Skid steer loaders are versatile machines used to dig, collect, lift and move earth material like dirt and sand, along with grade, jackhammer cement and load trucks. Other popular activities completed by skid steer loaders include site clean up, spreading material, road sweeping, backfill, load and removal material, turf preparation, slab preparation and more.
These machines are often nicknamed “Bobcats” throughout Australia, although countries like America refer to the Bobcat Company that grew in popularity during the 1970s and continues to be one of the largest construction brands in the world. Multi-terrain loaders are another variant of skid steer loaders that are used when ground conditions are soft and require more traction, like snow, mud, sand and bush. Skid steers have locked steering on both the right and left wheels or tracks with separate functionality, allowing it to skid and easily manoeuvre. The loader arms are usually hydraulically operated to allow the attachments to lift vertically or radially. The radial movement means the bucket attachment will arc away from the skid steer loader until reaching the cab height before it moves back inwards.
Our directory offers a huge volume of qualified skid steer loader hire suppliers throughout Australia in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin and surrounding areas. These suppliers offer a diverse catalogue of skid steer loader types to suit your next construction project.
While skid steer loaders are equipped with a bucket, this can be easily replaced with many different attachments to suit a range of tasks. As a result, you may be asking which attachment is best to use for your skid steer loader. Attachments include the tree spade, dumping hopper, trencher, tiller, ripper, roller, tilt, sweeper, auger, pallet fork, hydraulic breaker, stump grinder, cement mixer, wheel saw, snow blade, wood chipper or mower.
Skid steer loaders utilise hydraulically powered loader arms to operate a variety of attachments, like buckets. These machines are usually four-wheel drives with double acting cylinders to drive in opposite directions and skid. Typically, the wheels on a skid steer loader have no separate steering mechanism and therefore can hold a fixed straight alignment. When an operator drives the left and right wheel pairs at contrasting speeds, the skid steer loader turns by skidding across the land. A skid steer loader typically weighs less than their tracked counterpart - the posi track, which allows for more flexibility in transportation. Most skid steer loader hire suppliers also have tracked bobcats available.
Once hydrostatic motors were introduced, the transmission was removed from these machines and then powered by a set of hydraulic motors and pumps. Each machine typically has two motors (one motor for each set of wheels) and four pumps. The motors have a unique operating system, ensuring that the bobcat avoids stalling, and while the wheels are operating, the full force of the motor is focused on that function. Skid steer loaders are usually protected from any torsional forces as the wheels skid. The machine still manages to stay light and small, allowing it to complete the same tasks as a front-end loader with versatile applications and increased mobility.
Feel free to get in contact with the iseekplant team to hire a mini loader, ditch witch, kanga digger, dingo loader or skid steer loader by using our Get a Quote tool for quick and competitive quotes. Alternatively, call us on 1300 691 912 or email us at projects@iseekplant.com.au.
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"Mel and Tom from Sweeney Hire go out of their way to make sure the customer is looked after. I have always found them to be honest, reliable and a ple..."
"Leading Excavations did the earthworks and slab site for our new home. The staff were punctual, experienced and knowledgable in all aspects of the wor..."
"Mitch has worked on our block preparing it for a new build as well as our retaining wall. Mitch has an eye for detail and is super efficient. Would de..."
"I hired a little Toyota 4SDK4 from Matt to clean up my backyard and found the skid steer to be a late model and in excellent condition at a very reaso..."
- Paul BrugmanView profile"Great experience. Showed me the machine. Gave a few tips. Machine was flawless and got the job done. Definitely be back again"
- MarkView profile"Leading Excavations did the earthworks and slab site for our new home. The staff were punctual, experienced and knowledgable in all aspects of the wor..."
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- Simon MarshView profile"Moving into our new home, we had no idea where to start. Russell earthworks had our outdoor area looking great in no time"
- SamView profile"I engaged Sam and his team to do some forestry mulching and some excavation works at my property. They were very reliable and professional in how they..."
- Ryan WilsonView profile"Had everything I needed and the service was brillant. The Master Hire team is friendly and professional. Highly recommend!!"
- Ben PooleyView profile"We recently had our driveway done with Dam good Job using recycled bitumen. From the outset Tom arrived promptly to look at the job and arrange the qu..."
- Anita & GrahamView profile"Rick came into assist with a project and it was adamant that his experience was second to none in the area. Will be using Rick and his team again."
- ScottView profile"Absolutely the best company for price, service and quality. The family at Dynamix trades can cater to any job you need and it’s always done fast and r..."
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- MarcusView profile"Two of my clients have used Wildtrax services recently and both have commented on the prompt and efficient service provided by Dane. Something that is..."
- John SullivanView profileHere's some tips & frequently asked questions on how to find the right skid steer loader for your job
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