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  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

Caterpillar 262D3 skid steer Here Are Summaries and Specs for 11 Different Skid Steer Product Lines (Courtesy of the 2021 Spec Guide)
Keith Gribbins
July 27, 2021
Read Article
Skid Steers Wacker Neuson SW32 skid steer
Wacker Neuson Skid Steers Summarized — 2021 Spec Guide
July 26, 2021
Skid Steers New Holland 1334 skid steer
New Holland Skid Steers Summarized — 2021 Spec Guide
July 26, 2021
Skid Steers Mustang 4200V skid steer
Mustang by Manitou Skid Steers Summarized — 2021 Spec Guide
July 23, 2021
Skid Steers Kubota SSV75 skid steer
Kubota Skid Steers Summarized — 2021 Spec Guide
July 23, 2021
Skid Steers John Deere 314G skid steer
John Deere Skid Steers Summarized — 2021 Spec Guide

Eight Machines Focused on Great Visibility and Versatility In February of 2020, John Deere celebrated 50 years of being in the skid steer lo...

July 22, 2021
Skid Steers JCB skid steer
JCB Skid Steers Summarized — 2021 Spec Guide

One-Armed, Side-Entry Loaders Exude Safety In 1993, JCB entered the skid steer market with the first mono-boom, side-entry skid steer, lever...

July 22, 2021
Skid Steers Gehl R165 skid steer
Gehl Skid Steers Summarized — 2021 Spec Guide

Nine Models Built with Endless Possibilities Gehl began manufacturing agricultural implements out of West Bend, Wis., in 1859. From those hu...

July 21, 2021
Skid Steers Caterpillar 26203 skid steer
Caterpillar Skid Steers Summarized — 2021 Spec Guide

Over Two Decades of Skid Steer Manufacturing Caterpillar launched its first skid steer loader models in 1999, releasing four radial-lift loa...

July 21, 2021
Skid Steers Case SV280B skid steer
Case Skid Steers Summarized — 2021 Spec Guide

Next Generation B Series Skid Steers Offer Big Performance with Impressive Breakout Force Manufactured in Wichita, Kan., the Case B Series s...

July 20, 2021
Skid Steers Bobcat S66 skid steer
Bobcat Skid Steers Summarized — 2021 Spec Guide

Skid Steers Built to Help You Accomplish More Bobcat invented the world’s first skid steer loader more than 60 years ago and carries o...

July 20, 2021
Skid Steers ASV skid steer
ASV Skid Steers Summarized — 2021 Spec Guide

Seasoned Track Loader Manufacturer Also Offers Robust Skid Steers ASV introduced its line of skid steer loaders in 2011. Each model was desi...

July 19, 2021
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