AssetTrader Buying Guide to 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.