulics will help you get the most out of your machine’s horsepower and capabilities.
How Much Horsepower
The horsepower of a skid steer is significant when determining how much traction it offers on the ground. While it used to be true that larger machines had considerably more capacity, modern technology has narrowed the gap. A system with 70 horsepower gets almost as much traction as one with 90 horsepower.
Cab Comfort
This may seem to be a minor concern, but staff who are at ease in a machine perform better. Operator exhaustion may be exacerbated by an uncomfortable cab for employees. If they spend long periods of time in a piece of machinery lacking in basic comforts, it may result in expensive and time-consuming mistakes.
When you are buying skid steers from your Industrial Equipment Supplier considering all these aspects is necessary, heavy equipment is a huge investment and before making the final decision proper consideration can end up saving you from making a costly mistake.