Using skid steer specs to measure your machine's ability and limitations will make sure you only take on the jobs you can handle, and avoid the work that will damage your machine.
The skid steer loader is one of the most versatile and useful compact construction machines available today. With its combination of ruggedness, agility, and Swiss Army knife assortment of ingenious, quick-change attachments, this machine has become one of the most common choices among construction and landscape professionals. But it's important to know what skid steer specs you need before you buy it.
When choosing your skid steer loader, there are a lot of variables to consider. Chief among them is certainly price. You have to operate within your budget. It's also vital that the manufacturer you choose produces machines with an excellent track record. But once those variables have been decided, it's time to look at the skid steer specs for the different models.
When choosing a good skid steer loader, there are five skid steer specs that are most important: weight capacity, dump height, horsepower, the machine's control mechanism, and whether it uses tires or tracks.
Skid Steer Specs: Weight Capacity
Weight capacity refers to the amount of weight the skid steer loader can lift without the risk of tipping over. It is a broad range, anywhere from 700 to over 5,000 pounds. It is imperative when investing in a skid steer loader that you have a notion of the maximum weight you might need to lift on a rare occasion, not a daily basis. It is that rare occasion that will cause you problems.
Skid Steer Specs: Dump Height
Dump height must be considered as well, and refers to the distance from the level ground that the skid steer loader boom can hoist its load and effectively drop the load into another receptacle (like a truck or bin). Dump heights are usually measured in inches and range between 85 and 133 inches.
Skid Steer Specs: Horsepower
Skid steer loaders are also rated for horsepower, which is important when considering both how much weight you plan to carry, as well as what kind of materials you might plan to dig in. Horsepower ratings vary from as little as 17 HP to almost 100 HP.
Skid Steer Specs: Control Mechanism
The control mechanism for most skid steer loaders involve the use of hand and/or foot controls and hydraulics to move the wheels, the boom, and the attachments. Some skid steer attachments require high-flow hydraulic fluid rates, while others do not. All-hand controls are increasingly popular, and are thought to increase productivity.
Wheels vs. Tracks:
It's also well worth considering whether you will choose a skid steer with the "traditional" four wheel set-up, or tracks. There are appreciable differences in cost, maintenance and performance between the two types.
When you're trying to determine your ideal skid steer specs, it's a good idea to test, rent, and basically take your time finding the skid steer that's the perfect match for your work style.