Skid-steer loaders

April 1, 2005
Eric Mangum, marketing project-engineer for Caterpillar, discusses the current trends in skid-steer loaders, operator comfort and more with RER's Erin

Eric Mangum, marketing project-engineer for Caterpillar, discusses the current trends in skid-steer loaders, operator comfort and more with RER's Erin Chapman.

RER: What are the most common applications for skid steers? Have these changed over the years?

Mangum: Skid-steer loaders are used in landscaping, grading and excavation, general construction, agriculture, waste handling/recycling and heavy construction. Originally, skid-steer loaders were used as agriculture machines for clean up work and stock piling. Because of their compact size and versatility, skid-steer loaders quickly moved into other applications.

What are some of the current trends in skid-steer loaders?

The skid-steer loader industry began offering more creature comforts, enhanced serviceability and hydraulic capability over the last few years. Some of the comforts that are now offered are: Pilot controls, enclosed cabs, AC/heaters, hydraulic quick couplers, suspension seats, self level and two speed. Serviceability has always been a concern with skid-steer loaders and Caterpillar began building in serviceability features such as SOS oil analysis ports. Better hydraulic performance and work tool offerings to enhance productivity were also a major move for the skid-steer loader industry. Contractors can now choose the level of hydraulic power and work tools to match the application and level of productivity for a specific job or niche they fill. One interesting move in the market also has been the emergence of the rubber track loaders.

Are sales of track loaders cannibalizing sales of traditional skid steers?

Yes, some skid-steer loader sales are lost to multi-terrain loaders (track loaders) and the multi-terrain loader market is growing. Skid-steer loaders are still very productive machines and in some applications a skid-steer loader is preferred due to the lower initial cost, lower operating costs, and the ability to work just as productively.

What has been the impact of over-the-wheel track sales to the skid-steer market? Is this a popular product for rental?

Over-the-tire tracks allow a skid-steer loader to be temporarily configured to meet specific application requirements. This expands the overall performance and productivity of the machines in these applications, when needed. Over-the-tire tracks provide additional traction and a slight improvement in flotation in soft underfoot conditions, but do not provide the traction, mobility, flotation and low psi of a dedicated rubber track machine.

Describe how quick-attach technology has impacted the compact equipment market. Has the improvement of compatibility among attachments led to greater sales or more brand loyalty?

Caterpillar offers hydraulic quick couplers as optional equipment on all models in our skid-steer loader line. With so many work tools available for a variety of applications, including cold planers, wheel saws, buckets, grapples, augers and backhoes, it is important to be able to quickly switch from one work tool to another. This functionality allows operators to quick switch from one work tool to another and continue to be as productive a possible. Offering a complete package definitely benefits our customers and saves them time when it comes to the buying process.

What are customers asking for in their skid steers?

Customers are asking for improvements in operator comfort, safety, hydraulic improvements, longer maintenance intervals and more work tool offerings.

How does comfort play a role in the design of a machine?

The more comfortable the operator is, the more productive he or she can be. Also, the long-term wear and tear on the operator is a concern. Retaining skilled operators is a priority for many businesses and providing a comfortable, productive skid-steer loader is a necessity. A comfortable operator environment is an important feature. Cat skid-steer loaders offer pilot hydraulic joysticks, hand and foot throttle, an anti-stall feature, a suspension seat and a padded armrest to enhance operator comfort.

Bobcat

Bobcat introduces the S205 skid-steer loader with a 2,050-pound rated operating capacity. In addition to a 118.2-inch lift height, the low-profile, vertical-path lift arm design provides the operator with good visibility to key areas during operation. The model offers 16.3-gpm auxiliary hydraulic flow and is powered by a turbo-charged, liquid-cooled 61-hp diesel engine. It also has a high-flow option to increase auxiliary hydraulic flow to 25.5 gpm for operating attachments requiring high hydraulic flow. More than 50 different attachments are available for the model. Customers can choose an optional Power Bob-Tach system to make changing out attachments easy with just a flip of the switch inside the cab.
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JCB

JCB's Robot skid-steer loader features a single loader arm and side door that allow the operator to climb in and out of the cab without having to climb over or under attachments or arms for increased safety and convenience for the operator. The single loader arm shares the load through the chassis to minimize stress. The low-slung loader arm also means that there is less to restrict the operator's vision. Models 160, 170, 190 or 1110 skid steers and tracked skid steers have operating capacities ranging from 1,322 pounds to 2,425 pounds. A wide range of attachments is available for the Robot machines, including a tree spade, stump grinder, auger, trencher and backhoe attachment.
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Caterpillar

The new Caterpillar B-Series skid-steer loader line features four models with vertical lift linkage. The B-Series hydraulic system design reduces the number of potential leak points and improves reliability and cleanliness. A 5-micron spin-on filter keeps hydraulic oil clean, and a high-efficiency hydraulic oil cooler allows the machines to perform even in high ambient temperatures. All four B-Series loaders employ the proven anti-stall system and pilot hydraulic joystick controls for easy operation.
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Komatsu

The new SK1026-5 skid-steer loader is powered by Komatsu's turbocharged S4D98E-2NFD diesel engine, running 84-hp at 2,500 rpm. The hydraulic self-leveling bucket with 5,400-pound breakout force improves the productivity on the jobsite. The 8,068-pound unit features a vertical lift loader arm design to keep the load steady through the lifting cycle and allow for maximum bucket reach at full dump height. Komatsu's standard two-speed travel allows for low impact shift-on-the-go speed changes between 6.5 mph work range and 10 mph travel ranges for improved load and carry cycle times and travel times between jobsites.
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Case Construction Equipment

The new 400 Series skid steers from Case are available in five radial- and three vertical-lift models that range from 49 to 82 net hp, with maximum rated operating loads from 1,500 to 3,000 pounds. Low-effort servo-hydrostatic controls are designed to reduce fatigue during operation. Visibility to the bucket is improved with the repositioning of instrumentation to the right upright post. Extended service intervals for oil changes — 500 hours — lower operating costs.
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ASV

ASV introduces the Posi-Track RCV with 86 hp, high flow hydraulics, hydraulic quick attach and selectable self-leveling. The RCV provides a forward reach of 34 inches and a lift height of 131 inches. The vertical lift machine is powered by a Perkins diesel engine and is rated at 86 gross hp. The RCV has a tipping load of 8,000 pounds and is rated with a 4,000-pound operating capacity. Tracks are directly driven by single-speed drive motors, with travel speeds up to 6 mph. The hydraulic system provides up to 38 gpm to the standard high-flow auxiliary circuit on demand or 20 gpm to the low-flow circuit. With its hydraulic quick attach, the RCV can be fitted with virtually any industry-standard attachment, including a full line of performance-matched ASV Posi-Tool attachments.
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Ditch Witch

The SK350 mini skid steer features a 7.5-gallon fuel tank that enables operators to run the machine for five hours or more without refueling. Both the gas and hydraulic tanks are mounted on the frame to enable operators to refuel or top off hydraulic fluid without raising the engine hood. Equipped with a 12-gpm auxiliary circuit flow, the SK350 can drive more than 70 compact utility attachments. The entire unit is powered by a 20-hp Kohler engine, which comes standard with a heavy-duty air filter. Operators also have a choice of steel or rubber tracks.
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John Deere

John Deere's 300 Series skid steers feature a patented vertical-lift boom that provides a true vertical lift pattern to ensure the machine remains stable when lifting heavy palletized loads from flat beds. The boom allows maximum reach to be achieved at full lift height. A 45-degree dump angle allows quick and clean shedding of material from the bucket. The operator station provides 360-degree visibility. A new instrumentation package provides more than 20 enhancements, including automatic preheat; glove-friendly rocker switches; and diagnostic codes for quick problem source identification.
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