• Read Compact Equipment Magazine Online
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
Compact Equipment Magazine
 
  • Skid Steers
    • Skid Steers
    • Compact Track Loaders
  • Mini Excavators
  • Attachments
  • MEWPs
  • Engines
  • Tractors
  • More Equipment
    • Backhoes
    • Compaction
    • Compact Tool Carriers
    • Compressors
    • Hand Tools
    • Generators
    • Light Towers
    • OEM Systems
    • Pumps
    • Skid Steers
    • Telehandlers
    • Compact Track Loaders
    • Trenchers
    • Trucks
    • Utility Vehicles
    • Wheel Loaders
  • Videos
  • Subscribe
    • Free Print Subscription
    • Read the Digital Edition
  1. Compact Equipment Magazine
  2. Skid Steers

Skid Steers

A Tool Carrier That Still Defines Versatile, Zero Turn Machinery

Skid steers are among the oldest and most famous American-made equipment categories. Borne out of the Midwest farming industry in the 1950s, and never really that popular outside of North America, skid steers used to be the benchmark for compact hydraulic tool carrier sales in the United States until their compact cousin — the compact track loader — started outpacing skid steer sales. Skid steers use wheels, and track loaders use tracks. That’s the key difference between these two machine types. Both categories can run hundreds of attachments using powerful auxiliary hydraulic systems. High-flow hydraulics emerged in the 1980s to power larger, niche attachments. Today, this option is popular for high-powered skid steer operations, with flow ranges from 16 to 45 gpm.

Manufacturers have focused on operator usability, advanced technology, comfort and efficiency, alongside Tier 4 Final engines. Pressurized cabins, adjustable seats, backup cameras and ergonomic controls make operating feel like driving a car. Automated settings, like boom adjustments and wheel speeds, are made possible through electro-hydraulic (EH) joysticks. Options vary by style, brand, size and power, but choosing between a vertical- or radial-lift machine is crucial. Vertical lift excels at forklift-type and loading tasks, while radial lift suits heavier digging and attachments. Some good examples of skid steers include:

Bobcat’s S Series Loaders | Cat’s Next Gen Loaders | Case’s B Series Loaders

Firstgreen Industries LIneup Firstgreen Customers Capture $11.4M in CORE Incentives for Electric Machines
Keith Gribbins
September 25, 2025
Read Article
Skid Steers GEHL_V360_Skid_Steer dumping dirt
Gehl Adds Five Large-Frame Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders
September 18, 2025
Compact Track Loaders Manitou's New Large frame skid steers and compact track loaders
A Deep Dive into Manitou’s All-New Large-Frame Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders
September 15, 2025
Skid Steers John Deere Skid Steers Machine Heads Interview Thumbnail
Video: John Deere Goes Big with P-Tier 330 and 334 Skid Steer Loaders
August 19, 2025
Skid Steers machine heads kubota skid steer thumbnail-001
Video: How Kubota Keeps Skid Steer Buying Simple with Two Models
August 11, 2025
Skid Steers Bobcat Machine Heads thumbnail skid steer summary
Video: A Deep Dive into Bobcat’s Complete Skid Steer Lineup + 2025 Trends

Skid Steers in 2025: Still in the Game Skid steer loaders may no longer dominate compact loader sales, but don’t count them out. In th...

July 24, 2025
Skid Steers FAE's SSM line
FAE Unveils Upgraded Version of the SSM Forestry Tiller for Tractors

Photo provided by FAE. FAE just announced updates to its SSM line of forestry tillers for 170- to 300-hp tractors. The company said the HP m...

July 21, 2025
Skid Steers Machine Heads Caterpillar skid steer with Dante Thomas interview
Video: A Deep Dive into Caterpillar’s Skid Steer Lineup

In the latest episode of Machine Heads, Wayne Grayson sits down with Dante Thomas, program manager of customer solutions for compact constru...

July 8, 2025
Skid Steers Machine Heads thumbnail skid steer overview
Video: 2025 Skid Steer Buying Guide: Models, Features and Key Comparisons

Why These Compact Machines Still Matter in 2025 Skid steers might no longer dominate compact loader sales, but in 2025, they remain essentia...

July 1, 2025
Skid Steers skid steer vs track loader John Deere units
John Deere’s P-Tier Skid Steers vs. Track Loaders: FAQs About Each Category’s Features

John Deere’s P-Tier skid steers and compact track loaders (CTL) maximize operators’ efforts through increased horsepower, advanc...

May 29, 2025
Skid Steers DC-fast-charger-with-ZQ140-module-and-ZQuip-excavator-scaled
Video: Zquip’s Swappable Power Systems Let Users Choose Between Diesel and Electric

In a sea of electrification solutions at bauma 2025, Zquip’s modular power system stood out. We visited Moog Construction’s outd...

May 27, 2025
Wheel Loaders Case SAL
Case Releases Equipment Designed to Address Landscaping Challenges

‘Tis the season for landscaping! To assist crews in their work, Case Construction Equipment has announced a new bundle of machines and...

April 24, 2025
1 2 3 … 39 Next »
Most Popular Posts

  • Atlas Copco’s Modular Hybrid Generators Target Lower Fuel Use and Smarter Jobsite Power

    30 0 October 1, 2025

  • John Deere Adds All-Electric Gator GX and GX Crew Models to Its Iconic UTV Lineup

    29 0 October 2, 2025

  • Smarter Snow Removal: Why the Right Snow Removal Attachment Makes All the Difference for Your Skid Steer

    20 0 October 2, 2025

  • Waev Introduces the GEM eX, an All-Electric, All-Terrain, Street-Legal UTV Designed for Work

    23 0 October 2, 2025

  • Editor at Large: Operating Kubota’s Just Launched Grand L70 Series Tractors in Texas

    14 0 October 8, 2025

  • Subscribe to Compact Equipment Magazine
.
 
FREE MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION FOR INDUSTRY PROS
Subscribe today
Production Equipment
  • MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform)
  • Backhoes
  • Compact Tractors
  • Compressors
  • Mini Excavators
  • Light Towers
  • Skid Steers
  • Compact Track Loaders
  • Utility Vehicles
  • Wheel Loaders
Construction Tools
  • Attachments
  • Business and Software
  • Compaction
  • Compressors
  • Engines
  • Generators
  • Hand Tools
  • Industry Events
  • Light Towers
  • OEM Systems
  • Pumps
  • Trucks
More CE
  • Free Magazine Subscription
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Sitemap
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Contact Us

©2025 Copyright Compact Equipment Magazine