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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

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November 24, 2015
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AEM Honors Member Companies for Longtime Industry Support
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For the first time, hand and foot controls will be offered on Cat Skid Steer, Multi Terrain and Compact Track Loader models. Operators ...

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Skid Steers
Bobcat 700- and 800-frame-size loaders boast Tier 4 engine solutions without a DPF

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Skid Steers
Friday Fun: JCB releases cheeky ‘Common Sense’ video for side-entry skid steers

In an effort to communicate the practicality of its skid steer design, JCB recently released a video on its social media channels ...

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Editor at Large: Attending the Camso Train-the-Trainer Event

In September, Camso invited approximately 30 dealers and Compact Equipment for its Train-the-Trainer event in Charlotte, N.C. Over two days,...

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Prepare Your Skid Steer And Track Loader For Winter Work

Skid steers and track loaders are machines that change with the seasons. One skilled operator (with the right attachment) can use these tool...

October 12, 2015
Skid Steers
Watch: Innovative skid steer tire options from Camso at #ICUEE

We stopped by the Camso booth at ICUEE 2015 to hear about its newest and most versatile line of skid steer tire options. There is the O...

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The Cat D2 Series Loaders at #ICUEE

If you’re willing to brave the rain, make sure you get out to the see Cat’s new D2 Series loaders — Cat 272D2 skid steer l...

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