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About Skid Steers

Skid steers, also called skid loaders or “Bobcats” after a major brand, are invaluable for construction and landscaping due to their excellent maneuverability, compactness, and versatility. Besides a ubiquitous bucket on the front end, the little machines can use attachments such as augers, grapplers, breakers, forks, saws, and trenchers.

Skid steers get their name from the way you steer them, which is a little reminiscent of the way the tracks work on a military tank. Instead of turning the front wheels to one side or the other—they only point straight ahead—you apply power to the right side wheels or tracks through one hydraulic circuit, and power to the left side wheels/tracks through a separate circuit. Give the right side more power than the left, for example, and the machine will turn to the left, skidding its wheels or tracks as it does so.

Tracked vs. Wheel Skid Steers

Compared to tracked models, wheeled skid steers are generally quieter, faster, and more fuel-efficient, but less suitable for rougher terrain. Tracked models, sometimes called compact track loaders, exhibit better traction and flotation in muddy or sandy conditions. They’re also generally more sure-footed on inclines and better at withstanding the wear and tear of driving over debris.