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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

The Ultimate Portable Generator Product Showcase
CE
April 7, 2016
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Features
How to Properly Maintain Your Skid Steer/Track Loader’s Hydraulic System
March 28, 2016
Skid Steers
Deere Announces Indefinite Layoffs at Two Locations
March 17, 2016
Skid Steers
JCB Sells 50 American-Made Skid Steers/Track Loaders to UK-Based Rental Firm Hewden
March 9, 2016
Skid Steers
New Bobcat S595 Skid Steer Features Increased Performance and Higher ROC
March 2, 2016
Skid Steers
Minnich Mfg. Announces Top Dealers for 2015 (We Say Congrats)

Minnich Mfg., a leading manufacturer of concrete dowel pin drills, concrete paving vibrators and vibrator monitoring systems, recently annou...

March 1, 2016
Compact Track Loaders
Rad Computer Game from John Deere Lets You Play with Its G-Series Loaders

Fans and customers can test their operator skills with the Small Machine vs. Big Jobs Challenge. This interactive game from John Deere Const...

February 29, 2016
Skid Steers
Construction Material Prices Continue to Plunge in January

Construction input prices fell by 0.6 percent during January 2016 according to an analysis of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price ...

February 25, 2016
Skid Steers
Rental Show Roundup: Perkins Showcases its U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final Rental Range

Perkins is currently exhibiting a range of engines designed to meet the needs of a variety of rental industry applications in Booth 537...

February 24, 2016
Skid Steers
Construction Unemployment Rose in January

The U.S. construction industry’s unemployment rate rose to 8.5 percent in January, the highest level since March of 2015, according to...

February 18, 2016
Compact Track Loaders
John Deere’s new G-Series: Skid steers, track loader driven by customer feedback

When customers speak, John Deere listens. This isn’t always a given for a leading brand that dates back to 1837 — that&rsqu...

February 9, 2016
Skid Steers
VT LeeBoy and Stephenson Equipment, Inc. donate $100,000 to the American Cancer Society

Executives from VT LeeBoy and Stephenson Equipment, Inc. presented a $100,000 check to the American Cancer Society at the National Pavement ...

February 1, 2016
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