If you’re in the market for a new skid steer loader, there are several factors you need to consider. Making the right choice is important, as it can drastically affect how productive and efficient your team can be. Whether you work in general earthworks, landscaping, construction or mining, it’s essential to get a skid steer loader that suits your needs.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about skid steer loaders and the 5 most important factors to consider when buying.
What is a skid steer loader?
Skid steer loaders are compact machines that can be found in various industries, from construction and landscaping to civil works and mining. These loaders use lifting arms to operate a variety of attachments, including buckets, augers, pallet forks and more. Skid steer loaders are popular because they can be used for multiple applications, but their primary role is to move materials from one place to another. One of the biggest drawcards is their compact size and easy manoeuvrability in tight spaces. Making them suitable for so many different jobs.
Let’s check out the top 5 factors to consider before investing in a skid steer loader.
Power and performance
A skid steer loader’s horsepower effectively determines the type of work it can do, and the amount it can lift. Buyers need to consider their power and performance needs both now and in the future. For example, if you need to lift large materials or operate on difficult terrain, you’ll need a loader with more horsepower. For smaller jobs, you can get away with a more compact loader. It’s important to get this right because a loader without the required power won’t be effective, while one with too much horsepower could see you waste valuable fuel resources.
Attachments and versatility
We’ve already mentioned that skid steer loaders are versatile machines, but that all depends on the quality of your attachments. Here’s where you really need to think about the type of you’ll be doing with your loader. Do you just need a standard bucket, or will you need something more specialised?
Most importantly, you need to make sure the loader you buy can accommodate the attachments you wish to use. Both CASE and CAST loaders are compatible with many different attachments.
Size and manoeuvrability
While we’ve already established that power is important, so is size and manoeuvrability. Often, the more powerful machines are larger and don’t move as freely around a work site, so you get plenty of power but can’t access all the spaces you need to. If you’ve got an urban construction job, for example, you might want to consider a smaller loader that offers better movement. It really all depends on the environment you’re working in. Ultimately, it’s about finding the balance between size and power, to ensure you’ve got the perfect fit for your needs.
Operational costs and maintenance
Of course, every business wants to keep costs down. That’s what makes every project profitable. So, you need to consider how much your skid steer loader will cost to run and maintain. Fuel consumption is a huge factor, which is why we suggest not buying machines that are too powerful for your needs. They’ll waste fuel and cost you more over time.
Maintenance is also important, so always consider the service intervals and how much downtime you can expect. While your machinery is being serviced or repaired, it’s not earning you money, which is why reliability is so important in your decision-making.
Safety features
Finally, safety is a huge consideration when buying any type of construction equipment. Many modern machines have features like roll-over protection (ROPS) and falling object protection (FOPS) systems, as well as reversing cameras and even hazard identification. The more safety features you have, the greater chance of keeping all workers safe.
Other things to consider
Of course, every company has different needs, so you may have other factors that are important. For example, are spare parts easy to find? How will you finance the machine? Is the brand name and reputation important to you? Essentially, the best way to get the right loader is to deal with earthmoving equipment experts who can assess your needs and find the right match.
Need help to choose a skid steer loader?
If you’re still not sure exactly which type of skid steer loader is most suitable for your project, we’re here to help. Earthmoving Equipment Australia has unmatched expertise, meaning you get the right advice every time. Our professional team can discuss your project needs and recommend the best solutions for your budget and applications. Plus, if you need attachments or other machinery, we’ve got plenty to choose from. Contact our friendly team today, and get the perfect skid steer loader for your next project.