When a project requires winter work, you can count on skid steer loaders to get the job done efficiently. They are a versatile and ideal option for an easy transition from construction work to ice and snow removal. As it begins to get cooler, it is essential to think about winterizing your machine. Consider skid steer attachments for winter months to ensure the machine is functional. As a leading HLA dealer with a full lineup of accessories, Tag Equipment has the winter skid steer attachments you need to handle the cold months. Read on to learn all about dealing with the dropping temperature and snow buildup.
Advantages of Using a Skid Steer for Snow Removal
In addition to digging trenches and removing debris, skid steers are capable of performing tasks outside of the hole-digging construction and landscaping types. With a snow removal skid steer attachment such as a snow blade, you can reduce the stress and time it takes to remove snow from driveways and sidewalks. You can easily turn your skid steer into an efficient snow removal machine by choosing compatible attachments to make your work easy and hassle-free.
Why Should You Use a Skid Steer for Snow Removal?
There are several advantages to using a skid steer for removing snow:
- Winter skid steer attachments such as a snow plower provide excellent control of the machine.
- You can use different accessories to ensure fast maneuvering in open spaces, as well as parking lots.
- Using a skid steer with a compatible snow removal attachment can prove to be less expensive for removing snow instead of a plow truck.
- They are capable of handling different terrain and surfaces.
How to Prepare Skid Steers for Winter
- Change Fluids
It helps to ensure your skid steer loader has the proper engine oil, hydraulic oil, coolant, fuel, and grease for operating in winter weather. Doing so will help reduce maintenance problems and ensure optimum overall performance. - Engine Oil
Be sure to match the engine oil viscosity with the temperature outside and choose the appropriate products for cold weather, including offering protection even when the temperature is down to 40 below. - Engine Coolant
Antifreeze is a crucial component for your skid-steer loader during the cold months. It is best to test it and top it off before the onset of winter. - Hydraulic Lubricant
Depending on the weather condition in your area, you may need high-performance hydraulic oil. Synthetic blends are made to give you peak flow in sub-zero temperatures and offer good performance in the cold weather. - Grease
Skid steers require grease in lubrication points, especially near pins and bushings, to help extend the life of the components. It helps to select the right type of grease to match your application. - Fuel
Be sure to top off the tank to reduce condensation buildup in it and remember to remove water from the fuel filter regularly. Also, use clean, high-quality fuel for your compact equipment. - Charge the Battery
Freezing temperatures increase the chances of a dead battery, leading to increased downtime, which is why you need to check wires for wear and run a load test. - Preparing Commonly Used Winter Skid Steer Attachments
Skid-steer attachments are the tools that enhance the overall functionality and help remove snow and ice. They require the same attention as the equipment itself. Be sure to examine the cylinders, hoses, cutting blades, and edges for signs of damage or wear. Also, check if the attachment requires lubrication or hydraulic fluid.
Top 6 Winter Attachments for Your Bobcat Skid Steer
Skid Steer Snow Blades
Snow blades for skid steers are available in different sizes and just the right option for any moderate snow-removal job. You can use this attachment to remove snow off the sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots. It comes with a precision-engineered curve on the mouldboard folds, limiting spillover, unwanted sticking, sidetracking, and a spring-trip feature to minimize damage if you hit an object. You can angle a snow blade 30 degrees to either side and oscillate 5 degrees to avoid multiple trips to clear snow.
Snow Wing
Snow wings have an extra width on the attachment, which allows you to clear a larger area. Also, they come with hydraulically controlled end plates and rotary actuators that have a 180° rotation.
Skid Steer Snow Pusher
Snow pushers for skid steers are equipped with a welded double sidewall and an optional rear pull or back drag mount to help remove high volumes of snow from hard-to-reach spots and put it in the determined area.
Box Blades
You can use a box blade scraper on a skid steer to grade and level snow. It doubles as a snow pusher by bolting on the mounting plate and removing the rippers and links.
Salt Spreader
If you want to ensure a parking lot, driveway or sidewalk is safe from ice buildup, a salt spreader is the right accessory. You can use this skid steer attachment to toss and apply sand or salt, and treat the area and prevent future refreezing. You can also use it to apply seed and fertilizer in the warmer months.
Angle Brooms
If there is less than 6-8 inches of snow, the angle broom is an ideal choice of accessory for you. The skid steer broom can help sweep the light snowfall off any surface. It is commonly used on larger sidewalks because of its ability to move the snow efficiently.
We Offer a Wide Assortment of Winter Skid Steer Attachments
At Tag Equipment, we carry an extensive inventory of attachments, including skid steer snow pushers, angle brooms, snow blades and more. In addition to skid steers, our accessories are also ideal for tractors and wheel loaders.
Our Skid Steer Snow Attachment Brands:
We carry the following major brands:
- WIFO
- HLA Attachments
- HLA Snow
We also feature skid steer snow attachments from different manufacturers in North America, such as Bobcat, Case Construction, Kubota, John Deere, Caterpillar, Komatsu, New Holland, and Terex. They come in different sizes and weights.
If you are looking to purchase skid steer attachments in Ontario, be sure to give us a call at 416-716-5850. We’ll be happy to guide you.
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