• 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 interview with Marcus Suess thumbnail Electric skid steers Video: We Talk Electric Skid Steers with Marcus Suess of Firstgreen Industries
Keith Gribbins
November 27, 2024
Read Article
Electric Equipment Firstgreen Industries electric skid steers Machine Heads thumbnail
Video: A Deep Dive into Firstgreen Industries Electric Skid Steers
November 20, 2024
Skid Steers Boot Campaign Kubota logo
Kubota Forms New Alliance with Boot Campaign to Support Vets and Military Families
November 12, 2024
Skid Steers FAE RCU120
FAE Releases the New RCU120 Remote Controlled Tracked Carrier
November 11, 2024
Skid Steers John Deere 75 years
John Deere Commemorates 75 Years of Dozer Innovation
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
Skid Steers HAC-Logo
Hitachi Global Air Power Rebrands Sullair Sales & Service Centers

Hitachi Global Air Power announced the rebranding of its U.S. company sales and service locations to Hitachi Air Center. The move will unify...

October 3, 2024
Skid Steers Yanmar TL80VS
Yanmar TL80VS Compact Track Loader Brings Optimal Performance

Yanmar Compact Equipment launches the TL80VS compact track loader as part of its new line of compact track loaders. The TL80VS excels in sev...

September 12, 2024
Skid Steers construction worker with a hardhat
ABC: Construction Job Openings Plunge by 51,000 in July 2024

The construction industry had 248,000 job openings on the last day of July. This is according to an Associated Builders and Contractors anal...

September 6, 2024
Skid Steers 2nd Annual Werk-Brau Golf Classic Raises Over $100,000 for Construction Angels
2nd Annual Werk-Brau Golf Classic Raises Over $100,000 for Construction Angels

It was a great day for golf and networking at the second annual Werk-Brau Golf Classic. The tourney was a benefit for the Construction ...

September 5, 2024
Skid Steers FAE PMM/RCU75 swinging hammer mulcher with operator
FAE Shows Off PMM/RCU75 Swinging Hammer Mulcher for Its Remote-Controlled Tracked Carrier

FAE announced it was enhancing its RCU75 remote controlled tracked carrier with the new PMM/RCU75 swinging hammer mulcher. The PMM/RCU75 is ...

September 5, 2024
« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 … 39 Next »
Most Popular Posts

  • The Utility Expo 2025: Hands-on Demos, New Tech and the Return of the HDD Rodeo Await in Louisville

    44 0 October 6, 2025

  • Cold Weather Maintenance and Operation Tips for Compact Utility Loaders

    20 0 October 7, 2025

  • Bobcat Company Honors Credo Award Winners and Patent Achievements

    16 0 October 6, 2025

  • CONEXPO-CON/AGG To Debut the Ground Breakers Stage at 2026 Show

    18 0 October 7, 2025

  • Learn More About Toro’s Latest Community Impact Project with the ARA Foundation

    4 0 October 9, 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