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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 Shares 2022 News in Review
CE Staff
December 15, 2022
Read Article
Skid Steers Cat Command
Innovative Iron Awards: Cat Command’s Remote Control Operations for Skid Steers and Track Loaders
December 9, 2022
Showcase Bobcat S86 skid steer
These Are the Biggest Skid Steers on the Market
November 30, 2022
Skid Steers skid steer brawler HPS
The Wheel Deal: Spec Out the Right Tires for Your Skid Steer
November 14, 2022
Compact Track Loaders
High-Flow Auxiliary Hydraulics Will Upgrade Your Skid Steer and Track Loader
November 1, 2022
Mini Excavators
Photos! Let’s Look at Bobcat’s bauma Booth, Which Includes a New Electric Mini Ex and a Skid...

Bobcat Co. has been releasing a lot of cool news lately. Well, let’s jump to Germany. This week, Bobcat is looking to the jobsite of t...

October 26, 2022
Skid Steers
Common Ground Alliance Releases 2021 DIRT Report, Highlighting Top Challenges (811 Calls, Potholing and More)

Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the national nonprofit trade association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines, people who dig nea...

October 14, 2022
Compact Track Loaders
Bobcat Company Unleashes Most Powerful Loader Lineup to Date

The brand that continues to redefine what compact equipment can do, has unveiled its most powerful loaders ever produced. The Bobcat T86 com...

September 22, 2022
Skid Steers John Deere 330G skid steer
Here Are Summaries and Specs for 11 Different Skid Steer Product Lines (Courtesy of the 2022 Spec...

Skid steers are among the oldest and most famous American-made equipment categories. Borne out of the Midwest farming industry in the 1950s ...

August 10, 2022
Skid Steers Wacker Neuson SW32 skid steer
Wacker Neuson Skid Steers Summarized — 2022 Spec Guide

Vertical-Lift Models with High-Vis, Big Fuel Tanks and Lots of Amenities This post is a part of Compact Equipment‘s annual Spec Guide....

August 9, 2022
Skid Steers New Holland L328 skid steer
New Holland Skid Steers Summarized — 2022 Spec Guide

Reach New Heights with 300 Series Skid Steers This post is a part of Compact Equipment‘s annual Spec Guide. View other brands’ p...

August 9, 2022
Skid Steers Manitou 2700V skid steer
Manitou Skid Steers Summarized — 2022 Spec Guide

Delivering a Complete Range of High-Performance Skid Steers This post is a part of Compact Equipment‘s annual Spec Guide. View other b...

August 8, 2022
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