Take control of any terrain with a skid steer
Skid steers are a popular compact heavy machine that is used for a variety of construction, landscape, agriculture and landscaping/forestry type projects. These machines are designed to be small, efficient and easy to maneuver in tight spaces and are always seen in just about every construction project no matter how big or small.
The unique design of a skid steer allows it to turn in its own length by using the wheels or tracks to skid in opposite directions. To turn left, the operator pushes the joystick control forward on the left side of the machine and pulls it back on the right side. To turn right, the operator does the opposite. By varying the speed and direction of the wheels or tracks on each side of the machine, the operator can achieve precise movement and steering.
Who makes the best skid steer?
At Ritchie List, you’ll find a wide selection of used skid steers for sale by owners who are located near you! We currently have over 1,000 used skid steers for you to browse from that's sold by trusted and verified owners who depend on their skid steer to work as hard as you do.
There are several manufactures that produce high quality skid steers and while there really isn’t the “best one”, there are some well-known brands that are highly preferred in the industry.
Bobcat is a well-known brand when it comes to skid steers, so much so that the term skid steers is synonymous with bobcat. Some key features of bobcat skid steers are its reliability, powerful engines and advanced control systems.
Caterpillar, also known as CAT, is well known for its heavy construction equipment and brings their recipe for success to its smaller machines including the skid steer. CAT skid steers are known to be durable, spacious operating cabs, all wheel steer options.
Kubota is a popular brand when it comes to earth moving equipment such as mini excavators and skid steers. Kubota is well known to making skid steers with excellent and extensive safety features such as its ROPS (rollover protection structures).
Different types of skid steers
Though most skid steers look the same, there are different types of skid steers that you’ll come across at Ritchie List, and each skid steer is designed to operate differently due to their unique differences. Here’s a list of some of the most common types of skid steers:
Wheeled Skid Steers
Wheeled skid steers are as the name suggests, they are equipped with four large wheels as opposed to a track system. Wheeled skid steers won’t provide the same level as traction as a track system therefor these are highly suited for construction and landscaping where the surface is mostly flat and dry. This also gives them an advantage of moving faster compared to a tracked skid steer.
Tracked Skid Steers
Tracked skid steers offer a track system instead of wheels and offer two main advantages. The first is excellent traction in uneven terrain conditions due to more ground contact compared to just four wheels. The second advantage is excellent operating and maneuvering capabilities in loose and wet terrain due to a larger weight distribution of the tracked system.
Mini Skid Steers
Mini skid steers function just like a normal skid steer just at a smaller capacity. Aside from that, the next difference is the operating cab. A traditional skid steer features a enclosed cabin, where the operator stands in the rear of a mini skid steer.
For those focusing on light duty excavation and earthmoving work such as landscaping, mini excavators would be an excellent addition to the workforce. Some models will have an operating capacity of up to 1500lbs and feature interchangeable attachments for various types of earthmoving tasks.
What is the difference between a skid steer and a skid loader?
Often time, both terms skid steer and skid loader are used interchangeably referring to the same piece of equipment. Either term refers to a compact machine that’s designed for a variety of digging, hauling, forestry type tasks.
However, in some circ*mstances you might find skid loader or compact loader might refer to a specific type of skid steer. Skid loader might refer to a smaller tracked machine with a single set of controls vs the traditional skid steer would be referring to a wheeled skid steer.
