Skid Steer & Compact Loader: 6 Factors to Consider
When it comes to choosing the right equipment for the job, you have a lot of options. But how do you know what to buy? Should you purchase skid steers or compact loaders? It depends on what your needs are. This can make it difficult to choose if you aren’t familiar with these products.
Let us help you out. Check out these things to consider:
Terrain
The first thing to consider when buying this equipment is the kind of terrain you will be using it in. If you will be working on rough terrain and need a heavy-duty product, then you will likely want a skid steer or mini excavator. If your tasks are on gentle terrain, you might want a compact or mini excavator.
Type of Work
Both types of machines do the same job, whether you’re building a road or loading dirt. They can perform a broad range of applications.
So, it’s more about personal preference when choosing which one to buy. If you plan to use it to move around larger rocks, like boulders, then you will probably want a skid steer. If you plan on using it mostly to move soil, you might want a compact loader.
Ground Disturbance
The amount of ground disturbance you will have to deal with depends on the machine you are using. A mini excavator can plough through larger chunks of rock, while a skid steer won’t. It’s pretty much the same for moving soil. The compact loader will stir up less of the grass than the skid steer.
Operator Comfort
How comfortable you are operating the machine will also factor into your decision. If you are operating the machine for several hours at a time, being comfortable will help you be more efficient. Compact track loaders provide a smoother ride and greater stability to the operator.
Maintenance Budget
How much time you will have to spend keeping your equipment running is also a factor in your decision. Upgrades and maintenance can be quite costly.
If you have a small budget, you might want to go with a compact loader. The cost to maintain is less because it has few moving parts. However, if you have some spare money to spend on upgrades, the mini-excavator might be a better choice.
New or Used Equipment
If you are looking to buy a lightly used machine, then you will likely want to stick with a compact loader or mini excavator. Used mini excavators are just like new. Given that the skid steer does a lot of hard work, these machines don’t tend to last long, which means you will have to repair it more often.
The Right Machine for You
If you want to be as productive as possible while staying safe, you will need to choose the right equipment. When it comes to skid steers and compact loaders, they both provide the same services but in different ways. So, you will have to choose the right machine for the job. Use this guide to help you choose the right machine for your needs.
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