What Is a Skid Steer Loader Used For? Top Jobs and Tasks

What is a Skid Steer Loader?

What are Skid Steers Used for?

Perhaps the better question is "What aren't skid steers used for?" These versatile vehicles are commonplace on construction and demolition sites, but they can be used for so much more than that. Here's an overview of some of their most popular use cases.

Demolition

Skid steers can be outfitted with various attachments to perform different demolition-associated tasks. They're often used to help assist the demolition process in removing floors and walls from a structure or they can be outfitted with an attachment to help collect debris.

Roadwork

From spreading gravel to repairing drainage, skid steers are commonly used in road repair and paving.

Snow / Debris Removal

Skid steers can help remove snow from roads and parking lots in fast order when outfitted with the right attachment. They're also ideal for gathering debris for removal.

Excavating

Skid steers can be outfitted with rippers, trenchers, tillers, and wheel saws that make excavation much more convenient. Because of this, they're often used when prepping a site or when creating a foundation.

Loading

Need to carry heavy equipment from one location to the next? Skid steers are ideal for loading and moving materials around a site.

Landscaping

Many landscapers utilize skid steers for loading and hauling vegetation for planting around the site. They can also help with trench digging and stump grinding with the right attachments.

Farming

Farms rely on a variety of heavy-duty equipment for crop growing and harvesting. A skid steer is a common accessory on the farm due to many of the functions that we've already noted on this list.



Material Handling

While most people associate skid steers doing work outdoors, they also have a place in the industrial warehouse - particularly when it comes to material handling. Thanks to their ability to navigate tight spaces and attachment versatility, they're an ideal accessory.

Common Skid Steer Attachments & Tasks

One of the features that makes a skid steer such a versatile piece of equipment in a variety of settings is the number of attachments it's able to accommodate.

Attachments for Moving Material

Buckets and dozer blades are some of the most common skid steer attachments. They're available in various sizes and can help move and transport material.

Attachments for Digging

In addition to buckets, other attachments can help with digging. Some of these include trenchers and backhoes.

Attachments for Farming

From bale spears to tillers to rakes, skid steers can accommodate several attachments for farming.

Attachments for Clearing

Tree pullers, stump grinders, forks, and brush cutters are all ideal skid steer attachments for land clearing.

Attachments for Grabbing

Skid steer attachments for grabbing include the grapple bucket attachment and the puller.

What are the Different Types of Skid Steers?

Skid steers come in all different sizes and styles, making it easy to purchase the best one for your job site or project. Here's a closer look at the different types of skid steers.

Wheeled vs Tracked

One of the biggest decisions you'll need to make is regarding a tracked or wheeled skid steer. Wheeled skid steers are best for flat, hard surfaces. They tend to run faster and are more flexible. Tracked skid steers are better for uneven terrain and conditions that could be soft or slippery.

There are also over-the-tire skid steers, which combine the best features of both wheeled and tracked skid steers.

Stand On vs Walk Behind

Another key difference in skid steers is how you operate them. Some skid steers have a cabin and operators sit or stand within the cabin area. Other skid steers require the operator to walk behind them.

Small Skid Steers

Skid steers also come in different sizes. Small skid steers are best for smaller job sites. They tend to be ultra-compact with the ability to fit in tight spaces. For instance, you're likely to find smaller skid steers in industrial warehouses.



Medium Steers

Medium skid steers are larger and more productive, making them an ideal equipment option for many larger job sites. Medium skid steers tend to be the most common type of skid steer. Much of this is due to their versatility and their ability to be used in a variety of different types of jobs.

Contact Alpine Demolition Today

For more information on skid steers, common skid steer attachments, and the various types of skid steers that you might find on a construction or demolition project, contact Alpine Demolition today. As experienced demolition contractors, we're always utilizing the best equipment to help us do our jobs effectively and efficiently. Contact us today for more information and to seek an estimate for your next demolition project today.