If you’re looking to purchase a new asset for your company or need to get the right equipment for your first big job, get a skid steer. Just about every job field that falls under the industrial umbrella could benefit from a skid steer because it helps move heavy equipment. Keep reading this article covering the tasks you can complete with a skid steer as you consider renting or purchasing one.

What Is a Skid Steer?

Before getting into all the things you can do with a skid steer, let’s review what this piece of machinery is and how to use one. A skid steer is a type of loader; various industries use them to move materials throughout the jobsite. Like any piece of equipment, this makes a task much more efficient, and if it’s adequately cared for, is a great asset for your company.

Interestingly, these vehicles cannot turn traditionally as the wheels remain locked straight. Instead, an operator will change directions by a separate steering system that works the right and left wheels.

Skid Steer Sizes

Skid steers come in three sizes: small, mid-size, and large. What size you buy or rent for a job depends on the work ahead of you. While large skid steers have a high capacity, they may not fit within the site your team is working on. Carefully analyze your size options to select the ideal one.

When To Use Small Skid Steers

Most people recommend a small skid steer for landscaping jobs or other jobs that require working in small spaces. Companies operating within the industrial field may also use a small skid steer during an interior demolition since it’s easy to transport.

When To Use Mid-Size Skid Steers

Similar to a small skid steer, many workers gravitate towards using this for lighter work because it’s easy to transport and gets the job done. Since this type is a bit bigger, it can lift more than a small skid steer.

When To Use Large Skid Steers

If you’re working on a major demolition or excavation project, then chances are you’ll need a large skid steer. Since it’s much bigger than the previous two options, it lets you clear an area faster or move more material. Both of these are a must during excavating, road repair, and other large jobs.

Know the Requirements To Use One

As stated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), anyone operating the skid must have training on how to do so safely. Not only that, but any worker using the skid steer must have the certification they’ll only achieve through formal training.

This protects the employee using the piece of machinery and everyone else working the job site. Depending on the location and specific conditions, operating the skid steer may not be safe. The appropriate level of training ensures the operator recognizes that aspect of operation.

Pro Tip

Before you hire a new employee, find out what certifications they have. A worker who meets all the qualifications and has a professional understanding of operating equipment ensures tools last while also keeping all your workers safe.

Skid Steer Magnet Attachments

A skid steer can get the job done quickly and easily for various tasks with the proper attachment. Many of them use attachments such as the following:

  • Pallet Forks. They are great if you don’t have a forklift but need to transport things.
  • Drill Bit Augers. These are often used to drill holes for fencing, trees, and more.
  • Grapple Buckets. These are commonly used when handling scrap metal.

These are just some of the many attachments industry workers may purchase for their skid steer to further improve its function. Doing this impacts what industries benefit most from a skid steer.

Industries From a Skid Steer

Skid Steers are incredibly useful to various industries ranging from construction and demolition to landscaping companies as they help move heavy materials. Other tasks you can compete with a skid steer are:

  • Roadwork
  • Loading
  • Agriculture

Industries ranging from construction and plumbing can use a skid steer to make their work more efficient. Changing the attachment on the skid steer to a bucket attachment, drill bit auger, etc. can make other tasks more manageable.

Skid steers can benefit various industries, and it all depends on how they are used. For instance, a plumbing company may need to use one during excavation to repair a sewer line. A skid steer can also be used to carry various materials with the help of bucket attachments.

Construction

Whether it’s construction work or a demolition job, you’ll want to add a skid steer to your list of equipment. Many people keep one of these machines on the site because it makes clearing away heavy materials like drywall or concrete quick and easy.

Loading

Carrying heavy equipment is no easy task—without machinery, it would take workers a very long time. Since time is money, you can make the loading process easy when you use a forklift attachment on your skid steer.

Agriculture

Skid steers also come in handy within the field of agriculture since farmers can use them to move hay or other food for animals. Farmers also use them to clear away any unnecessary trees or shrubberies.

Purchasing a Skid Steer

Investing in a skid steer could be among the best assets you make to your business. This piece of machinery is beneficial on nearly any site, and with the right attachments, it’s also incredibly versatile. Make work more efficient as workers get daily tasks done.

Moley Magnetics

If you need a skid steer magnet attachment, then look no further than Moley Magnetics. We sell magnetic attachments for various types of machinery to make handling scrap metal safe and simple for workers.  See our skid steer magnet attachments on YouTube.

The many things you can do with skid steer differ from industry to industry. For instance, if you need to use one to clear away debris from tearing down a house, you can do so easily. When you use the proper attachments, tasks become even easier to complete.

Tasks You Can Complete With a Skid Steer