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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

Firstgreen Industries Elise CBL in garage Innovative Iron Award: Firstgreen’s Elise CBL and Rockeat Electric, Cabinless, Remote-Control Skid Steers
Keith Gribbins
December 26, 2024
Read Article
Skid Steers Takeuchi prize pack
CE’s 12 Days of Giveaways: Score a Takeuchi Diecast Model and More
December 20, 2024
Skid Steers Teleo and Storm Equipment
Innovative Iron Award: Teleo’s Supervised Autonomy Technology for Snowplowing
December 18, 2024
Skid Steers Cat cooler
CE’s 12 Days of Giveaways: Chill Out with a Caterpillar-Branded Cooler
December 18, 2024
Skid Steers John Deere
Innovative Iron Award: John Deere’s P-Tier Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders
December 13, 2024
Electric Equipment Firstgreen Industries interview with Marcus Suess thumbnail Electric skid steers
Video: We Talk Electric Skid Steers with Marcus Suess of Firstgreen Industries

In our latest Machine Heads Interview, Wayne Grayson sits down with Marcus Suess, COO of Firstgreen Industries, to explore their innovative ...

November 27, 2024
Electric Equipment Firstgreen Industries electric skid steers Machine Heads thumbnail
Video: A Deep Dive into Firstgreen Industries Electric Skid Steers

Is This the Most Versatile Skid Steer Lineup on the Market? The electric construction equipment market is slowly evolving in America, often ...

November 20, 2024
Skid Steers Boot Campaign Kubota logo
Kubota Forms New Alliance with Boot Campaign to Support Vets and Military Families

Kubota Tractor Corp. recently announced a new partnership with Boot Campaign. This partnership will support the organization’s work to...

November 12, 2024
Skid Steers FAE RCU120
FAE Releases the New RCU120 Remote Controlled Tracked Carrier

FAE has expanded its RCU range with the RCU120, the compact 120-hp remote controlled tracked carrier. The RCU120 is designed to work in hard...

November 11, 2024
Skid Steers John Deere 75 years
John Deere Commemorates 75 Years of Dozer Innovation

Driven by innovative and ongoing customer input, John Deere commemorates its 75th year as a leader in the dozer market. Upon its entry into ...

November 1, 2024
Skid Steers Bobcat Rogue X2
Bobcat Wins Prestigious Red Dot Design Award for RogueX2

Bobcat Company has been selected as a Red Dot Award: Design Concept winner for RogueX2, an all-electric, fully autonomous concept loader. Th...

October 14, 2024
Compact Tool Carriers Vermeer CTX 160
Experts Share Advice on Mini Skid Steer Selection and Showcase Their Machines

Whether you need some extra muscle tackling projects around your property or on a jobsite, a mini skid steer (also called a compact tool car...

October 8, 2024
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