Giant by Tobroco Compact Tool Carriers Summarized — 2022 Spec Guide
A Mini Skid Steer Built for Big Performance
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Giant by Tobroco began from necessity by its owner Toine Brock. In 1996, from the family farm in Haaren, Netherlands, Brock designed and began building manure spreaders for the farm’s stables. In 2001, he designed and built the first Giant compact wheel loader, which started the manufacturing of the machines from the family farm. Due to expanding demand for the loaders, the business moved to Oisterwijk, Netherlands, which remains the company’s global headquarters today. The factory has since doubled its production capacity, and Giant is finishing another expansion, doubling capacity again. Giant reached the North American markets in 2016 and can be found in 61 countries throughout the world. The company remains a leader in this segment due to its emphasis of constant innovation, cutting-edge design and focus on compact design and big performance.
Giant by Tobroco has entered the mini skid steer market with the introduction of the SK252D. This machine has been on the market for some time but is just gaining notoriety in North America, since Giant by Tobroco comes from the Netherlands to the North American market. The SK252D was introduced to rental in Europe in 2020 and has become a fan favorite for a few great reasons.
The SK252D is an interesting machine due to the fact not many mini skids are found in North America with tires right now. The SK252D runs hydrostatic wheel motors and tires due to Giant’s focus on minimal weight and ground disturbance. Since the machine offers wheel motors, Giant carries a suite of tire options and can assist with space saving, long lasting or turf application tires as a few examples. Running four tires offers the operator the ability to turn the machine on a dime on turf with minimal ground disturbance, something tracked machines struggle with. Of course, offering only tires is limiting so Giant is planning to introduce a tracked version of the SK252D in 2023 for muddy and rougher applications.
Other than the tires, the SK252D is a classically designed and tough machine. The operator controls movement through differential steering, the controls are comfortable and have integrated handles so you can hold on as the Kubota 25-hp engine fires up and you hit the over 4 mph maximum speed that the SK252D offers. All controls on the SK252D are pilot controls so the operator can feel the machine and precisely control operation. And, since many mini skid steers use auxiliary hydraulic attachments, the SK252D offers 9.2 gpm of hydraulic flow for up to two front auxiliary attachments. For high demand attachments, the SK252D can add another pump flowing at 7.9 gpm to push more hydraulic power to the attachment. This doesn’t increase the overall flow but adds more flow due to the open loop working hydraulic system on the SK252D.
The machine can hold a 132-lb counterweight under the operator platform and is generally equipped with this option in the North American market. Giant also offers custom paint on all its machines.
Advice to Buyers
“Mini skid steers are in short supply in the market right now, so many contractors are looking for machines through dealers or manufacturers they haven’t done business with in the past,” says John Bostwick, territory sales manager for Giant. “Adding to this, many companies will bring in a mini skid steer as their first machine purchase. We advise doing your homework, which is fun in this case. Try out a few different machines before you buy with an idea on where your company spends most of their time. Look into servicing requirements and make sure you take the time to pick a machine that is easy to use, easy to service and will be easily sold when you’re done.”
