Skid steers are an essential component in the agriculture and construction industry. These handle a variety of tasks from demolition to soil preparation. Since these types of equipment are multi-faceted, it comes in various builds and features. This can make shopping for the right skid steer loader confusing and even frustrating. There are some key factors that you can consider when choosing the right skid steer for your needs. By understanding these aspects, finding the right skid steer can become easier. At Rampart Equipment, we offer a wide collection of reliable skid steers to meet all your needs.
What Are Your Requirements?
The first step towards choosing a skid steer loader is deciding what you need. The following factors can help in assessing the need for a skid steer.
- Type of Project
What type of project are you working on? Is it related to construction or landscaping? The power and features of a skid steer loader depend on how it’s used. If your project involves soil preparation, a small skid steer loader may be best as it’s easy to operate and maneuver.
- Environment of the Project
What are the physical features of the area you’re working in? Make a note of all the following features:
- Area of the project site: Is your project site vast and open, or is it restricted to a narrow and confined space?
- Terrain: Does the project site involve rugged and hard surfaces, or is it muddy and soft?
- Arrangement of obstacles: Are there wide gaps between obstacles, or are they clustered together?
Why assess all these aspects? It’s because these determine the type of machinery you can use for work. For example, if the project site consists of muddy or soft surfaces, you can use a compact-track loader.
- Attachments
Attachments are extra hardware that you can add to a skid steer loader. This gives it the extra features needed for performing a specific function. Skid steers come with various kinds of attachments, which determine what you can use them for.
- How Long Is It Needed For?
You have two options when it comes to using a skid-steer loader: purchase or rent. If you need to use the machinery for a few days or weeks, you can benefit from a used-model on rent. However, if your project will last a year or longer, purchasing a new skid-steer can be more economical in the long run.
Determining the Size of Your Skid Steer Loader
Skid steer loaders come in a range of sizes and weights. What skid steer size can meet your requirements? To find that out, we must understand how these equipment are grouped based on their sizes.
Size Categories
A skid steer’s size tells us what is its operating capacity and horsepower. Based on these metrics, the Associated Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) sorts these machines into 3 categories:
- Small Frames: These loaders have a rated operating capacity of 1,550 to 1,750 lbs. and up to 50 HP. Small frames are best suited for tasks in small, cramped spaces. You can use them for light work such as residential landscaping and minor construction works.
- Medium Frames: Have an operating capacity between 1,750 and 2,200 lbs. and give between 50 to 70 HP. Medium frames offer a balance between power and ease of movement. Their size is compact enough to work in tight spaces, and you can easily lift heavier weights with them.
- Large Frames: Operate at 2,200 lbs. or more operating capacity and use at least 70 HP. Large frames provide high-lifting capabilities and powerful engines. You can use them to carry-out large and heavy-duty construction projects like land excavations.
Types of Lift Configurations
All skid steer loaders come with either of the two following lift configurations:
- Radial lifts
Designed for carrying out tasks close to the ground, like landscaping and digging holes. These type of skid steers use few moving parts, making them more durable and easier to maintain.
2.Vertical lifts
Vertical lift skid steers can lift objects to higher elevations and provide greater reach. This makes them ideal for applications like loading trucks or placing pallets on shelves.
Wrapping Up
By assessing your project’s requirements, the skid steer’s frame size, and the lift configuration, you can pick the right skid steer loader. At Rampart Equipment, we are dedicated to providing high-quality skid steers tailored to meet your specific requirements, ensuring efficiency and reliability for all your projects.