A skid steer is a small(could also be large) construction vehicle that allows you to carry out many different construction functions. It usually comes with a bucket as its prime attachment, but you can also use different attachments to customise the vehicle for the job you want to get done. Skid steers are available in many different sizes, which helps them to perform various construction purposes. The machine can help you get the job done in a fraction of a time with ease.
The way the skid steer turns is how it got its name. Since the angle of the wheels or tracks is set, they can only point in the direction of travel. Each vehicle’s wheels or tracks have its engine and are locked in synchronisation. As a result, you must independently direct each side from the opposing side.
Skid steers are very complicated yet precise machines that enable you to complete the task with precision and care.
You can steer the vehicle differently because the wheels are fixed. Instead, you control the direction of the skid steer by accelerating either the left or right side of the vehicle, which makes the wheels drag across the ground as it spins. Differential steering is a form of steering that enables zero-degree radius turns, which is useful in confined places and when precision is required for the task. Of course, to use the skid steer, the driver must have differential steering training or experience.
HOW EXACTLY DOES A SKID STEER TURN?
Since we know that the skid steer’s wheels are made so that they can’t be turned, the machine has a different mechanism that can help the user serve the same purpose of turning. The right and the left sides have different engines that can be driven separately. When you want to turn, the operator is supposed to increase the speed of the wheels on the opposite side of the direction you want to turn in.
Then, the wheels on the side of the turn move slowly, enabling the entire vehicle to turn or skid. Once the skid steer has been turned, the operator needs to turn the speeds of both sides to the same so that the vehicle can move properly.
As you can see, even the skid steer’s turning process is quite complicated. This is why the operators, the labour on the ground, and everyone working around it need to get proper skid steer training to know how to use the machine effectively.
WHAT CONSTRUCTION FUNCTIONS CAN BE PERFORMED USING A SKID STEER?
So what exactly are skid steers used for? Well, there are a lot of functions that skid steers can perform and can enable you to be more efficient in the whole construction process. We will explain some of the functions a skid steer performs below.
ROAD WORK
Tasks such as the construction of roads and other maintenance jobs can be completed with skid steers. Using your skid steer’s accessories, you may perform activities like demolition, paving, grading, patching, and more. You can also attach a cement mixture or a pavement mixture to the vehicle and use that for road work.
DEMOLITION
The machine is also ideal for exterior and interior demolition operations for buildings or construction sites. Because of your choice between different sizes of the skid steer, the machine becomes perfect for small or large demolition projects as you have control over the project. The machine also operates delicately so that the demolition project will be seamless.
REMOVING DEBRIS AND SNOW
Your skid steer’s bucket attachment can be utilised to remove brush, other trash, and snow. If you utilise your skid steer for significant snow removal, you can get a snowblower/snow blade accessory.
DIGGING, TRENCHING, AND EXCAVATING
Skid steer is ideal for earthmoving jobs like digging, excavation, and trenching. According to what your requirements are, you can employ the skid steer for various functions. Backhoe, trencher, auger, and wheel saw are a few examples of attachments you can use for your work. With the correct attachment, skid steers can dig things ranging from small to huge as well.
BACKFILLING AND GRADING
You can also use your skid steers to aerate the ground, level it, and fill in holes. Levelling is best done with a rave attachment, although you can use bucket attachments for this too. With the help of these unique attachments, you can level the ground without making too many ditches in the ground.
LOADING
Skid steers which come with bucket attachments can help you move things and equipment to the construction site. You can also raise goods from the ground by using the lifting attachments with the machine.
MOWING
A skid steer can also mow! Shocking! Isn’t it? Using a rotating brush cutter, you can effectively clean an area by cutting tall grasses etc. Some smaller trees can be cut as well. Skid steers are non-turning machines that have more functions than a standard mower and deliver the mowing precision you require.
Apart from these functions, a skid steer is an ideal machine for performing many other construction functions. This is why it is such a good investment for a construction business.
HOW MUCH DO SKID STEERS WEIGH?
The weight of each skid steer varies according to how big or small it is, its capacity, what attachments are to be used with it, and so on. We will be taking about three different sizes of skid steers, each of which is perfect for serving a unique purpose.
- Small Frame Skid steer or a mini skid steer: A small frame skid steer weighs less than 1750 pounds, and it is perfect for working in indoor/small spaces because of its compact size.
- Medium Frame: These may weigh anywhere between 1750 and 2200 pounds. This one is often used with different attachments for demolition and other purposes. Because it is smaller than the huge demolition machines, it becomes efficient to use and causes less disruption.
- Large Frame: These weigh above 2200 pounds and are usually used for large projects because of their huge size.
HOW ARE SKID STEERS AND BOBCATS DIFFERENT?
A skid steer and a bobcat skid steer are functionally equivalent. Bobcat is a recognized brand. It manufactures track loaders, mini excavators, and other small gear in addition to skid steers. The US-based company has more than 60 years of experience in the industry and has become the most well-known brand of small machines worldwide. Skid steers and Bobcat are frequently used interchangeably; the main distinction is the brand name.
Therefore, there is little to no change. Since the machine performs the work practically the same regardless of the brand, if you request a Bobcat skid steer, you may receive one from that company or any other recognized brand.
WHICH ONE IS A SMARTER CHOICE; RENT A SKID STEER OR BUY ONE?
If you think your construction business uses skid steers and several different attachments regularly, then it would be smart to invest in one and own it. However, you need to bear in mind that maintaining the machine is expensive, and you may even have to spend thousands of dollars each year only on maintenance. Click here Boom and Bucket Inc.
If you don’t use skid steers that often, investing huge amounts in one machine would not be smart. You can keep renting it for occasional jobs.
