AssetTrader Buying Guide to Used Loaders

Introduction

Also known as ‘bobcats’, these versatile and compact machines are used in a wide range of industries. Two arms run on either side of the cab which can be fitted with different implements or attachments, like buckets or scooping or forks for moving pallets, turning them into very versatile pieces of equipment. Commonly used for landscaping, manufacturing, and general construction and recycling.

The name “skid steer” is used to refer to the manoeuvrability of the vehicle. The skid steer loaders turn by driving the wheels on one side of the machine while stopping the wheels on the other side. This means the loader “skids” on the stopped wheels, and pivots around them. This allows the skid steer to completely turn around within their own compact length making them very useful on busy sites. They have two

AssetTrader has put together a checklist and buyers guide of features to look for as well as a rough guide to prices.

Functionality and Use

When looking at skid steer’s there are three considerations to make before the purchase.
The size of the machine is most likely the biggest factor. This depends on the kind of jobsites you will be using the skid steer on. If there are gates, garages or other small spaces you intend on using the skid steer in, they should be measured for access. Most skid steers range between 3’ to 6’, and heights can be between 5’ and 7’. This could narrow your choices considerably.
The dumping height should also be considered. This means that if you want to dump loads into a 9’ high skive or dump truck, the model should have a dumping height of at least 10’. This is measured in the “height to hinge pin,” which is the pivot point between the arms of the loader and the bucket. The normal range is smaller models, 8’ to over 10’ on the largest models.
The lifting capacity is usually determined by the size of the skid steer. If you are working in confined, busy sites, you may have to sacrifice a high lifting and load capacity for a smaller size vehicle.
The average range of skid steers is the 1,750 lb to 2,200 lb range. Heavy lifting skid steers are over 2,200 lbs. There are nine categories for skid steer loaders:
1. Less than 700 lbs
2. 700 – 975 lbs
3. 976 – 1,250 lbs
4. 1,252 – 1,350 lbs
5. 1,350 – 1,600 lbs
6. 1,601 – 1,7500 lbs
7. 1,751 – 2,200 lbs
8. 2,201 – 2,700 lbs
9. 2,701 + lbs