Skid Steer Basics

A skid steer is a versatile construction tool that you’ll likely find on most job sites, but
learning how to operate one can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before.
Small but mighty, this type of equipment can weigh as much as a small vehicle. Its
compact size makes it a very popular option for a variety of Kansas and
Oklahoma construction projects—depending on if you need to haul materials or
debris, dig up landscaping materials or level and grade a piece of land.
Trinity Sales and Rental has several skid steers to offer for rental. Contact us to figure out which one is best for you and your project.

Skid steers
are multipurpose powerhouses suitable for both commercial job sites and some home
projects. While they can be quite easy to operate, it does take some practice
and patience. If you or your team are looking to learn how to operate a skid
steer, you can start with this information.

How a Skid Steer Turns

The skid steer loader will either have four wheels or two tracks. The front and back axles automatically orchestrate their movements, but drivers can operate each separately from the wheels on the other side of the machine.

The wheels remain in a straight, fixed alignment and do not turn. To turn the device, a skid steer operator needs to increase the speed of the wheels on one side, making the wheels skid or drag across the ground as the device rotates in the opposite direction. This steering function is what gives the machine its name.

What Is a Skid Steer Used For?

The trademark characteristic of the skid steer is its variety of attachment options, making it possible to perform a wide range of jobs using the same piece of equipment. The standard attachment for a skid steer is a bucket, but teams can switch this out for any number of alternatives that make it possible for a skid steer to perform the functions of many different types of equipment.

· Clearing Snow

· Excavating

· Construction Projects

· Landscaping

· Trenching & Digging

In almost any work site scenario, the correct attachment makes your skid steer the best choice for any task. With this in mind, contractors need to ensure that skid steer operators stay up to date on safety and maintenance guidelines for the skid steer itself and the attachments they use for each project.

What’s the Difference Between a Skid Steer and a Bobcat?

Some professionals refer to a skid steer as a “Bobcat” or “Bobcat machine.” Bobcat is one of the construction manufacturing brands that produce skid steers, like their competitors John Deere and Kubota. As a result, there isn’t any difference between a skid steer and a Bobcat loader. Instead, Bobcat is only a brand name for skid steer loaders.

Should You Buy or Rent a Skid Steer?

Whether or not you should buy a skid steer depends on the size and frequency of your projects. Keep in mind that you will need to make the same decision about your attachments, which can be bought or rented separately.

If you find that you use a skid steer on almost all of your projects, it may be worth investing in a machine of your own. However, remember that equipment ownership incurs costs of its own — your skid steer will need maintenance and upkeep, which may cost several thousands of dollars each year. Purchasing a used skid steer from Trinity Sales & Rental may be a good option for you as well.

If your skid steer usage is not as frequent, it probably makes more financial sense to rent one. You can prorate the cost to ensure you’re only paying for the time you need, and you can avoid the hassle of purchasing an attachment you may only use once or twice.

The best way to figure out exactly what size, type and rental period you need for your project is to speak with a Trinity Sales & Rental professional who can assess your specific needs and get you the best equipment for your next project. Call us at (316) 942-5555 today!