Deciding which skid steer to use for your construction, mining, and earthmoving projects is not as simple as it may seem. And one of the simplest aspects of all might end up being the one that costs you the most time and money – which is the size.

It might seem like skid steers are nifty and versatile enough to be used for any application, but like all pieces of earthmoving equipment, choosing the right type of machinery for the right kind of job can make all the difference in the world – especially when it’s your budget and your project’s timeline that are on the hook. So let’s break down some of the key things to keep in mind when you’re choosing a skid steer, because, as we all know, size matters…

Skid steer size and application chart

Top skid steer brands and their sizes

There are many skid steer brands out in the market, each varying in size, quality, and cost. Here are the best brands in the Australian market (or at least, the most prolific ones).

Bobcat

The Bobcat brand is synonymous with skid steers. In fact – much like tissues and Kleenexes – hearing the words “skid steer” might make you automatically think “Bobcats.” 

Here are some of the most common Bobcat skid steer models and how their specifications break down:

Source: Compact Equipment Magazine

Caterpillar

CAT is one of the leading purveyors of earthmoving equipment in the country. Known for their performance and safety features, the Caterpillar line of skid steers rivels Bocbat's as some of the best on the market.

Here’s a list of the different Caterpillar skid steer models and their specifications. 

Source: Compact Equipment Magazine

CASE

Last but not least, there's also CASE – not just one of the world’s largest construction equipment manufacturers, but also Australia’s third crown when it comes to our favourite skid steer brands. 

You know the drill: here's how the CASE catalogue breaks down where it counts:

Tips on how to choose the right-sized skid steer

Consider the dimensions and layout of the site

Perhaps the most important tip when choosing the right skid steer is to make a thorough study of the size of where you will be working. If the area is a bit confined, you might need a small-size skid steer. If the work site has room to move around or requires you to move or lift large loads, you'll probably be better off with a larger-framed machine.

Rated operating capacity

Rated operating capacity (ROC) means the amount of load or weight of materials that a skid steer can carry around without tipping over or resulting in malfunctions. ROC is not to be confused with "operating weight", which is the overall weight of the skid steer with gas and operator.

Determining the proper ROC is essential when considering the skid steer's size to avoid unnecessary machinery breakdown and operations downtime, or - much worse - site accidents. 

Do you have compact or loose terrain?

Generally, most skid steers - especially small ones - work well on even, level surfaces. Nowadays, with updated models coming from Caterpillar and Bobcat, larger skid steers with more robust and durable features that can navigate rough terrains efficiently are more commonly available.

However, it's still a good idea to make sure what skid steer is right for your terrain type and how easily they'll be able to traverse it.

Lift type

Lift type is crucial when choosing the right skid steer size, because both are interconnected in a way that directly impacts the machine's capabilities and its suitability for specific tasks. There are two primary lift types in skid steers: radial and vertical. A radial lift is a lifting arc-like pattern, while a vertical lift has a straight and upward lift pattern. 

If the size and lift type are incompatible, you might encounter issues such as safety concerns, damage to attachments, and even reduced productivity.

Budget

Let's not take one of the most important considerations of all out of the equation, which is money. Simply put (very simply, in fact): larger skid steers tend to cost more than smaller-sized skid steers.

Having a skid steer machinery is a long-term investment, so you should consider and set aside a specific budget for a high-quality skid steer so that you don't end up paying for more than your equipment is worth for the job it's meant to be used for.

So, made your choice? Hire the skid steer you need today!

And where else can you make a more well-informed, project-conscious choice than the iseekplant marketplace? As Australia's leading digital construction marketplace, we specialise in connecting clients with the perfect suppliers for plant hire and other construction services, and we have hundreds of skid steer loader suppliers across Australia on our database that our team are primed and ready to connect you with.

Obtaining a quote for skid steer loaders is simple. Just provide a few details about your project, and we'll forward your request to multiple skid steer loader suppliers near your location. Suppliers will then contact you for more details or directly send you a quote - it's as straightforward as that!

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