Skid-steer loaders: Since the construction until Landscaping and Snow removal services. All you need to know.

The first skid-steer was invented by the brothers Cyril and Louis Keller (Rothsay, Minnesota) in 1957 as an attempt to address a turkey producer´s need of cleaning out his barn. Thus, it came to innovate the construction equipment market until today. Its name arises from the design and the way it moves. Basically, the wheels (or treads) are placed fixed in only one direction. So, to enable the equipment to turn, the driver increases the speed of one side of the machine, generating a wheel´s skid, and in consequence, the wheel (equipment) turns. In the skid-steer market, it is usually found three sizes: small, medium, and large frame with specific rated operating capacity (ROC), horsepower (up to 70 hp), lift capacity (up to 2,200 pounds) and, a general lifespan of around 5,000 hours with proper maintenance and operation

Hence, with more than 60 years in the market, the skid-steers, sometimes called skid loaders or wheel loaders (also referred as Bobcats despite what its actual brand is) are a versatile and compact heavy equipment often used for construction applications and overall earth moving tasks like, excavating, digging, and trenching. It is widely used due to its maneuverability, its lightweight and the multipurpose behind its arms that can easily adapt and attach different tools for various jobs. The buckets are the default attachment a skid-steer has. But today, there are multiple attachments that can be easily adapted as the skid-steer usually comes standard with a pressure release coupler block mechanism that allows the attachment hydraulic hoses remotion with low effort. Some attachments available in the market are focused to drill into terrain (drill bit augers), transport oversized objects (grapple buckets) for grading landscape (box blades), for breaking up hard surfaces like concrete (hydraulic breakers), etc.

The skid steers are so versatile that as mentioned, they are also widely used in landscaping and snow removal due to their size, and the easiness to adapt and perform a variety of tasks. Here are some common uses for Bobcats in landscaping and snow removal:

1. Landscaping: Skid-steers are great for landscaping projects due to their ability to maneuver in tight spaces and work on uneven terrain. They can be used to level land, dig trenches, transport, and place materials such as soil, gravel, or stones, as well as prepare areas for planting or installing turf.
2. Snow removal: Bobcats might be equipped with snow removal implements such as front shovels and torches. They are especially useful in small or hard-to-reach areas, such as sidewalks, tight parking lots, or driveways. They can quickly clear accumulated snow and make it easier to clear paths.
3. Landscape maintenance: In addition to initial landscape construction, Bobcats can also be used for regular maintenance. This includes tasks such as mowing larger areas and transporting debris or materials from one location to another within the work area.

In short, skid-steers are versatile pieces of equipment that allow landscape and snow removal professionals to perform a wide range of tasks efficiently and effectively in tight spaces and challenging conditions.

Did you know which are the three frequently asked questions when buying heavy machinery?
Buying used heavy equipment can be a viable option in many cases. But even if you are purchasing a used heavy equipment by first time or have a bit more experience in the field. There are key questions you might want to look prior to any negotiation when procuring secondhand machinery. Thus, the three main questions advisable to review and bear on mind are:

1. What is the quality and reliability of the machinery? As a secondhand purchaser, you need to be able to decide and forecast how the prospect equipment might result for your operations and needs. Hence, it is important to research about the history and condition (including its maintenance and any major repairs made), find out how the machinery was used before, as this can affect its wear and useful life.
   In an ideal world, personally inspect the machinery or have a heavy equipment expert examining it to assess its overall condition is the most advisable. Together with other recommendations like digging into the manufacturer’s reputation, read reviews, and seek recommendations to ensure you purchase quality equipment that meets required standards.
   In a nutshell, having a business partner or third party that accompanies you during the procurement and negotiation process becomes ideal, especially when you are not too familiarized with the equipment, or you are just far from the machinery is located. You invest not only in the equipment but in earning peace of mind through an expert´s support, covering your back from a technical, professional, and even budget standpoint.
2. What is the total cost of ownership? In addition to the purchase price, it is essential to consider the associated costs, such as type of fuel used, how is the consumption, where it has been used before, and potential long-term repairs. Estimating the total cost of ownership will help you make an informed decision about the financial viability of the acquisition. The purchase price of used heavy equipment is generally lower than that of a new one, but you must consider the possible costs of repair and maintenance.
3. Does it meet my specific needs and requirements? Each project or application may have unique requirements. It is important to assess whether the heavy machinery you are considering meets your specific needs in terms of capacity, performance, technical features, and adaptability to your future projects.

In overall, remember that it is advisable to seek specialized advice and compare different options before deciding to purchase heavy machinery. This is when it is highly recommended to get consulting and ideally, extra support during the selection and purchase process. Hence, you will feel more confident about the machinery and the overall deal evaluation. It is invaluable to have an expert eye in whom you can rely on.