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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

Bobcat S86 skid steer A Complete Guide to Renting or Buying a Skid Steer or Track Loader in 2024
Keith Gribbins
March 11, 2024
Read Article
Attachments Teleo Storm autonomous snow plow skid steer
WATCH: Teleo and Storm Equipment Can Create an Autonomous Skid Steer for Snow Plowing with a Retrofit Kit
March 6, 2024
Skid Steers CASE-CCE_SSL_SR175B
Small but Mighty: Manufacturers Detail the Smallest Skid Steers on the Market in 2024
February 8, 2024
Skid Steers Case SR1758
Q&A: Case’s Brad Stemper Discusses the Skid Steer and Compact Track Loader Markets
February 1, 2024
Electric Equipment Firstgreen Industries The Elise CBL (Clean Building Logistics) units
FirstGreen Unveils Cabinless Remotely Operated Electric Skid Steer
January 19, 2024
Skid Steers John Deere 317G compact track loader using pallet forks
Q&A: Talking Skid Steer and Track Loader Trends with John Deere’s Emily Pagura

The January/February print issue of Compact Equipment is at the printers. It’s already online for those who can’t wait. In that ...

January 18, 2024
Industry Events Bobcat booth at CES 2024 Rogue X2 concept vehicle
Editor at Large: The Best Construction and Ag Equipment Launched at CES 2024

Technology continues to rapidly transform almost every sector on the planet. That was on full display last week at the 2024 CES tradeshow in...

January 16, 2024
Skid Steers Kioti loader
KIOTI Releases Compact Loaders to Dealers Across North America and Delivers Very First Machine to Country Star...

KIOTI Tractor recently unveiled its latest innovation with the launch of its TL750 Compact Track Loader and SL750 Skid Steer Loader. Rugged ...

December 13, 2023
Industry Events Kioti SL750 skid steer with cab rolled up
Editor at Large: Visiting Kioti’s 2023 Dealer Meeting and Exploring Its New Construction Equipment Lineup

Never turn down an invitation to a dealer meeting. If you like equipment, it’s a celebration of machines you shouldn’t miss. Onc...

December 5, 2023
Skid Steers
Morbark Unveils New BVR Line of Hand-Fed Brush Chippers

Morbark recently unveiled its all-new “BVR” line of hand-fed brush chippers at this year’s TCI Expo. Alongside the BVR lin...

November 21, 2023
Skid Steers John Deere 334 skid steer and 335 compact track loader
Machine Heads Video: Going Deep on the Skid Steer-CTL Evolution and the New 334 and 335 P-Tier...

Welcome to the latest Machine Heads interview from Compact Equipment. Machine Heads video editor Wayne Grayson sits down with Gregg Zupancic...

November 15, 2023
Skid Steers Bobcat T650 track loader
Bobcat Expands Global Manufacturing Footprint with Plans for New Facility in Monterrey, Mexico

Bobcat Company just announced its intentions to expand its footprint with a new manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico, anticipated to ...

November 8, 2023
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