Skid steers are an incredibly versatile tool, but you can make them even more useful by adding attachments. If you’re not familiar with skid steer attachments, here’s a guide on what they are and how they can help you do your job better.
In this guide, we’ll look at the different types of attachments available. We’ll also discuss the importance of choosing the right attachment for the job. Whether you work in agriculture, construction, mining or any other industry, this guide to skid steer attachments is for you.
What is a skid steer?
A skid steer is a small, compact loader that’s used in construction, landscaping and agriculture. It’s designed to be operated by one person and has four wheels for stability. While they do much the same work as a track loader, they shouldn’t be confused because a skid steer has wheels and a track loader rolls on tracks.
Skid steers can be used to move materials around the construction site with ease and dig holes for footings or foundations. They’re also great for moving dirt or gravel from place to place if you need more room on your job site. But as you’ll see from the types of skid steer attachments available, these machines are a lot more versatile than you might think.
Types of skid steer attachments
Being such a versatile piece of machinery, skid steers naturally have a lot of different uses. However, to use the machine correctly, you need the right attachments. Here are some of the most common attachments available for skid steers and track loaders.
Augers
The skid steer auger is a tool that can be used to drill holes in the ground or concrete. It also works well on metal and wood, but it’s most commonly used for digging holes. Skid steer augers are very versatile attachments that should be considered by anyone who needs to make holes in the ground or concrete surfaces.
Buckets
Skid steer buckets are used primarily for digging and loading, but they can also be attached to the front or back of a skid steer. They can be used to dig, load and dump material. Buckets come in a variety of sizes to suit your needs, with popular models including 4 in 1 skid steer buckets. In addition to standard buckets, you can also get dedicated rock buckets that allow dirt and debris to fall through while still holding the larger, heavier items you need to move.
Post rammers
A post rammer is a great tool for landscaping, demolition and seeding. It can also be used for aeration and drainage. Skid steer post rammers are available in different sizes, depending on your needs. They are mounted on the front of your skid steer loader with a quick-attach bracket that makes it easy to attach or remove from your machine in seconds without any tools required.
A standard size is 10″ wide x 12′ long, but there are others available too, such as 20″ wide x 24′ long or even 36″ wide x 36′ long if you have large jobs where you need more power.
Rollers
Rollers are used to compact and level the ground, as well as apply a final layer of asphalt or concrete. They can also be used to spread gravel or sand over an existing surface. Rollers can be either pneumatic or mechanical, depending on the type of material being rolled out.
Rollers come in different types, such as a vibratory roller or a dedicated road profiler. So, the type you choose really depends on how you intend to use it.
Slashers
Slashers are used to clear brush and small trees from the land. They’re also used for clearing land for new construction, agriculture, fire control and recreation.
The skid steer slasher is an attachment that can be added to your skid steer loader using a quick coupler. There are many different slasher types available on the market today, and they can also be customised to suit your needs.
The importance of choosing the right skid steer attachment
There are two main reasons to ensure you buy skid steer attachments from reputable suppliers who know their products. Firstly, if you don’t get the right attachment, your work won’t be effective. More importantly, you might even damage the area you’re working in.
The second concern is more financial. Buy a product that’s not fit for purpose, and you’ve wasted money, not to mention time. Plus, many machines have weight limits, and certain attachments may not be compatible. So, always deal with professional suppliers who can help you choose the right attachments or even customise attachments to suit your needs.
Looking for the right skid steer attachments?
If you’re after skid steer attachments, Earthmoving Attachments Australia has got you covered. We have a huge range of augers, slashers, rammers and buckets suitable for any application. We stock a huge range of skid steer attachments suitable for all brands of bobcats and track loaders. Best of all, we offer free fitting on customised attachments if you need something a little more specific. Contact us to find out how we can help.