AssetTrader Buying Guide to Skid Steer Loader

Introduction

Skid Steer Loaders are massively versatile pieces of construction equipment. They are small loaders with a rigid frame, and powered lift beams to which a number of tools can be attached. Generally, they are employ 4 wheel drive. This means that the wheels on both sides operate independently of the other side. This provides the flexibility for a skid loader to turn in different directions at different speeds, making them extremely agile. They are sometimes referred to by a brand name, Bobcat, though this refers to skid steer loaders made specifically by that manufacturer.

This, alongside their small size, portability, and functionality, epitomised by the potential use of different attachments for different tasks makes them a valuable vehicle for use in construction, demolition, among other sectors.

They are known as ‘skid steer’ loaders as instead of turning like a car, the vehicle turns by changing the direction of the front wheels, and driving on the wheels on the other side of the vehicle. With this in mind, skid steer loaders are able to turn fully around within their own length.

Asset Trader has compiled a buyer’s guide for this vehicle to assist you in making your purchase of a skid steer loader.

Functionality and Use

Different to the normal front loader, the lift beams of the skid loader hinge at a point behind the driver’s shoulders (rather than in front). To improve safety the cabs are fully enclosed in modern machines.

Similar to other front loaders the skid loader can remove debris from one area to another in its bucket or load debris into a separate truck.

Typical operations of the skid loader include replacing a large excavator where site does not allow for the height of a larger excavator (e.g., for digging a basement under an existing building).

Skid steer loaders can be installed with an anti-stall device. Previously, because of the amount of power required to operate specific attachments, the vehicle may be unable to drive simultaneously, and so lifting a heavy load while accelerating would have causer the engine to stall. This feature is greatly beneficial and should be considered when purchasing a skid steer loader to prevent the engine stalling.

Standard skid steers tend to employ radial lifting. This refers to the arms being attached on either side, which means that as the arms are joined at a single point the loader is more stable when lifting a full load at both high and low elevations. This does however alleviate the height of which the machine can reach.

There are two main control setups for operating skid steer loaders. These include the traditional set up which consisted mainly of mechanical levers, whereas newer controls generally feature two joysticks which move 360 degrees. Generally, the choice of one set of controls over another is dependent on the personal preference of the operator, and is therefore quite an important point to consider when purchasing a skid steer loader.

Enclosed cabs on skid steer loaders mean that the operator can be sheltered and kept heated, allowing for an increased level of comfort.