Given the rapid expansion of the Australian construction market, skid steer loaders are becoming increasingly popular. The fact that the industry has a projected annual growth rate of 2.4% over the next five years attests to this. We believe the machine’s ability to complete various construction tasks is the main reason behind its popularity. But you can’t ignore the fact that there are other machines to pick from. So why single out a skid steer loader?
If you’ve been looking around for a skid steer for sale but are still debating whether or not to go ahead with the purchase, you’ve come to the right place. This article serves to inform you about why purchasing a skid steer loader is possibly one of the best investment decisions you can ever make for your company.
Uses of Skid Steer Machines
Nothing confirms how valuable a machine is more than its functionality and performance. As previously stated, a skid steer loader is certainly high up on most lists if you’re looking for versatile lifting machines. A skid steer loader can be used for many applications including:
- Digging
- Scooping
- Leveling
- Simple lifting
- Cutting
- Cleaning
Benefits of Skid Steer Loaders
Skid Steer loaders Are Compact
Skid steer loaders are loved for their compact size. Compared to machines such as wheel loaders and excavators, skid steer loaders are much smaller. This makes them the loader of choice when faced with tasks that require maneuvering in small and narrow spaces. Skid steer loaders can navigate such spaces with ease.
Skid Steer Loaders Are Light
Besides being smaller, skid steer loaders are also much lighter in weight when compared to other lifting machines. This makes a skid steer loader ideal if you want a machine that can be easily towed or transported by other vehicles on your site.
Offer Various Attachments
A useful and efficient lifting machine is one that can use different attachments depending on the task. This essentially means that you can complete different construction jobs using the machine. You only need to switch the attachments.
Straight-from-the shop skid steer loaders usually have a metal bucket attached to its front end. This metal bucket makes tasks such as lifting materials off the ground much easier. The same attachment also allows you to move weights around your construction site with ease.
However, you have the option to easily replace the metal bucket with different attachments depending on the task. You can easily install a trencher, ripper, or snow blower to mention a few options.
High Hydraulic Flow Rate
Despite being relatively small in size, there’s absolutely nothing minor about the machine’s performance. If anything, a skid steer loader is more efficient compared to other lifting machines. This is largely owed to the high hydraulic flow rate present in skid steer loaders.
Different loaders have different hydraulic flow rates. Skid steer loaders naturally have a higher hydraulic flow rate compared to machines such as front loaders. What this means is that you can expect greater operational efficiency from skid steer loaders when using hydraulic machinery attachments.
Provide Better Visibility
Other lifting equipment tends to be bulkier and much bigger in design when compared to skid steer loaders. This limits the driver’s level of visibility while operating the machine.
Because skid steer loaders are less bulky, the driver’s visibility is much better when operating this unit. As a result, accidents are minimal when using this machine, and tasks are completed more efficiently & precisely.
Easy to Control
We love that a skid steer loader doesn’t present a huge learning curve when it comes to operation because it’s generally simple to control. Given the cumbersome nature of heavy lifting tasks, machines that have user-friendly controls are always appreciated.
You can easily control a skid steer loader with your hands by using its controls which are akin to joysticks. For this reason, even novice operators can successfully navigate the machine.
Offer Easy Access
Drivers love how easy it is to enter or exit a skid steer loader. This is thanks to the open front entry design that allows for easy access.
When Not to Use Skid Steer Loaders
We can’t overemphasize how versatile skid steer loaders are, but this doesn’t mean that they are suitable for each and every construction task. On the contrary, skid steer loaders aren’t ideal for use under the following circumstances:
- On surfaces covered with lawn or grass
- Muddy surfaces
- Areas with soft soil
- Tasks that require extra pushing power
Final Words
By now, we’re certain that your mind is made up regarding whether or not to purchase a skid steer loader. Judging from the many benefits a skid steer loader offers, it certainly sounds like a must-have machine for any serious construction company.
Just be sure to make your purchase from a reliable and reputable seller. This way you’re guaranteed a robust and high-quality product that will last for years. Did you find our pointers helpful? Let us know in the comments section below.
I recently watched a couple of construction documentaries, and I got curious about the huge vehicles featured. It’s fascinating how a skid steer loader is a light vehicle that can do heavy lifting despite its light size! I think it would definitely help a company to invest in these when they have a big building project.