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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

Minnich Mfg. Announces Top Dealers for 2015 (We Say Congrats)
CE
March 1, 2016
Read Article
Compact Track Loaders
Rad Computer Game from John Deere Lets You Play with Its G-Series Loaders
February 29, 2016
Skid Steers
Construction Material Prices Continue to Plunge in January
February 25, 2016
Skid Steers
Rental Show Roundup: Perkins Showcases its U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final Rental Range
February 24, 2016
Skid Steers
Construction Unemployment Rose in January
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
Skid Steers
Watch How Over-the-Tire Tracks Can Turn Your Skid Steer into a Solid Snow Machine

Heavy snow and ice don’t have to come between your skid steer and a good day’s work. You can upgrade the traction and flotation ...

January 29, 2016
Features
Roll Call: The Latest Skid Steer Releases from Kubota to Volvo

Kubota’s Brand-New SSV Line Kubota recently diversified its construction equipment line with the introduction of two skid steer loader...

January 22, 2016
Skid Steers
Control Your Skid Steer or Track Loader Via Remote Control

Remote-controlled track loaders and skid steers are not as sophisticated as Google’s driverless cars, but their seats are just as empt...

January 21, 2016
Compact Tool Carriers
Compact Tool Carriers vs. Skid Steers

As anyone who has ever climbed into the cab of a skid steer loader or stepped behind the controls of a compact tool carrier can tell you, te...

January 20, 2016
Features
Heavyweight Skid Steers: We Explore the Biggest Units on the Market

When, in 1958, the Keller brothers introduced the progenitor of the skid steer loader, they were pushing the concept that smaller is better....

January 20, 2016
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