Compact, versatile skid steer loaders have become one of the most widely used types of construction equipment available today.

Hard-working, skid steer loaders can scoop up soil, sand, gravel, or about any kind of loose material, move their loads around jobsites, or deposit material into trucks. Specialized buckets are available for handling different types of material.

Compact size and excellent maneuverability allow skid steer equipment to work in areas where larger machines can not go. The steering system which turns a machine by locking either the left or right set of wheels or counter rotating the left or right set of wheels literally allows a skid steer unit to turn on a dime.

As loaders, skid steers are used in general construction for loading material, spreading material, construction site clean up; and for specialized applications including demolition, recycling operations, mining, road construction and repairs, landscaping, sports facility construction and maintenance, agricultural operations, and snow removal.

However, skid steers are much more than loaders. They can do light grade work, and scores of attachments equip a basic skid steer unit to perform a variety of specialized tasks. A skid steer vehicle can be used to power hydraulic tools such as breakers and tampers. Popular attachments include small backhoes, augers, trenchers, concrete containers, pallet forks, bale spears, nursery jaws, tillers, stump grinders, rotary cutters, rakes, brooms, and grapples. "Track" accessories fit over tires to increase flotation and improve traction in wet, muddy conditions.

(Attachments and accessories are available from skid steer manufacturers as well as companies that produce specialized attachments designed to fit most makes and models.

The skid steer loader market is extremely competitive, and manufacturers have made great improvements of their product’s efficiency and dependability. Noise levels and harmful emissions have been lowered. Simplified controls make operation easier and operator comfort have been significantly improved over previous models.

Skid steer loaders are available in many sizes which are defined by SAE ratings for rated operating capacity, which is a fraction of the maximum load weight its bucket can lift. Bucket capacity varies with size, model, and type of bucket. Other important specifications are loading height; breakout force; and machine width, length, and height. Smaller models are usually powered by gasoline engines with many larger units available with diesel engines.

Historically, medium-size machines with rated operating capacities ranging from 1300 to 1750 pounds have been most popular.

Newest members of the skid steer lineup are mini skid steers, sometimes called compact utility loaders, which are establishing a strong niche in the marketplace.

With rated operating capabilities from 200 to 1000 pounds, these walk-behind and platform models can get into confined spaces where even the smallest conventional models can not go—such as narrow spaces between closely spaced houses. In addition, they can slip through a 32-inch door, fit inside elevators, and work in basements. They also are popular for horticulture uses and working in greenhouses. A growing selection of attachments are available for mini models.

Skid steer loaders are standard equipment for general contractors and many specialist contractors, including road and bridge builders, landscaping firms, driveway and sidewalk contractors, demolition contractors, farmers and ranchers, recycling firms, operators of golf courses and outdoor sports complexes, facilities maintenance departments, and city, state, and federal government agencies, including park departments and the military.

More information about Ditch Witch mini skid steer units and attachments is available from the Ditch Witch dealers, on the Ditch Witch Web site—www.ditchwitch.com—or by calling toll free 800-654-6481.