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About Skid Steers

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2022 Caterpillar 289D3 Tracked Skid Steer

Skid steers, also called “skid steer loaders,” “skid loaders,” or “Bobcats” after the major brand, are versatile pieces of equipment commonly used in construction, demolition, mining, landscaping, forestry, agriculture, and other industries. Skid steers are invaluable due to their high power and maneuverability in tight spaces.

Operators use hand controls or joysticks for steering and acceleration. Foot controls are used for the hydraulic lift arms, which can be used with various tool and bucket attachments. Several types of skid steer attachments, including augers, grapples, breakers, forks, saws, mulchers, power rakes, and trenchers, are available to add greater functionality.

Skid steers get their name from the way they are steered. When operating a skid steer, you apply power to the wheels or tracks on the right side through one hydraulic circuit and to the left side through a separate circuit. When you give the right side more power than the left, for example, the machine will turn to the left, skidding its wheels or tracks as it does so.

Tracked vs. Wheeled Skid Steers

Wheeled skid steers are generally quieter, faster, and more fuel-efficient but less suitable for rougher terrain than tracked skid steers. Bucket attachments are commonly used on both types.

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2023 Bobcat S64 Wheeled Skid Steer

Tracked models, sometimes called “compact track loaders,” have excellent traction in muddy or sandy conditions. They are typically more stable on inclines and better at withstanding the wear and tear of driving over debris. Track skid steers are commonly used on uneven and unpaved services for grading, paving, planting, land clearing, mulching, raking, hauling brush and debris, and creating slopes.

Wheeled skid steers perform best on paved surfaces and solid ground, such as streets, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, and country roads. They offer speed and maneuverability in urban and rural environments and on many construction sites. Contractors, landscaping professionals, farmers, and other operators use them to load trucks and trailers, move pallets, spread fertilizer, transport loose items, and repair pavement.

Lift Type

Skid steers generally differ by vertical and radial lift types. Vertical lift skid steers are often designed to move taller loads and to move loads to spaces not easily reached by radial lift skid steers. The radial lift design, however, has fewer moving parts and performs better when digging dirt or leveling ground.

Size & Power

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) breaks down skid steers into three frame categories, defined by rated operating capacity and horsepower:

• Large-frame skid steers often feature greater than 70-horsepower (52-kilowatt) engines and a minimum rated operating capacity of 2,220 pounds (1,007 kilograms) 
• Medium-frame skid steers have a rated operating capacity between 1,750 lbs (793 kg) and 2,220 lbs and between 50 HP (37 kw) and 70 HP
• Small skid steers fall under a 1,750 lbs rated operating capacity, typically with horsepower ranges around 50 HP

Find The Right Skid Steer Near You

In addition to Bobcat skid steers, you’ll find thousands of new and used skid steers for sale on MachineryTrader.com from Case, Caterpillar, Deere, Gehl, JCB, Kubota, New Holland, Takeuchi, and other top brands.