Comprehensive Guide to the Different Types of Skid Steers
When selecting the right skid steer for your needs, it’s crucial to understand the available options and how each type can impact your operations. Whether you’re working on construction, landscaping, or agricultural projects, choosing the right type of skid steer can significantly affect productivity and efficiency.
In this guide, we’ll explore the various skid steer types, their specific purposes, and the features that set them apart. From compact to large-frame models, we’ll provide a detailed analysis to help you make an informed decision, ensuring your next investment meets both your project requirements and long-term goals.
Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: electra
Skid Steer Size Chart
Before exploring how many types of skid steers there are, it’s important to understand their size classifications. Generally, every type of skid steer fits into one of three categories based on size: small-frame, medium-frame, and large-frame.
Small-frame skid steers
These machines weigh under 1,750 lbs and feature an engine producing less than 50 horsepower. Ideal for light landscaping and residential projects, their compact form allows them to operate efficiently in tight spaces while handling light loads with ease, making them perfect for smaller, more confined work environments.
Medium-frame skid steers
Ranging from 1,750 to 2,200 lbs, with engines offering 50 to 70 horsepower, these skid steers provide a great balance between power and maneuverability. They’re well-suited for mid-sized construction, earthmoving, and general contracting projects, offering enough power for tasks like grading and trenching while maintaining versatility for a wide range of applications.
Large-frame skid steers
Built for heavy-duty applications like commercial demolition and excavation, these machines weigh over 2,200 lbs and are equipped with engines exceeding 70 horsepower. Capable of lifting up to 3,000 lbs, large-frame skid steers deliver unmatched power for demanding jobs requiring robust performance and the ability to handle significant workloads.
At Wickham Tractor Co., we offer a wide range of skid steer models from industry-leading brands. Before buying or renting, it’s essential to determine which size best suits your specific needs.
Types of Skid Steers
In the following, we’ll discuss the five primary skid steer types, elaborating on their distinct purposes and applications.
Wheeled skid steers
Wheeled skid steers are known for their agility, versatility, and ease of operation. Equipped with four pneumatic or solid rubber tires, these machines offer excellent maneuverability on flat and paved surfaces.
| Applications | Indoor construction projects, landscaping, and material handling tasks |
| Attachments | Buckets, forks, augers, and sweepers |
| Advantages | Fast travel speeds, versatility, lower maintenance costs, and adaptability for a wide range of task |
These features make wheeled skid steers the go-to choice for farmers, contractors, and agricultural professionals alike.
Tracked skid steers
Commonly referred to as compact track loaders or CTLs, tracked skid steers offer superior stability and traction on rough, uneven, and soft terrains like mud, sand, or snow. Instead of wheels, these machines operate on rubber tracks.
| Applications | Landscaping, construction, and agricultural applications where traversing delicate surfaces is a key consideration |
| Attachments | Backhoe arm, augers, buckets, thumbs, and mulchers |
| Advantages | Even weight distribution to minimize soil compaction, superior lift capacity, and stability on slopes |
Although slower than wheeled models, tracked skid steers are indispensable for demanding projects, where tricky tasks like excavating and grinding on uneven surfaces are key considerations.
Stand-on skid steers
Known for their agility, quick entry and exit options, and excellent visibility, stand-on skid steers (or loaders) offer a different operating platform than traditional skid steer machines. In comparison, these models feature a unique, stand-on platform attached to the back of the machine rather than a sitting cab.
| Applications | Landscaping, warehouse operations, and congested work environments where frequent operator dismounting is necessary |
| Attachments | Augers, pallet forks, buckets, concrete mixers, brooms, and snowblowers |
| Advantages | Quick operator entry and exit, enhanced visibility for precise control, and compatibility with various attachments for diverse tasks |
All-wheel skid steers
All-wheel skid steers, also called skid steers with all-wheel steering or skid steer loaders with car-style steering, boast an innovative design that enhances maneuverability and precision. They feature an additional steering mechanism that allows the rear wheels to steer independently from the front wheels.
| Applications | Construction, agriculture, and snow removal projects |
| Attachments | Buckets, snow blowers, augers, and brooms |
| Advantages | Independent steering for rear and front wheels, minimal surface damage, and enhanced control and stability in all types of challenging terrains and tight, narrow spaces |
With their compact design and innovative features, all-wheel skid steers are the top choice for projects that require exceptional mobility, control, and efficiency.
Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: stefan11
Radial/vertical lift skid steers
Radial and vertical lift skid steers are versatile machines in construction and agriculture. They can be used for a wide range of tasks, including lifting, dozing, grading, digging, clearing land, and transporting materials around the site on any terrain. They also excel in snow removal during the winter season.
Radial lift skid steers are best for digging and lower-height tasks. Their lift arms arc outward, which provides maximum reach at mid-range heights. This makes them especially effective for excavation, transferring materials, and grading jobs.
Vertical lift skid steers, on the other hand, are designed for tasks where lifting materials to significant heights is necessary. This may include stacking pallets or loading trucks. The lift arms on this machine model rise in a nearly vertical path. It offers greater reach and better stability at full lift than the radial lift skid steer.
How to Choose the Perfect Type of Skid Steer
When deciding on a type of skid steer, several factors should guide your decision:
Size and width
The first step is determining the size and width of the machine you need. This will depend on the nature of your job and the available working space.
For instance, if you’re managing a small residential property with light landscaping tasks, a small-frame skid steer is perfect. However, if you’re working on a large construction site where heavy lifting, excavating, and grading are key tasks, a large skid steer is a must. A mid-sized machine is ideal for anything in between.
Lift type
Next, decide between a radial or vertical lift type, depending on your lifting requirements. If your tasks involve pushing, digging, or moving materials, a radial lift type is ideal. But if you require lifting materials to higher heights, a vertical lift type will be necessary to ensure efficiency and stability.
Terrain considerations
Consider the land you’re working on and its surface condition to decide whether a wheeled or tracked skid steer is better suited for your project.
- Wheeled skid steers are perfect for even, compacted surfaces like asphalt, concrete, or hard-packed dirt. They travel quickly and do not damage the ground.
- Tracked skid steers are better suited for rough, uneven, or muddy surfaces. They provide broader weight distribution and superior stability on slopes, all while traversing loose gravel, sand, or snow without compacting the ground. However, tracked machines are generally slower and may require more maintenance.
Attachment compatibility
The right attachments can significantly expand a skid steer’s versatility, but not all implements are compatible with every machine. Consider engine horsepower, rated operating capacity (ROC), and hydraulic systems.
- Small-frame skid steers typically have a standard hydraulic system that supports common light-version attachments like blades, buckets, forks, and grapples.
- Medium-frame skid steers can accommodate attachments that require more power, in addition to those compatible with small skid steers, such as augers and saws.
- Large-frame skid steers are capable of powering heavy-duty attachments like cold planers, mulchers, chippers, and trenchers.
Safety considerations
Safety should always be your top priority. Look for features such as:
- Roll-over protective structure (ROPS)
- Falling object protective structure (FOPS)
- Backup alarms and cameras
- Anti-theft systems
Control types
Decide between two control systems—standard or joystick. Traditional skid steers use hand levers and foot pedals, while modern models often have joystick controls that rely on hand and wrist movements.
Maintenance and support
When evaluating ease of maintenance and support services, consider:
- Accessibility to key components for easier fluid and filter changes
- Dealer and manufacturer support for troubleshooting, repairs, parts, and maintenance
- Warranty coverage from industry-leading brands for added peace of mind and investment protection
Source: shutterstock.com / Photo Contributor: Victor Yarmolyuk
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the different types of skid steers is crucial for selecting the right machine for your specific needs. Whether you’re tackling a small landscaping project or managing a large construction site, choosing the appropriate skid steer can maximize efficiency and profitability.
At Wickham Tractor Co., we’ve been helping customers make informed heavy equipment choices for decades, and we’re ready to do the same for you! Let us help you find the perfect skid steer to bring lasting value and profit to your business.