Used Skid Steers

If you've never had to buy a skid steer before, your in luck, as I'm going to try to steer (pun intended) in the right direction with a few helpful tips. Skid steers, sometimes called skid steer loaders, or Bobcats are one of the most versatile industrial machines in the landscaping, construction, and demolition business. They're well fitted for a number of tasks, can operate in diverse environments, and can be customized with a multitude of attachments to do a wide variety of jobs. Skid steers have a very tight wheel base, which allows them to move in pretty tight quarters. If your working in an environment that provides little traction, such as snow, mud, ice or sand, most models allow for the substitution of tires for tracks.

While most people will know skid steers by the name Bobcat, they actually have the unique ability to move in very tight circles by skidding their wheels. Their drive transmission, allows for independent control of each individual wheel. Because of this design, the skid steer can quite literally rotate in position.

There are several considerations to keep in mind when buying a skid steer. They come in all types of sizes for a reason. Buyers have to take into account where they will most likely be using their rig, and be sure to buy a size that will fit.

Depending on the job, and other equipment (dump trucks) being used with the skid steer, you'll have to consider the hinge pin height specification. This is basically the maximum the steer can lift it's front end loader to dump whatever it's carrying. For most units, ten feet is about the maximum they will go.

You'll also have to think about the kind of loads your unit will be lugging around. Construction materials, dirt, concrete, asphalt, shrubbery, or sod all have different mass and weight. Be sure your skid steer can handle whatever you plan to cart around. Usually around two thousand pounds give or take a few is what they're capable of. If you need to carry a lot more, and have the room for it, perhaps a front end loader is more suitable for your job.

Skid steer tires take a lot of abuse. They're often working in less than hospitable environments, and they carry a pretty heavy load. They're the most often replaced part on the rig. Of course, if your using tracks instead of tires that's a totally different story. Air filled tires are cheap, but susceptible to puncturing. Consider your work environment. Foam fill tires are a bit more expensive, add quite a bit more weight to the unit, but are impervious to puncture. If your driver doesn't mind a bumpy ride, go with tires made of solid rubber. They'll last forever. Ultimately, your working conditions will dictate what type of tires your unit will be equipped with. If you use your unit in multiple jobs, you may need more than one set of tires. Don't forget about tracks, if your working area is hard to get a good footing on.

Consider your driver when purchasing a skid steer. Especially, if the driver is you. Comfort is important if your going to be running the machine for long hours, but even more important is safety. If you working in an area with lots of other people around, make sure you have plenty of window space, so you can see everything and everyone around you. There's no need for more Bobcat funny accident videos to make it on YouTube or Americas Funniest Videos. Remember, it's important to keep not just the driver, but those around the machine safe from harm.