Guide to Choosing the Right Skid Steer Loader for Your Operation

When you need a cost-effective piece of heavy equipment that can handle nearly any task you throw at it, look no further than the Cat skid steer.

Don’t ask yourself: Do I need a skid steer? (You do.)

The better question is: Which type of skid steer will make my jobs easier?

Why a Skid Steer Is Important for Your Operation

A skid steer is a small, agile machine that can handle any number of landscaping, construction and agricultural tasks. It excels in tight spaces because its wheels or tracks allow it to “skid” across any surface in any direction.

Skid steers are wildly popular because they can do so much. Operators can easily swap out attachments — from a bucket, to forks, to a tiller, to an auger — you get the idea — to efficiently manage a variety of tasks in succession on a job site.

Whether you’re just getting started with your first skid steer or managing a full fleet, Yancey Bros. has options to fit your needs and budget. Looking for something brand new? Want to save with a used model? Need a rental for a short-term project? We’ll help you figure out what makes the most sense for your business.

How to Choose the Right Skid Steer

Think about the work you need to accomplish, the type and weight of products you’ll need to haul and the terrain you need to travel. Here’s a look at the options

Skid Steer Types

• They come in mini, small, medium and large frame sizes.
• Some machines have wheels, while others use tracks to move around.
• They have varied rated operating capacity (ROC), which is the amount of weight the machine can safely lift.
• Consider what you need your machine to do: heavy lifting, tight space navigation or a mix of both.

Skid Steer Sizes

• Mini: Up to 1,100 pounds ROC where speed and maneuverability are critical.
• Small frame: Up to 1,750 pounds ROC for tight spaces or interior work.
• Medium frame: Up to 2,200 pounds ROC with a nice balance of power and mobility.
• Large frame: 2,200-plus pounds ROC for heavy-duty jobs and vast job sites.

Power and Performance

• More than horsepower, you should consider breakout force, hydraulic system strength, and overall machine weight.
• Stronger performance means better cycle times, fewer delays, and longer equipment life.

Attachments

• Take advantage of the skid steer’s versatility. Common fleet-friendly attachments include:
• Buckets for digging and grading
• Pallet forks for moving materials
• Augers, trenchers, and hammers for specialty work
• Snow blades and grapples for seasonal and irregular loads

Other Considerations

• Match machine size to job site access and transport options.
• Standardize across your fleet where possible to simplify training and maintenance.
• Consider dealer support, parts availability, and service turnaround times.

Choosing the right skid steer isn’t just about specs, it’s about getting the right tool for the job with the flexibility to adapt when projects change.

How to Save on New Skid Steers with Yancey

Gear up this spring with a powerful, reliable new skid steer from Cat — and lock in serious savings.

Take advantage of 0% financing for up to 60 months on select Cat machines, plus get up to $500 toward a Cat Customer Value Agreement (CVA) to help maximize uptime and extend the life of your equipment.

Want even more flexibility? With our Double Take offer, you can choose between a low financing rate or a fuel payback, both of which come with a CVA.

Get in touch with your local Yancey dealer today.