Choosing a Skid Steer

Do you have questions about Plant Hire? Are you looking to hire a Skid Steer but can’t decide between a Bobcat and a New Holland, for instance? Getting confused between your horsepower and torque? Here are 5 key points to help you make the decision:

1. Where are you using your Skid Steer?

It sounds obvious but it’s important to work out what kind of space you’ll be using your Skid Steer in. Make sure that the machine can turn in the space you need to turn it in and also think about doorways and weight limits; it can’t be too wide (or thin) or too heavy to work properly. If you’re using it in a small space make sure you don’t try to use one that’s too big for instance.

2. Think about the surface you’re working on

Skid Steers come with different tyres – air, rubber or foam – and you’ll need to work out which kind are perfect for the surface you’ll be working on. It’s very difficult to puncture foam tyres but they are more expensive and maybe not necessary. Air tyres are cheaper and better for uneven terrain but are more likely to puncture. Again, it depends on what you need to use it for.

3. Think about the attachments you need

There are so many attachments that you can use – ones with brooms, ones with a hoe, ones with buckets, forks, snowblowers, etc. – and you must make sure that you pick a machine that has the right amount of power to operate the attachment you need.

4. Think about power

You need to think about how much horsepower your Skid Steer will have, i.e. the rate – or speed – of the work being done but something else to consider is torque, i.e. how much power the Skid Steer has to turn the crank. It isn’t always the case that a higher horsepower has a higher torque so you’ll need to research the difference.

5. Think about local service

Another key point to consider, particularly for long-term plant hire is the kind of service you can get with each different make and model. For instance, you may need to use the same piece of equipment for different jobs and will need help in the changeover.

The most important point though, is just to work out what feels right for you. Hand or feet controls for instance? Look at the attachments you will require and how easy they are to use. Climb in, give them a try and make an informed decision with a reputable company.