How Your Company Can Utilize a Skid Steer
This article talks about the Skid Steer also commonly referred to as skid loaders, the neat machines you’re sure to have seen around construction sites. We’ll talk about how they work, who makes the best models available, should you purchase a used or new model and why these power packed machines, are so fun to work with.
How Skid Steers work
Used to dig and move landscaping and other building materials, the Skid Steer loaders are also able to jackhammer cement and load trucks. This amazing machine can do it all. Capable of preforming zero term radius turning its makes these machines super maneuverable, fun to drive and handy in tight spaces.
Inside the cabins are a left and right hand joystick, with the left controlling direction and the right controlling the loader arms and bucket. The skids steers have no mechanical transmission and are powered by hydraulic pumps. The Controls are really simple, move the right joystick back and the arm rises as moving it forward will lower the arm. You can control the bucket by moving it to the left to tilt it and to the right to dump it. The power is then transmitted to the hydraulic pumps that run the arms of the machine.
If you want the Swiss army knife of machinery then here you go, with multiple attachments the Skid steers can perform the jobs of a backhoe, hydraulic breaker, pallet forks, angle broom, sweeper, grapple, tilt, roller, snow blade, wheel saw, cement mixer, wood chipper, dumping hopper, tree spade, trencher, ripper, tiller, auger, mower and stump grinder. The possibilities are endless with this powerhouse.
The skid steer is an all-terrain loader. Being more efficient than gasoline motors, the Skid Steers are powered by a diesel engine which in turn powers a hydraulic pump. Specially designed to make maintenance easy, these machines feature a cooling system, engine and other accessories tightly packed for convenience. Engines in the caterpillar and other multi-terrain loaders feature a horsepower of 49-74.
Skid Steer
The Skid Steer comes with either four soft rubber tires or equipped with hard pneumatic tires, which are used in demolition. Tracks are optional and go over the existing tires. Tracks are typically used on the skid steer over rough terrain where nails or debris could potentially puncture the tires.
where can I get one of these beasts?
One of the most versatile pieces of construction machinery, the Skid Steer is in high demand due to its multiple capabilities. The Skid Steers you choose will suffer from wear and tear so it’s essential you pick out a durable high quality model, and carefully evaluate any potential purchase. Test drives the Skid steer, dig a hole, take the time to use some of the other attachments and spend around an hour getting a feel for the machinery. Ranging in a height of 5-7 feet and a width of 3-6 feet, take measurements around the grounds you intend to use the Skid steer on to insure it can make it through any tight spaces.
The most popular Skid Steer loader size is 1,750 pounds to 2,200 pounds, anything above is considered to be a heavy lift Skid Steer.
If you’re interested in getting your hands on one several major brands in the who’s who of construction machinery carry a Skid Steer model or two. When you purchase a Skid Steer, make sure it’s from a reputable dealer in construction machinery, considering you will most likely have a long standing relationship with the dealer, regarding maintenance and general up-keep.
A few of the most popular brands are produced by John Deere, caterpillar, Mustang, Thomas, Case and New Holland. Bobcat is known to dominate this market with Caterpillar and Case owning equal shares. Brand popularity is an important factor when it comes to the decision of which brand you should take a look at, but it shouldn’t be the only factor when it comes to actually purchasing a Skid Steer.
Some features you should look for when buying your Skid Steer are; are you planning on using the Skid Steer in unsavory weather? And if so can you purchase the adequate attachments? Does the Skid steer you’re looking at have a heater? What are the warranty and what parts are covered?
When looking at a Skid Steer model, with most brands you can choose either a model with hand controls or one with foot controls. If you’re used to a brand that uses hand controls and purchase a different brand that doesn’t offer the option and has only foot controls available it may be difficult for you to learn the new controls, so keep that in mind.
At time of purchase, you should know if you want the Skid Steer tires or tracks or both. Tracks provide less pressure so you don’t have to deal with tearing up landscaping and they allow you to work in a more chaotic environment such as muddy areas, since they provide amazing traction. However, keep in mind with the use of tracks comes more expensive maintenance and a greater initial purchase expense of anywhere up to 12,000. Track replacement can also be expensive, around 4,000.
Tracks for the Skid Steers can be made of either steel, stamped steel or rubber, rubber being much easier on yards you’re driving on, but harder on the tires you’re using. Steel is easier on your tires because they can slip more, but harder on the surfaces they drive on, causing damage to sidewalks, driveways, blacktop and sod. Steel and stamped steel tracks are more ideal for off road type jobs.
Skid Steer: you know you want one, but should you buy a used one?
If you aren’t willing or can’t afford to shell out the green for a skid steer, fear not, like most construction machinery these can be purchased as used, although It’s likely you’ll find a “gently used’ model available.
When you purchase a used skid steer, First off, decide what your budget is before you start looking. When looking for a used model, it can be potentially frustrating if the model you’re wanting isn’t available. Even if the Skid Steer model you’re looking at has new paint and tires, this does not mean it’s going to be a good machine. Look past the exterior and focus on really evaluating the machine. You should look for wear on important hinge points and make sure to check all of the bucket and joint hinge points. Look for cracks in the structure and of course check for excessive oil or fuel leaks. Skid Steers use a diesel engine so you may notice a light smoking when the engine is started or while warming up; this is typical of used models and is no cause for concern. It’s advised to take a mechanic that’s used to maintaining these vehicles, with you during your search. A pre-owned Skid Steer runs about an average of 14,000 but will also greatly depend on the brand you end up selecting and the supplier. After you purchase your model, if it’s in need of a paint job it’s wise to remedy this and keep your machinery looking good in-case you tend to resell or to assist with giving your clients the impression of professionalism.