Skid-steer loaders are typically four-wheel vehicles with the wheels mechanically locked in synchronization on each side, and where the left-side drive wheels can be driven independently of the right-side drive wheels. A skid loader can be described as a small, rigid-frame machine with lift arms used to attach a wide variety of labor-saving tools or attachments.
The wheels of the skid steer loader typically have no separate steering mechanism and hold a fixed straight alignment on the body of the machine. Turning is accomplished by differential steering, in which the left and right wheel pairs are operated at different speeds, and the machine turns by skidding or dragging its fixed-orientation wheels across the ground. Skid-steer loaders are sometimes equipped with tracks instead of the wheels, and such a vehicle is known as a multi-terrain loader or more simply as a track loader.
Attachments of skid steer loaders
The conventional bucket of many skid loaders can be replaced with a variety of specialized buckets or attachments, many powered by the loader’s hydraulic system. These include- backhoe, hydraulic breaker, pallet forks, angle broom, sweeper, auger, mower, snow blower, stump grinder, tree spade, trencher, dumping hopper, pavement miller, ripper, tillers, grapple, tilt, roller, snow blade, wheel saw, cement mixer, and wood chipper machine.
Some models of skid steer now also have an automatic attachment changer mechanism. This allows a driver to change between a variety of terrain handling, shaping, and leveling tools without having to leave the machine, by using a hydraulic control mechanism to latch onto the attachments. Hydraulic supply lines to powered attachments may be routed so that the couplings are located near the cab, and the driver does not need to leave the machine to connect or disconnect those supply lines.
Advantages of skid steer loader
The skid steer loader is a very versatile machine with the capability to perform different kinds of construction tasks. It can be either on tracks or on wheels. The features of this machine are incredibly useful. Many construction projects include skid steer loaders because they provide many benefits. Some of its advantages are given below.
The size and weight
Attachments And Flow Rate
Visibility And Control
Ease of use
Easy access
Portable
Easy to maintain
Added Safety Features
Optimal Visibility & Control
Operator comfort
Great maneuverability
