Take These Factors into Consideration When Purchasing a Kubota Skid Steer
Skid steer loaders are very versatile machines that can perform several different types of operations for the owner-company; they can be adapted for diverse situations through a variety of attachments, thereby save time, money, and labour that would otherwise need to be invested in multiple pieces of equipment.
Furthermore, due to their compact nature and their steering method, skid steer loaders offer considerable flexibility relative to work area access and dimensions, as well as the types of terrain in which they can be utilized. However, it is precisely this versatility and flexibility that complicate the decision-making process when people are in the market to purchase a skid steer loader; all skid steers are not the same, and it therefore becomes very important for contractors to select the right machine for their specific type of work.
To assist with the skid steer buying process, the compact equipment specialists from Tag Equipment in Stouffville, Ontario recommend that the following factors should be taken into consideration; for purposes of simplicity, this discussion will focus on the Kubota line of equipment wherever/whenever applicable:
- Size of the frame
- Small, medium, or large, depending on primary type of work and size of job sites
- Selecting the appropriately-sized frame can increase capabilities and productivity
- Will also have an effect on the mode of transportation from one jobsite to another
- Amount of torque
- Torque, or rotational force, relates to the skid steer’s ability to get the job done
- Higher-torque machines can work at lower engine speeds, thus saving fuel costs
- Conversely, the amount of horsepower impacts the speed of getting the job done
- Hydraulics package
- Standard hydraulics on smaller-framed Kubota skid steers may be sufficient to run a range of attachments but medium-sized and large-frame machines may require increased-pressure hydraulics to use larger/more powerful skid steer attachments
- Lifting mechanism
- There are essentially two options or methods for lifting Kubota skid steer buckets
- Radial – more applicable for work that primarily consists of digging at ground level
- Vertical – for lift-and-place jobs e.g.: filling dump trucks, moving/relocating pallets
- Attachments (quantity and type)
- Any attachments will add weight, and therefore strain, to the machine/hydraulics
- The types of Kubota attachments needed can affect the overall choice of machine
- The number of attachments that can be used with a single skid steer, today and in the future, will have a significant impact on productivity and return on investment
Looking at this latter point in greater depth, Kubota offers a wide range of attachments for the users of its various skid steer models; these attachments include (alphabetically):
- 3-Point Adapters – to operate heavy-duty attachments at max hydraulic pressure
- Angle Brooms – heavy-duty sweepers to collect various debris from wet/dry surfaces
- Augers – used for drilling or boring clean holes through a diverse range of materials
- Backhoe – a bucket/shovel for quick and easy digging of trenches in confined areas
- Cold Planers – for use in removing some or all damage to concrete/asphalt surfaces
- Concrete Dispensers – allows precise pouring of concrete into narrow forms/sections
- Grader Rakes – for grading, raking, and leveling; effective in various types of terrain
- Grapples – shaped like a jaw; used for scooping up large quantities of loose material
- Mowers – available in various types/sizes depending on the cutting area and terrain
- Multiple-Purpose Buckets – for safely transporting large rocks, loose soil, loose debris
- Pallet Forks – as the name implies, they convert Kubota skid steer loaders to forklifts
- Snow Blowers/Plows – for winter maintenance; good for large areas and tight spaces
- Trenchers – available in various widths/depths; save time/effort vs trenching by hand
Clearly, the decision-making process for buying a Kubota skid steer can be influenced by many factors, including the type of work, the type of terrain, and the degree of flexibility required from the machine. Consulting with an experienced compact equipment supplier such as Tag Equipment can certainly help to simplify the process and guide it toward the best choice for the owner and operator.
Expert Advice on Kubota Skid Steers, Attachments, and Replacement Tracks
The specialists from Tag Equipment are very familiar with all models of Kubota skid steer loaders and can offer contractors valuable buying tips on the choice of machine based on their specific needs and types of work. Some of the features that purchasers can discuss with/gain insight from Tag’s compact equipment experts would include:
- Open canopy versus enclosed cab
- Standard and optional Kubota buckets
- Rubber tires or Kubota skid steer tracks
- Hydraulic systems and horsepower options
For Kubota skid steers that have previously been purchased and are currently in service, there will come a time when the rubber tracks likely need to be replaced. In such cases, owners and operators can rely on Tag Equipment to supply top-quality replacement skid steer tracks from Camso; these tracks are known for their superior design, function, and extended service life, and Tag Equipment offers a wide selection for the following types of Kubota skid steers:
- Pavers
- Carrier/dumpers
- Mini-excavators
- Multi-terrain loaders
- Compact track loaders
For additional information on the sales and distribution of Kubota skid steer equipment and attachments by Tag Equipment, please go to or call Tag Equipment at 647-559-3703 today to speak with one of our representatives.