Skid Steer Buying Guide
Skid steer loaders are a valuable investment for those who work in construction, site management, or agriculture. These impressive pieces of heavy machinery offer the power, performance, and agility needed to conquer the task at hand.
If you are looking to buy a skid loader, keep reading! We’ve compiled this buyer’s guide to help walk you through some key considerations you’ll need to make as you explore the different models. When you are ready to check out skid steers for sale, visit West Hills Tractor. Our dealership is in Jonesborough, Tennessee. We also proudly serve those in Johnson City and Greenville, Tennessee.
The Size
One place to begin your search is figuring out what size skid steer you want. These pieces of equipment tend to be more compact to begin with, but there is still variation among the different models. Skid steer loaders can be broken down into small, medium, and large frame sizes.
Large skid loaders have a higher lift capacity, which makes them well-suited for putting material into dump trucks that have higher side boards. Small skid steers are great for moving around cramped workspaces. Medium skid loaders offer a balance of compact size and lift capacity.
When considering the size of your skid steer loader, you will also want to account for your ability to transport the equipment from site to site. If you get a massive model, you may need a specialized trailer to transport it. If you get a small model, you may be fine using a trailer and a pickup truck to move it.
The Fuel Type
Another factor to take into account is what fuel type you want your skid loader to use. Most models will rely on diesel fuel, but you can find some skid steers that run off of gasoline. Diesel engines offer more impressive power and efficiency, but cost more in upkeep. Gasoline engines are easier to start and more environmentally-friendly, but won't offer the same output.
Operator Comfort
The more amount of time you plan on using your skid loader, the more important rider comfort becomes. It may sound trivial, but rider comfort is an important factor to consider. Operator discomfort can actually increase fatigue and make it harder for the operator to be productive and safely operate the equipment.
Consider skid steer loaders that are easy to enter and exit. Look for seats that are comfortable and adjustable. No one wants to spend their workday hunched over or straining to reach the controls. Seek out models that have great visibility as well. You should be able to see the bucket edge (or other tools) without leaning or reaching around.
Attachments
Skid steer loaders can be outfitted with a variety of attachments. These can help expand the tasks that the skid loader can tackle, making the equipment even more versatile. Spend some time researching the different attachment options so you know what is out there. Then think about whether you want your skid steer to use any of those attachments. If you do, be sure to seek out models that are going to be compatible with attachments so you can have that capability.
We hope you found our skid loader buyer's guide helpful. When you are ready to find your perfect model, head over to West Hills Tractor. Our expert staff is happy to chat with you about the different skid steer loaders for sale and help you determine the right one for you. We are located in Jonesborough, Tennessee, and we also proudly serve those in Greenville and Johnson City. Stop by and visit our dealership today!