Getting bigger... and smaller

Skid-steer loader introductions are expanding the
category to larger and smaller extremes.

by Kirk Landers, VP/Editorial Director

Skid-steer loaders began catching on in the construction field in the 1980s because they offered contractors a way to automate functions that had previously been performed by manual labor.

Those were small, inexpensive machines that improved labor productivity and reduced work-related injuries. They were utility machines, used for odd jobs ranging from work site clean up to small scale digging, lifting, and loading. In most cases, they logged far fewer hours of usage each year than backhoe loaders and wheel loaders, but they were cheap, and so easy to operate that anyone on a job site could deploy them with very little training.

Since then, the category has become wildly popular in all avenues of construction. They are the best-selling type of construction equipment in North America, with annual sales exceeding 50,000 units. They still tend to be low-hour machines, but, thanks to a virtually unlimited variety of attachments, skid-steer loaders can handle a huge array of small-scale jobs, from general earthmoving and material handling to post hole digging and landscaping to pavement milling and demolition.

As the machine has grown in popularity, it has become one of the hottest rental items in North America. Equipment rental houses consume roughly one-third of the new units sold each year, and most stock a wide array of attachments, too. The ready availability of rental attachments — especially high-ticket, specialty items like planers, vibratory rollers, tillers, and snow blowers and pushers — has turned the machine’s potential for versatility into a cost-effective reality.

As the skid-steer has become more popular in construction, the average size of the machine has grown, too. In the mid-1980s, the most popular operating load class was 900 to 1,350 pounds. By the mid-1990s, the 1,350 to 1,750 pound class was the most popular. Today, the over-1,750-pound classifications are the fastest growing.

Larger machines have dominated new product introductions, too, though our survey of recent new product announcements has turned up a spate of compact and sub-compact introductions, too. The smallest of these are ride-behind models aimed mainly at the consumer rental trade, but they are also used in landscaping and other types of light construction essentially to automate jobs that would otherwise be done by laborers with shovels.

Road contractors and government highway departments should find the new super-duty class of skid-steer loaders especially interesting. These units have retained the skid-steer’s traditional simplicity of operation and compact packaging, while also boasting power and weight specifications that let them perform many of the tasks done by backhoe loaders and compact wheel loaders. Nearly all boast high-pressure, high-flow hydraulic systems to run the most sophisticated hydraulic attachments. They also feature substantial break-out force ratings for serious loading and substantial lifting capacities for material handling.

The skid-steer loader represents an interesting alternative for fleets that have low-hour backhoe loaders in inventory. Led by Bobcat, Gehl, Mustang, and other companies that make skid-steers but not backhoe loaders, skid-steer marketers have been pushing the proposition that it is more cost effective to replace a backhoe loader with a skid-steer and a mini-excavator. The rationale: for about the same amount of money, you can get more hours of utilization because you have two machines that can be working simultaneously at different jobs.

While that rationale doesn’t hold up in all cases –– backhoe loader prices have come down substantially in the past few years, changing the cost-per-hour math –– municipal fleets and other low-hour users may find that owning a skid-steer loader and renting a mini-excavator for occasional excavating needs is a more cost-effective solution than owning a backhoe loader.

Snow or dirt plowing

The Boss Power-V plow equips a skid-steer loader to plow snow in winter and push dirt in the summer. The plow features a full moldboard trip action that lets it trip forward to minimize damage if it hits a stationary object while snow-plowing; the trip can be locked out for earthmoving applications. It can be used in a V shape, straight, or in a scoop configuration — or any shape in between. It has a natural side-to-side tilt, or can be ordered with an optional hydraulic power tilt. The Boss Snowplow.

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All-wheel steer

Bobcat’s all-wheel-steer A220 debuted in September as the most innovative skid-steer loader introduction of the year. The 2,200-pound-rated unit can be operated in its all-wheel-steering mode to save tire wear or to prevent damage to turf, but it can be converted to traditional skid-steer mode at the flip of a switch. Paving contractors and municipal road-maintenance fleets are a target market for the new machine because of the high rate of tire wear common to skid-steers working on asphalt. The new machine is expected to cost about 30 percent more-roughly $8,000—than the Bobcat 863, a traditional model with the same operating capacity as the A220. Bobcat Company.

Biggest and Fastest

Gehl introduced the Model 3800 last February as “the biggest, strongest, and fastest skid loader available today.” It has an operating load rating of 3,600 pounds, a lift height of almost 12 feet, and a 110-hp turbo diesel engine. It can travel at 14 mph. Vertical-lift loader-arm linkage provides consistent forward reach through the entire lift cycle. High-pressure, high-flow hydraulics give the unit the highest breakout force in the field and maximum hydraulic attachment performance. Gehl Company.

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Thicker and stronger

Daewoo’s redesigned skid-steer loader line features thicker mainframes and booms to improve strength and durability. The machines are designed to transfer shock to the mainframe, not the boom, when working in asphalt and concrete. Bucket cylinders are encased inside the boom for optimum protection. The company’s four-model line ranges in rated operating capacity from 1,300 to 2,000 pounds. Daewoo.

Attachment compatibility guide

Bobcat’s new Attachments Plus program tests Bobcat attachments for functional compatibility with other major skid-steer loader brands. Tests include oil compatibility between the attachments and the host machines. Bobcat claims to design and manufacture more attachments for skid-steer loaders than any other company. Bobcat-branded attachments that have been approved for use with other machines so far include the planer, snowblades, super scraper, and the sweeper/gutter brush. Approved attachments for Case, Cat, John Deere, and New Holland machines are listed at www.attachmentsplus.com. Bobcat Company.

Double-duty sweeper

FFC Attachments’ new Cyclone Hopper Broom sweeps forward to efficiently pick up dirt, dust, and light materials. In reverse, it collects heavier materials such as asphalt millings, rock, and construction debris. To dump, the operator simply lifts and tilts the attachment — no chains are required. The Hopper Broom can also be used to spread material. Its design eliminates the need for a front caster wheel, making it easier to work close to obstacles like walls and curbs. Its direct-drive motor eliminates chains and sprockets and reduces maintenance requirements. It is available in 60-, 72-, and 80-inch widths and three different bristle types: poly, wire, or a poly/wire blend. FFC Attachments.

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Runs level, naturally

Roadrunner says its new compact series of grader-spreader-maintainer blades for skid-steer loaders and compact tractors has a natural tendency to run level. The design features a long skid bar working in combination with dual blades to prevent dipping and gouging. The dual-blade configuration is said to eliminate washboarding, ruts, and potholes. Roadrunner says its C-series blades can spread and level topsoil, aggregates, and asphalt millings. Roadrunner Construction Equipment.

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New attachment business

CE Attachments opened for business in July with the goal of providing “every attachment for every job.” The new company claims to have the industry’s most extensive range of attachments available for skid-steer loaders and compact excavators. The company offers equipment dealers the capability to fill most orders in days, even specialized attachments which often have long lead times, and to search for and order products on a sophisticated web site. CE Attachments.

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New crawler-mounted compact

Toro has added the crawler-mounted TX 400 series to its Dingo line of ride-behind compact loaders. The 34.5-inch-wide machine has a rated operating capacity of 500 pounds, weighs 1,830 pounds, and features Kevlar-reinforced rubber tracks. It has a 20-hp, air-cooled engine and can run more than 35 attachments, including an auger, trencher, breaker, backhoe, snow-thrower, and other power attachments. Toro Dingo.

Small and large improvements

Mustang introduced four new models — the smallest and the largest in its skid-steer line — last February. The compact 2022 and 2032 are rated at 1,050 and 1,250 pounds, respectively, and can be configured in widths varying from 48 to 58 inches. The new 2095 and 2105 models are among the most powerful in the industry, with operating load ratings of 3,150 and 3,600 pounds, respectively. They lead the industry in lifting height, at 142 inches, and breakout force, at 6,550 pounds. All Mustang skid steers come with the Multi-Tach attachment mounting system which can handle most attachment mounting designs on the market. Mustang Manufacturing.

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Made for skid-steers

Tramac’s 85 hydraulic breaker is specifically designed for skid-steer loaders. It combines performance-enhancing high impact and high frequency with machine-saving low vibration and progressive start characteristics. It is available with either universal or custom back plates and has plug-in hydraulics for easy installation. Its sealed accumulators are guaranteed not to require charging for at least a year. Tramac.

Reaches tall

Thomas Equipment’s new 1,750-pound-rated model 175 has a hinge pin height of more than 11 feet. It is powered by a 59.5-hp diesel and can reach forward speeds of 7.7 mph. Dual front bucket cylinders deliver 4,250 pounds of breakout force. All Thomas loaders come with a 5-year, 5000-hour standard warranty. Thomas Equipment.

More XTs

Case has added three models to its XT series of skid-steer loaders. The 40XT, 60XT, and 70XT replace the Case 1800 series and range in load capacity rating from 1,500 to 2,000 pounds. Case.

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Pavement removal bucket

The rock/pavement removal bucket from Attachments International is made of Hardox 400 abrasion-proof steel. It features a skeleton bucket design which allows dirt and fine debris to fall through. Carbine wear plates allow use in extreme conditions, including rip-rap work. Attachments International.

Fast attachment changes

Hyundai’s two-model skid-steer line features a quick-coupler that uses a roll-back engagement feature for fast attachment changes. The HSL610 has a 41-horsepower engine and a rated operating capacity of 1,350 pounds. The HSL 810 has a 70-horse engine and a 1,790-pound operating capacity. Hyundai Construction Equipment.

New vertical-lift loaders

Cat’s 252 and 262 skid steers have a unique loader-arm linkage that drives a lift height of just over 10 feet 8 inches and a reach of 32.5 inches. With rated capacities of 2,250 and 2,500 pounds, respectively, the new models are well suited for loading high side trucks and feature a 50-degree bucket dump angle for excellent clean-out. A long, 48.3-inch wheelbase enhances grading efficiency and yields a comfortable ride. Hydraulic horsepower ratings for the new machines are among the highest in their respective weight classes. Caterpillar.

Heavy-duty Deere

The 82-hp John Deere 270 skid-steer loader carries a 2,600-pound operating load rating, a lift height of 127 inches, and a 32-inch reach. Its factory-installed two-speed motor option includes high capacity cooling, maintenance-free wet disc brakes, and a top travel speed of 12 mph. Deere markets several dozen attachments for its skid-steer loaders, including four cold planers, two vibratory rollers, and four breakers. John Deere Commercial Worksite Products.

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Eight Superboom models

New Holland’s Superboom skid-steer loader line features the company’s vertical-lift boom design that increases lift capacity and forward reach, and provides better rear visibility than other designs. A low center of gravity and long wheelbase also enhance capacity and reach, as well as machine stability. The 8-model Superboom line ranges from the 18-horsepower L250, rated at 600 pounds, to the 83-horsepower LS190, rated at 2,800 pounds. New Holland.

Skid-steer snow plow

Designed specifically for skid-steer loaders, Snow Wolf Ultra Series snow plow blades are angled to scoop the snow and send it rolling. Since the snow moves quickly off the blade, the machine can control heavy snow loads. The oscillating blade follows the contours of the ground without scraping, according to the company, or it can apply full down pressure to exert the machine’s weight on the blade for clearing ice and packed snow. The heavy duty blades are available in seven widths, from 6 to 9 feet. Snow Wolf.

Three new features

Ariens has added three new features to its compact Gravely Skidster 200 skid-steer loaders. The 37-inch-wide units have a new soft-touch control system for easier maneuverability, an optional EZ-on/EZ-off weight kit, and a new quick-release attachment system. Ariens Company.

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Modular power box rake

The Harley M-6 Modular power box rake can be ordered as a straight mount, a manual-angle mount, or with full hydraulic angle capability. Upgrades include heavier main frames, pivot plate, and longer-lasting roller bearings. Slim profile frame bearing ends allow for deep seedbed cultivation, and proprietary carbide teeth are shaped to ensure optimum sub-base for moisture retention and germination.  Glenmac.

Breakers for 84 models

Indeco fields a line of five hydraulic break models designed to fit at least 84 skid-steer loader models. Covering energy classes from 180 to 1000 pounds, the hammers feature automatically variable speed and power for high productivity and reliability. For residential and urban jobs, Indeco hammers are available in Whisperized versions, which the company claims are the quietest breakers in North America. Indeco.

Making the grade

Curtis Tractor Cab’s series of blades for skid-steer loaders feature quick-attach coupling and are available either as manual angle blades or with full six-way hydraulic control. Blades come in seven lengths between 5 and 9 feet. Curtis Tractor Cab.

High-production snow pusher

Pro-Tech Sno Pushers have a re-engineered moldboard and support post that allow for a more aggressive cutting angle and increased durability. The company claims its design has up to 500% more snow removal capacity than conventional blades. The unit attaches quickly to nearly any skid-steer loader and does not require removal of the bucket. Pro-Tech.

See Manufacturer Links Page for web links to suppliers.

Reprinted from Better Roads Magazine
November 2001