A skid steer loader is a small engine-powered machine with lift arms that are used to attach a wide variety of attachments. They are typically four-wheel drive vehicles with the left-side drive wheels independent of the right-side drive wheels. By having each side independent of the other, wheel speed and direction of rotation of the wheels determine the direction the loader will turn.
Because of their ability to turn ‘zero-radius’ or “pirouette”, skid steers are extremely maneuverable. They are usually used in applications that require a compact and agile loader.
Since they are utilized, basically, for any application, skid steer loaders are equipped with a variety of attachments or “labor-saving tools”-each having a certain function where they are used. Skid Steer attachments are replaceable and are available in any form-depending on the purpose. Some of these are the following:
Skid Steer Log Splitter – Great for splitting the extra large logs that you don’t want to even think about lifting. The 20 tons of ram force and the sturdy design allow you to pick these large logs off the ground and split them without ever leaving your cab.
Skid Steer Concrete Mixer – Easy to hook up and it has an increased drum size that measure 6 cubic feet of volume. This mixer allows you to effectively mix up to 3.5 cubic feet of concrete at a time or 4 to 5 bags of concrete.
Skid Steer Snow Blade – Perfect for all of your plowing needs. This all stainless steel snow plow prevents rusting due to scratch and wear. This Skid Steer Snow Plow has a “trip” feature which, in the case of an operator accidentally hitting large objects such as rocks, the snow plow will tip and go over the object.
Skid Steer Lift Boom – Comes with a convenient built in chain tray which allows you to carry chains and lift straps. The forward design of the lift boom allows for plenty of access to your target, while still maintaining superior clearance at the front of the skid steer.
Skid Steer Snow Pusher – Moves large volumes of snow quickly. With the push pull option this snow pusher gives you the ability to push large sections of snow or pull snow away from buildings, fences and confined areas.
As I’ve said, these attachments are just a few of what are available. Because for all its uses, a skid steer is quite popular in a lot of field, particularly in the construction industry. This makes a skid steer loader indispensable in any company because it can serve the purpose of some important heavy equipment. However, purchasing one will be costly.
That is why second hand buying became very common. Opting for second hand skid steers are not entirely a bad deal, there are a lot of pros to this kind of deal, an example would be: it will save you a boat load of money which you can use to buy used skid steer attachments.
Buying a second hand skid steer loader may be easy, but looking for quality used skid steer attachments may prove to be a little bit difficult. Skid steers are not sold in one package; attachments are typically bought individually, so looking for a specific attachment may take some time.