Modernizing Skid Steer Loaders

By NATE HENDLEY

Skid steer loaders remain common on construction sites despite the growing popularity of compact track loaders (CTLs) and wheel loaders. New high-tech options, including remote control, will continue to make skid steers an attractive choice for some time to come, however, especially for applications that match well to their strengths, such as requiring lifting on hard surfaces.

The transportability, maneuverability, and small size are among the advantages skid steers have over compact track loaders, says Luke Gribble, solutions marketing manager at John Deere.

Skid steer loaders, “are much easier to move from jobsite to jobsite compared to compact track loaders in terms of their overall dimensions,” he says.

Compared to a wheel loader, skid steers are “more universal,” adds Buck Storlie, product manager at ASV. “A skid steer can be a tool carrier as much as it can be loader. When attaching augers, trenchers, or road milling planers, a skid steer, from a universality standpoint, is really unmatched on the jobsite.”

Skid steers also tend to be less expensive than CTLs and perform well on hard surfaces.

“If you’re primarily working on hard pavement, or rocky conditions, a skid steer loader remains the best choice,” states Storlie.

“There are definitely applications where skid steers benefit the customer. One of them is in planing on concrete and asphalt,” notes Tyler Zima, product specialist for the loader team at Bobcat. “I would also say many lift and carry applications, especially on concrete. You still see a lot more skid steers [in demolition] because you can get solid tires versus wearing out tracks on a compact track loader, which are more expensive to replace.”

BRING ON THE TECH

Skid steer loader tech trends include rearview cameras and telematics systems that monitor performance indicators. Both are becoming more prevalent. Engines are also getting more efficient, with a trend toward zero emission models, and attachments are getting smarter.

“Smart” attachments allow a machine to instantly recognize the attachment when connected, making for more efficient operations, says Kevin Coleman, product specialist with Caterpillar.

Remote control is arguably the biggest game-changing trend in the skid steer market, however. These systems can help to enhance safety, boost productivity, lower labour costs, and expand a company’s reach.