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Large skid-steer loaders

June 12, 2007 |

Their evolution into highly mobile toolcarriers has complicated matters for contractors interested in gauging large skid steer productivity. Thanks to the diversified array of attachments they carry, large skid steers rarely engage in consistent application roles on jobsites. They might begin the day moving earth, be cold-planing by lunch and running augers at quitting time.

In an earth-moving role, tracking productivity is straightforward: simply track the amount of earth moved in a given length of time. But when a skid steer is fitted with an attachment, productivity becomes a question of quickly completing one task and moving on to another.

Wide buckets can increase capacity, but beware of decreased maneuverability
Because of their large size, skid steers with operating capacities greater than 2,501 pounds rub shoulders with “full size” machines such as backhoe loaders, wheel loaders and toolcarriers. They are typically employed in general construction roles such as site prep, landscaping, residential and utility work.

All of these machine types excel in specialized roles and can run a wide array of attachments. But skid steers have several advantages over backhoes and wheel loaders. Perhaps the biggest is their compact design, says Lance Schulz, loader product specialist, Bobcat. “Most contractors working in tight surroundings are going to turn to skid steers to get a large part of their work done,” he says. “Skid steers, even the largest models, can easily maneuver in tight working conditions. Just as importantly, they can move quickly through a congested jobsite and help keep a job’s pace moving forward.”

Another advantage is that large skid steers are ideally suited for smaller contractors with limited personnel and transportation resources. “Most backhoes require a large truck and a CDL to transport across town,” Schulz adds. “Neither is required for a skid-steer loader. You can put it on a 12,000-pound trailer, which can easily be pulled by a 1/2-ton pickup truck.”

Large skid steers are also a boon for small contractors who cannot afford large payrolls. “That’s really where the skid steer’s versatility as a toolcarrier comes into play,” notes Rusty Schafer, product manager, Case Construction Equipment. “We’re seeing an emerging trend for growth in the heavier end of our skid steers. That’s because labor is getting more expensive and contractors are trying to do more work with fewer people. These machines allow you to accomplish those goals while maintaining a faster pace on the jobsite.”

All of these attributes are true for skid steers regardless of their size. But large units have capabilities unknown to their smaller brethren. Higher horsepower ratings (from 60 to 110 horsepower) translate directly into more lifting capability and greater hydraulic power for running high flow attachments.

“Our machines, which are at the extreme top end of this line, have 3,600-pound lift capacities, more than 11 feet of lift height and radial-lift arm geometry,” observes Kelly Moore, product manager, Gehl. “This extra height and reach means they also have the ability to load the larger tandem and tri-axle dump trucks, which is something smaller skid steers cannot do. They also have the ability to use a 1-cubic-yard bucket, giving them productivity on par with a medium-sized backhoe.”