Skid Steer Loaders Offer Contractors Considerable Flexibility on Job Sites
Many contractors would undoubtedly be surprised to learn that the front-end loader was first introduced 60 years ago, in 1957, in Rothsay, Minnesota, a town of less than 500 people. These contractors may be further astounded by the revelation that this machine was built to help a turkey farmer improve and expedite the process of removing manure from his barn.
Perhaps any such astonishment would stem from the fact that compact equipment, and specifically skid steer loaders, have become almost mandatory tools within a contractor’s armamentarium today due to their versatility and durability; based on the sheer number of skid steer machines currently in use on job sites throughout the world, it does seem hard to believe that the prototype was built to facilitate the removal of turkey droppings.
By definition, skid steer loaders are rigid-frame, engine-powered machines with lift arms to which several time- and labour-saving tools can be attached (see the related article at Multiple Uses for Skid Steer Buckets); yet unlike the custom design of that first machine for use in a defined space, present-day skid steers are produced in a range of frame sizes and engine power to accommodate a broader scope of projects:
- Small frame – 1,750 pounds; less than 50 horsepower
- Medium frame – 1,750 to 2,200 pounds with 50-70 hp
- Large frame – over 2,200 pounds; over 70 horsepower
As a result of this variety in size and horsepower, and their ongoing growth in popularity, skid steers can be utilized for any number of purposes, including but certainly not limited to the following:
- Trenching
- Landscaping
- Heavy Lifting
- Snow Removal
- Debris Removal
- Post-Hole Digging
- Interior Demolition
- Earthmoving/Leveling
- Underground Construction
- Site/Property Development
- Materials Handling/Transportation
Undeniably, skid steer loaders have a myriad of uses today; from the humble beginnings of the first front-end loader, these highly reliable machines can now be seen in operation on an untold number of jobsites where compactness, maneuverability, and versatility are essential elements in getting the work done correctly and on time.
Offering Expert Advice on the Best Size of Skid Steer for Your Specific Job Sites
Tag Equipment in Stouffville, Ontario has an extensive inventory of skid steer loaders for sale from many well-known compact equipment manufacturers including:
The knowledgeable representatives at Tag Equipment are very familiar with these types of machines and can therefore serve as valued resources to help contractors find the right skid steer, in terms of frame size and horsepower, along with the right accessories for their particular types of projects and job sites.
To learn more about the entire portfolio of skid steer loaders and attachments available from the compact equipment specialists at Tag Equipment, visit skid steer loaders and attachments page.
For more insight and information on the purchase of skid steer loaders and attachments from Tag Equipment in Stouffville, Ontario, call 647-559-3703 today and speak with a member of our well-informed staff.