{"id":30,"date":"2020-09-24T10:00:52","date_gmt":"2020-09-24T10:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carolinacat.webpagefxstage.com\/construction\/?p=30"},"modified":"2024-08-12T13:10:24","modified_gmt":"2024-08-12T13:10:24","slug":"a-guide-to-purchasing-skid-steers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carolinacat.webpagefxstage.com\/construction\/a-guide-to-purchasing-skid-steers\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Skid Steer"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Need a workhorse in the world of heavy equipment? A skid steer\u2014 commonly called a skid steer loader\u2014 is often the right machine for the job. \u00a0For tasks that require lots of manual work, a skid steer is one piece of equipment well-suited for different tasks\u2014from a construction site to a warehouse or even a farm. Skid steers differ from compact track loaders in that they have tires instead of tracks; CTLs are great for established job sites with flat surfaces and indoor applications.<\/p>\n
Yet finding the right skid steer for your money\u2014and your project\u2014can be overwhelming considering the range of frame types and functionality.<\/p>\n
Before you purchase (or even\u00a0rent a skid steer<\/strong><\/a>), this buyer’s guide outlines everything you need to know to make an informed decision. You’ll learn how skid steers work, various attachments available, and what to know to make an informed decision.<\/p>\n Jump to Sections:<\/strong><\/p>\n To choose the right skid steer for your project, consider the size and specifications best suited for your specific needs. Skid steers are versatile due to their rigid-frame builds, load balance, and maneuverability, but certain features may vary across sizes.<\/p>\n Always consult skid-steer size charts to compare variables like the unit\u2019s engine model and horsepower to ensure the model meets typical project requirements.<\/p>\n Here are a few variables to consider and questions to ask before deciding on a skid steer.<\/p>\n Compact or utility skid steers are some of the most versatile and efficient on the market. These small-framed machines\u2019 operating capacity typically falls between 1,300-1,750 lbs. with a 50-70 horsepower (hp), lending them useful for projects with small job-site dimensions, difficult terrains, and tight spaces.<\/p>\n Pros of small-framed skid steers:<\/p>\n Cons of small-framed skid steers:<\/p>\n Larger-frame skid steers typically have operating capacities starting in the 2,000 lbs. range, though it\u2019s not uncommon to find brand units between 2,700-3,000 lbs. and with horsepowers in the 70s.<\/p>\n Pros of large-framed skid steers:<\/p>\n Cons of large-framed skid steer:<\/p>\n Next, consider the power of your unit. Brands increasingly include various power ratings when advertising skid steers to differentiate equipment by engine size.<\/p>\n While the most popular machines typically range from horsepower in the lower 50s into the mid-70s, it\u2019s not merely the raw number that makes or breaks a skid steer\u2019s capabilities.<\/p>\n Horsepower also provides a machine\u2019s natural traction and pull, determines what kinds of attachments you can use, and determines the running and maintenance of your hydraulic pumps.<\/p>\n Skid steers are dual-powered through their diesel engines and hydraulic pumps and systems. Hydraulic systems use pressurized, hydraulic fluids to power their associated machinery, rather than other fuel sources or the raw flow of materials. They\u2019re vital to the machine\u2019s overall output and important in selecting the best skid for your project.<\/p>\n A skid steer\u2019s hydraulics system also plays a large role in its maintenance requirements and full-power output.<\/p>\n Four central hydraulic pumps<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0aid in the overall power output for skid steers; there are\u00a0auxiliary hydraulic systems<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0to understand.<\/p>\n You have a variety of attachments to choose from that can determine the ideal size and power rating (including hydraulic systems) for your ideal skid steer.<\/p>\n Check out our post on the best skid steer attachments<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0to find the right attachment for your project and how they work.<\/p>\n Attachments are as much about form as they are function and must be compliant with your skid steer\u2019s safe carrier operating specifications, flow rates, horsepower, and ROCs.<\/p>\n These are only a number of the\u00a0dozens\u00a0<\/strong>of skid steer attachments. Consider your project requirements to determine the different attachments you need, which you can reference with the horsepower and hydraulic capabilities of certain skid steer models.<\/p>\n Carolina Cat\u2019s skid steers come engineered with the latest Cat-branded developments and service solutions. Construction technology spans a few different categories, but some of these systems are specific to skid steers.<\/p>\n Advanced fleet management software\u2014 like Cat’s\u00a0VisionLink\u00ae<\/a>\u2014is designed for remote and on-site visibility of skid steer operations and tracks the performance of skid steers in your fleet. This software provides comprehensive security, maintenance, production, and efficiency reports to improve overall performance.<\/p>\n Tier 4 technology refers to advanced upgrades in skid steers to meet more strict Tier 4 emissions standards, and is a good way to improve the efficiency and lifespan of older skid steers. Tier 4 technology optimizes engine performance, reduces fuel consumption, and lowers harmful emissions through engine electronics, fuel, and air systems modifications, including exhaust after-treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Grade control and earth-moving technology can be installed on skid steers to boost precision and efficiency in landscaping and other use cases. Caterpillar offers two technological solutions for improved skid steer landscaping operations: the AccuGrade\u2122 Grade Control System and the Computer-Aided Earthmoving System (CAES) for landfills.<\/p>\n A staple of Cat\u2019s overall tech solutions, your local Cat dealer can create a\u00a0complete data management system for your skid steers<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0that integrates data for unit oversight, productivity, safety, and sustainability best practices.<\/p>\n Both new and used Cat skid steers have a crucial technological component network to keep machines functioning smoothly and easily. Here are a few of these systems:<\/p>\n No mechanical transmission<\/strong>: Each side of a skid steer loader is powered by a premium hydraulic motor. These two motors connect to a partner sprocket, and each sprocket connects through industrial chains to the wheels. This design allows the power generated by the motors to be evenly distributed to the wheels, reducing gear wear and increasing wheel torque capabilities. The no-mechanical transmission design has stood the test of time.<\/p>\n Powertrain<\/strong>: The overall powertrain design of a skid steer is based on the combination of a diesel engine and hydraulic pumps. This provides unparalleled efficiency compared to gasoline engines and can withstand the demands of 8-12 hour workdays on any industrial site.<\/p>\n Quick coupler systems<\/strong>: New, brand-name skid steers are designed to be used with tool attachments that universally lock into place with your hydraulic flow rates. This means you don’t have to worry about leakage or time-consuming attachment swaps between functions.<\/p>\n The decision to purchase a new or used machine ultimately depends on your project requirements, budget, and preferences. For example, investing in a used skid steer loader in good condition might be a good idea compared to new machines with a higher price tag. But not always.<\/p>\n While buying used\u00a0can be a good option in many cases, with new machines you can generally expect lower long-term maintenance costs, and newer features may boost productivity and financing.<\/p>\n In this section, we’ll discuss more pros and cons of buying a new vs. used to help you decide what’s right for your business.<\/p>\n If you’re considering jumping into the used market, it’s best to always\u00a0browse used equipment<\/a>\u00a0from a reputable dealer like Carolina Cat. A skid steer purchased from an individual without maintenance records may have unseen issues, have lots of previous owners you’re unaware of, and be a bad long-term investment.<\/p>\n Considering a new used or rental skid steer? Take the first step and\u00a0contact Carolina Cat<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0for any questions and to receive a free quote.<\/p>\n Once you experience the difference of a Cat skid steer, you’ll see why these versatile machines are so popular and loved. Browse our complete inventory of construction equipment today to find the right equipment for your operation.<\/p>\n Browse Skid Steers<\/a> Contact Us<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Need a workhorse in the world of heavy equipment? A skid steer\u2014 commonly called a skid steer loader\u2014 is often the right machine for the job. \u00a0For tasks that require lots of manual work, a skid steer is one piece of equipment well-suited for different tasks\u2014from a construction site to a warehouse or even a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":31,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[785],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-equipment-acquisition"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n
1. Understand Skid Steer Sizing and Specifications<\/h2>\n
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Small-Frame Skid Steers<\/h3>\n
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Large-Frame Skid Steers<\/h3>\n
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2. What Horsepower Should a Skid Steer Have?<\/h2>\n
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3. How Do Hydraulics Power Skid Steers?<\/h2>\n
Four Hydraulic Pumps Found in Skid Steers<\/h3>\n
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Types of Auxiliary Hydraulic Systems<\/h3>\n
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4. What Attachments Are Available for Skid Steers?<\/h2>\n
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Common skid-steer attachments<\/h3>\n
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5. Skid Steer Technology to Understand and Consider<\/h2>\n
Fleet Management Solutions<\/h3>\n
Tier 4 Technology<\/h3>\n
Grade Control Earth Moving Solutions<\/h3>\n
Vital Information Management Systems<\/h3>\n
Other Skid Steer Technologies<\/h3>\n
6. Buying a Used or New Skid Steer<\/h2>\n
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Pros of buying a new skid steer<\/h3>\n
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Cons of buying a new skid steer<\/h3>\n
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Pros of buying a used skid steer<\/h3>\n
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Cons of buying a used skid steer<\/h3>\n
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Add Cat Skid Steers to Your Equipment Inventory Today<\/h3>\n
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