A skid steer, sometimes called a skid loader or wheel loader, is a compact, multipurpose piece of construction equipment often used for digging. It’s maneuverable, lightweight and its arms can attach to different tools for various construction and landscaping jobs.
The skid steer loader will either have four wheels or two tracks. The front and back axles automatically synchronize their movements, but drivers can operate each separately from the wheels on the other side of the machine.
The wheels remain in a straight, fixed alignment and do not turn. To turn the device, a skid steer operator needs to increase the speed of the wheels on one side, making the wheels skid or drag across the ground as the device rotates in the opposite direction. This steering function is what gives the machine its name.
What Is a Skid Steer Used For?
The hallmark characteristic of the skid steer is its variety of attachment options, making it possible to perform a wide range of jobs using the same piece of equipment. The standard attachment for a skid steer is a bucket, but teams can swap this out for any number of alternatives that make it possible for a skid steer to perform the functions of many different types of equipment. Traditionally, operators use a skid steer’s bucket to lift or move heavy materials.
Clearing Snow
A skid steer’s bucket can quickly clear snow off roads or a job site, but in more severe winter conditions, operators may choose to use a snow blade or snow blower attachment.
Excavating
A skid steer can also perform excavation tasks, thanks to attachments such as a ripper, trencher, tiller or wheel saw.
Construction
Skid steers can help speed up work on construction and building projects, and can be outfitted with a cement mixer or pavement miller.
Landscaping
The stump grinder, wood chipper, tree spade and trench-digging attachments make a skid steer a good choice for landscaping work, while pallet forks and bale spears are best suited for warehouse tasks and farm work.
Trenching and Digging
Finally, skid steers offer a wide range of popular digging attachments such as the trench-digger, backhoe and auger (which operates like a corkscrew to dig a precise hole).
In almost any work site scenario, the correct attachment makes your skid steer the best choice for any task. With this in mind, teams need to ensure that skid steer operators stay up to date on safety and maintenance guidelines for the skid steer itself and the attachments they use for each project.
Should You Buy or Rent a Skid Steer?
Whether or not you should buy a skid steer depends on the size and frequency of your projects. Keep in mind that you'll need to make the same decision about your attachments, which can be bought or rented separately.
If you find that you use a skid steer on almost all of your projects, it may be worth investing in a machine of your own. However, remember that equipment ownership incurs costs of its own - your skid steer will need maintenance and upkeep, which may cost a few thousand dollars a year. You’ll also need different attachments for various jobs, each of which will cost several thousand dollars and require maintenance of their own.
If your skid steer usage is less frequent, it likely makes more financial sense to rent one. You can prorate the cost to ensure you're only paying for the time you need, and you can avoid the hassle of buying an attachment you may only use once.
The best way to figure out exactly what size, type and rental period you need for your project is to speak with a professional who can assess your specific needs and get you the best equipment for your next project.
