Skid Steer Buying Guide
Skid steer loaders are rugged and reliable machines that have become increasingly important in a number of different fields, such as construction, agriculture, site management, etc. They are highly maneuverable and bring a lot of power and utility to any worksite. Since there are a variety of models on the market, selecting the right one can be tough. You have to consider a lot of things, such as the manufacturer, model, add-ons, implements and more.
These versatile machines can be your best investment if you take the time to do your homework before you purchase one. That's why we at Arnold’s Inc have compiled this information for you so you get the machine that’ll give you the best in productivity and efficiency. If you’re looking for skid steers for sale in Minnesota, contact our sales department to check out the models we have in stock!
Frame and Size
The first thing to consider when you’re looking at skid steers is the size compared to the operational area. These machines are known for their rather compact size and great maneuverability, so you probably won’t need a lot of room to operate or store them. That said, there are many frame sizes that also mean there’s going to be some major differences between the models. There are small, medium, and large frame sizes, each of which dictates what kind of work they’re best suited for.
Bigger skid steers can lift higher, which makes them ideal for those who need to load materials into dump trucks with higher sideboards. However, these large machines cannot be confined to a small area or they lose their advantages. With smaller skid steers, you have the opposite problem. They’re perfect when you’ve got a small, cramped worksite, but you can’t count on them to lift or carry very heavy loads.
Size also becomes very important when you have to transport equipment from one jobsite to the nest. This is because large skid steers will require specialized trailers. An owner-operator with a pickup truck and trailer isn’t going to be able to get a larger skid steer to the job in the first place. Small units are compact enough to fit on a trailer alongside other equipment or even another compact vehicle.
Engine Power
Size isn’t everything when it comes to a skid steer, as the engine power is equally important for the overall productivity. Not only is horsepower an important factor to consider, you also have to take into account torque. Horsepower describes how quickly a piece of equipment can perform its main operational functions, while torque is the underlying strength of that work. This can mean running smaller skid steers at lower engine RPMs while still getting enough torque for the job at hand. This translates to greatly improved fuel efficiency.
Another point to consider when shopping for skid steers is fuel type. Most models are powered by diesel, but there are plenty of gasoline units on the market. A diesel engine is powerful and efficient but it is more expensive to maintain. Gasoline will be more environmentally friendly and make the engine easier to start.
Operator Comfort
A lot of buyers ignore rider comfort when purchasing a skid steer, thinking of it as an added luxury feature. However, when an operator is uncomfortable and fatigued, it negatively affects the quality of the work and the general safety of the worksite. Place some value on skid steer models that have easy entry and exit methods as well as comfortable cabs with ergonomic seats.
Even when the seat is comfortable, your chosen model may have controls that aren’t easily accessible. This is another important consideration because it again affects productivity and safety. Try out the cab or bring your operator along so you can test things out and see how easy it is to operate the skid steer. Pay attention to noise levels inside the cab, as well as visibility. A well-designed cab should allow operators to see the bucket edge or other tool without leaning or reaching around.
Attachments
Your skid steer loader will have a primary implement through which its amazing power and utility will flow. IF you want to add more versatility to your worksite, however, you might want to check out a number of compatible attachments. Luckily, there are a lot of options for you to choose from.
When you’re checking out skid steer attachments, you’re going to have to think about what all you want to accomplish. Then you have to see which attachments can help you achieve your goals and make short work of your toughest tasks. There’s no point in getting a hammer or auger implement if you don't need to break up concrete or dig holes.
When you’re trying to decide on an attachment for your skid steer loader, look at operating capacity and auxiliary hydraulic flow. It’s paramount that a loader is powerful enough to effectively work with your selected attachments, so that means having a big enough unit to provide that power and carry the weight. Otherwise, you could run into problematic operations or even a safety concern.
We hope this guide helps clear up any confusion you might have had. For more information or to check out skid steers for sale in Minnesota, get in touch with the sales department at Arnold’s Inc and one of our expert staff will gladly help you out. We’re proud to be the preferred skid steer dealer for all our friends across Minnesota.