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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

HAC-Logo Hitachi Global Air Power Rebrands Sullair Sales & Service Centers
CE Staff
October 3, 2024
Read Article
Skid Steers Yanmar TL80VS
Yanmar TL80VS Compact Track Loader Brings Optimal Performance
September 12, 2024
Skid Steers construction worker with a hardhat
ABC: Construction Job Openings Plunge by 51,000 in July 2024
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
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
September 5, 2024
Skid Steers Bobcat B760 backhoe big reach to the right
Photos! Let’s Take a Long Look at Bobcat’s New B760 Backhoe Loader

Bobcat Co., a global equipment, innovation and worksite solutions brand, has expanded its North American product lineup with the introductio...

September 5, 2024
Skid Steers CAT 285
Caterpillar Announces 8 New Track Loaders and Skid Steers

The latest machine launch includes giant-sized Cat 285 CTLs with unique dozer-style undercarriages  Cat’s skid steers and track l...

August 29, 2024
Electric Equipment Firstgreen Industries' Elise
Electric Loaders: A Deep Dive into Firstgreen Industries’ Electric Skid Steers

This article is part of a series on battery-powered compact loaders. In the coming weeks, we will be posting brand-specific stories summariz...

August 20, 2024
Advertorial TrackGrip
TrackGrip: Revolutionizing Traction for Heavy Machinery

Excavators, skid steers, and other tracked vehicles face tough, hazardous terrains daily. Ensure your operators’ safety and maximize p...

August 1, 2024
Skid Steers Vermeer-RTX1250-Ride-On-Tractor
Vermeer Introduces Enhanced RTX1250 Ride-On Tractor

The Vermeer RTX1250 ride-on tractor has been updated with several improvements for increased efficiency and performance. These enhancem...

June 20, 2024
Skid Steers jcb monster jam making trucks fly
Machine Heads Video: JCB’s Dirt Squad Are the Unsung Heroes of the Monster Jam World Finals

When it comes to the roar of engines and the spectacle of 12,000-lb trucks soaring through the air, Monster Jam is unparalleled. However, wh...

June 13, 2024
Skid Steers Female construction worker smiling and standing against a cement wall
AGC: Construction Employment Increases by 21,000 Between April and May 2024

The construction industry added 21,000 jobs in May and 251,000 jobs over the past year, with increases at both nonresidential and residentia...

June 11, 2024
« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 … 63 Next »
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