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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

Keep Your Skid Steer Rental Running with Careful Upkeep and Operation
David Stenger
June 17, 2015
Read Article
Compact Track Loaders
Case offers limited-time, 3-year, 3,000-hour warranty on skids steers and track loaders
June 4, 2015
Compact Track Loaders
New Holland announces Super Guard warranty on skid steer and compact track loaders
June 2, 2015
Skid Steers
Geo-Boy brush cutting tractor has multiple cutting head options
June 1, 2015
Skid Steers
Volvo’s new EW160E and EW180E wheeled excavators
May 26, 2015
Skid Steers
Manitou Americas celebrates 50 years of the Mustang skid steer brand

In 1965, Owatonna Manufacturing Company (today a part of Manitou Americas Inc., a leading manufacturer of compact earth moving and material ...

May 22, 2015
Skid Steers
Traveling to Savannah for the 2015 North American JCB Press Launch

In March, the earth-moving equipment experts at JCB invited Compact Equipment down to its North American headquarters in Savannah, Ga. (as p...

April 21, 2015
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