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Buying a Skid Steer Loader
By Dave Simpson
What Is A Bobcat?
Skid steer loaders, or "Bobcats" named after the major brand in the market, are one of the most adaptable small construction machines available. Their small size and manoeuvrability, as well as the large number of add-on attachments that can be fixed to them make them extremely popular for a wide range of tasks such as construction and landscaping. As well as being very agile and compact, they can easily accommodate a wide range of different attachments which makes them ideal for many different industries, including construction, landscaping, manufacturing and demolition. Bobcats normally come with 4 wheels, but they can be fitted with tracks - just like a small tank - to operate in muddy conditions. Skid steer loaders are normally equipped with four wheels built close together, but they can also be fitted with tracks for work in muddy or slippery conditions. Engines are normally rear-mounted, just behind the cab and they have two forward facing arms that can be used to hook up plows, shovels and a wide range of other tools.
Why The Funny Name?
They are called skid steers because, literally they are steered by skidding the wheels. Just like a tank, a skid steer loader stops one set of wheels while allowing the opposite set to keep revolving when entering a turn. By operating this way skid steers have the ability to turn around inside their own length.
Ok, so what should I look for when I buy one of these.
Physical Dimensions
You should consider three fundamental factors when choosing your Bobcat Skidsteer.
1. Physical dimensions. Take a look at any garages, gates or other small areas your skid steer will need to fit in. Some skid steers may simply be too big for you to accommodate them. You should ensure that you are not left embarrassed that your skid steer will not be left sitting at the side of the road after it is delivered.
2. Lift Height. Do you know how high you will need your skid steer to lift things. It is important to realize whether you need to dump over a 9' truck or a 4' fence. This is usually called the "height to hinge pin" measurement, or the distance from the ground to the point where the loader arms pivot the bucket. This usually ranges between 8' and 10'.
3. Lifting Capacity How much do you need to lift? Will you be lifting heavy loads? Many manufacturers also refer to this as the operating capacity. This is alos commonly known as the operating capacity. The most popular size, is the 1,700 lb - 2,200 lb range. Although some skid steer loaders can lift over 3,000 lbs, if you need to lift loads this big you really would be better to consider a full-size front end loader instead.
What About Tires?
Tire choice is very important when picking a skid steer, and you should always consider the type of work you will be doing. The tire choices are air filled rubber tires - just like your car, foam filled tires, and solid rubber tires.You would normally fit one of three types of tire to these loaders - hollow air-filled rubber tires, rubber tires filled with pneumatic foam and solid rubber tires.. Remember they are also available with tracks.
1. Air-Filled Tires - the cheapest and probably the best solution for most people. these are the least expensive and are the best for smooth rides on rocky or uneven surfaces, of course, being air filled they can get punctures at just the wrong time!
2.Foam-Filled Pneumatic Tires - cannot be punctured but are much more expensive. Also because foam-filled tires are much heavier than normal air-filled tires they can lead to breakdowns from the extra strain placed on the skid steer's transmission.
3.Solid Rubber Tires - these are thinner and longer lasting than foam or air filled tires but not nearly as comfortable.
There may be times when solid rubber tires will be best suited, such as when you're working surface has a lot of sharp stones or debris as these types of tires will last longest. You should remember, though, that you can easily change your tires to suit the surface if required to do so and many spare sets are often available from specialist dealers or websites at very reasonable prices
What If Its Muddy?
Certainly, tracks are an option. Tracked skid steer loaders can go over ground that wheeled ones cannot, such as loose gravel, thick mud and so on.
Tracked skid steer loaders tend to be bigger than wheeled ones, and therefore more expensive. If you only occasionally need tracks, you can purchase kits that allow you to attach tracks to a wheeled skid steer.
Other Factors
Once you have determined the size and capacity requirements for your skid steer, you will need to try out the available models and consider the following factors:
Cab Comfort
Since you will probably be spending many hours in the cab it should be comfortable. Comfort is important because in many instances you will be inside a cab for hours. You should ensure that the seat is comfortable and that you can easily reach the controls.
All-round visibility
Safety should always by uppermost in your considerations when buying a skid steer. In any work environment it is important to be safe. Good visibility from inside the cab, can both speed up work and reduce errors and accidents.
Maintenance
Lets face it skid steers are built to be tough but like any mechanical device they work better when well maintained. Check that your skid steer is easily maintained, especially parts like the engine and hydraulics.
If you are thinking of buying a skid steer loader then I can recommend http://bobcattractorauctions.com for a wide range and good advice.
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