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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

Case and New Holland Construction Wichita plant achieves Silver Level designation in World Class Manufacturing
CE Staff
January 20, 2017
Read Article
Features
Operational Insights and Technology Suggestions from Top Skid Steer/Track Loader Experts
January 19, 2017
Skid Steers
Enjoy this Skid Steer Showcase of the Latest 2017 Models
January 18, 2017
Hand Tools
What equipment is needed to create a quality concrete finish?
January 17, 2017
Skid Steers
Planning on Buying a Skid Steer or Track Loader? Check Out Our 2017 Loader Market Watch
January 11, 2017
Attachments
How to Properly Pick a Planer Attachment for Your Skid Steer and Track Loader

Demand is growing for the cold planing of asphalt and concrete surfaces in limited applications, such as trimming around manhole covers, smo...

January 10, 2017
Skid Steers
Innovative Iron Awards 2016: Bobcat’s Mid-Sized S595 Skid Steer Loader

The Coolest and Most Creative Compact Equipment of 2016 The bad news: Future growth in construction and landscaping will require increased s...

December 28, 2016
Skid Steers
ABC Predicts Modest Growth for 2017 Nonresidential Construction Sector; Warns of Vulnerability for Contractors

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) forecasts a slowdown of growth in the U.S. commercial and industrial construction industries in 20...

December 22, 2016
Skid Steers
Watch this Caterpillar Factory Do the Mannequin Challenge on Its Small Loader Assembly Line

Caterpillar employees had more than a little fun recently, creating its very own mannequin challenge — Caterpillar style, of course. W...

December 21, 2016
Skid Steers
Innovative Iron Awards 2016: Case Introduces Its Largest and Most Powerful Skid Steer Ever

The Coolest and Most Creative Compact Equipment of 2016 The bad news: Future growth in construction and landscaping will require increased s...

December 13, 2016
Skid Steers
Innovative Iron Awards 2016: John Deere Large-Frame G-Series Skid Steers

The Coolest and Most Creative Compact Equipment of 2016 The bad news: Future growth in construction and landscaping will require increased s...

December 13, 2016
Skid Steers
JDLink Telematics Added as an Option for John Deere Large-Frame Skid Steer/Compact Track Loaders

Every day, construction professionals use insights from John Deere WorkSight technology solutions to help them optimize machines, uptime, jo...

December 7, 2016
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