What do you want in a mini skid steer? Power? Versatility? Reliability? Affordability? The ideal mini skid steer will have all of these features and more. But you have to do your homework. This checklist will help you determine the qualities you need the most.

Size and Weight.
Do you often need to get into tight areas: between zero-lot-line homes, in cramped construction sites or small yards? The width of the machine is a key factor when asking, “Can I use this piece of equipment to do the job?” The weight of the unit is also important. This determines the size of both the trailer and the truck you need.

Did you know? Many Ditch Witch mini skid steers are designed to comfortably fit through a standard 36-inch yard gate. And you can transport most Ditch Witch mini skid steers along with a variety of attachments with a standard 1/2-ton truck.

Performance.
Tipping capacity. What is the Rated Operating Capacity (ROC) of the unit? (ROC is rated at 35% of tipping load, according to SAE standards.) Can the unit lift the material you need it to?

Did you know? The Ditch Witch organization offers four mini skid steers with ROCs ranging from 300 to 650 pounds.

Track length. Take a look at the length of the track: is the weight distributed evenly? When in drive, does it rock or bounce?

Did you know? Ditch Witch mini skid steers offer more track on the ground than other units on the market. Longer tracks translate into greater stability.

Dump height. Does your unit have the dump height to get the job done?

Did you know? Ditch Witch mini skid steers offer great dump heights, dump angles, and hinge pin heights.

Ground clearance. Is the unit easily maneuverable in work conditions?

Did you know? The high ground clearance of Ditch Witch mini skid steers is designed to provide excellent maneuverability and enable access to more locations.

Flow & power to attachment. Does the unit provide the power you need for your attachments? You should consider the hydraulic system and flow (gpm, or gallons per minute), and the actual net horsepower generated to the attachment.

Did you know? Ditch Witch mini skid steers are superior at running attachments. SK models offer pump capacities ranging from 6 to 13.5 gpm, which equates from 10 to 11 net hp (SK350 and SK500) to 20 net hp (SK650) to the attachment.

Power. Does the mini skid steer have the power to get the job done?

Did you know? Ditch Witch mini skid steers offer more power for their size than any units in their class.

Maintenance.
Ideally, the design of your mini skid steer is simple enough to maintain on your own, saving you both time and money. Check to see if the filters, reservoirs,and other wear items are easily accessible. Refer to the owner's manual to see how often you need to address your grease points.

Did you know? Some mini skid steer brands require a daily routine of greasing, but Ditch Witch mini skid steers have no grease points to maintain. Also, both the SK350 and SK650 have exterior fuel and hydraulic tanks, so you don't even have to lift the hood to refill the hydraulic fluid.

Ergonomics.
Comfort is a major aspect to consider with a mini skid steer. The more comfortable the operator, the more efficient he will be. The result: greater cost-efficiency, as more jobs are completed in a timely manner. Consider the location of the control levers: how easy is the machine to operate over a long time period? How easy are the hydraulics to engage? Also, do you prefer a ride-on platform or a walk-behind unit? A platform keeps operators out of the mud and debris and reduces fatigue. A walk-behind unit can offer the operator more control when working on slopes and rough terrain.

Did you know? Ditch Witch mini skid steers have simple, easy-to-use controls. All models—the SK300, SK350, SK500 and new SK650—have an intuitive operator interface, with only four levers controlling all functions. Several feature pilot-operated controls with highly responsive steering and little or no vibration feedback. This design eliminates linkages in the steering, so there are fewer wear items.

And Ditch Witch mini skid steers come in both walk-behind and platform models.

Resale Value/Warranty.
No matter what you purchase, you want quality, a product that lasts and maximum resale value. So, does your manufacturer/dealer represent a quality product? What is the company's reputation? Does it back up its reputation with a warranty?

Did you know? Better-built equipment lasts longer, so you'll save more in the long run than you would by buying less-expensive but inferior-quality equipment.

Since 1949, when our founder, Ed Malzahn, invented the compact trencher, the Ditch Witch brand has stood for quality and durability. Everything bearing the Ditch Witch name is built with unsurpassed attention to detail, and everything is warranted. All of this translates to higher resale values, and, more importantly, to peace of mind when you're trying to meet that deadline.

Dealer Support.
Is your dealer in a position to support you? Is it a reliable source for parts? Are its technicians factory-trained? All of these questions matter, because the less time you spend searching for quality equipment, parts, service and/or training, the more time you can be on the job. If your dealer is not going to be around in a year or two, then you might want to rethink where you make your purchase.

Did you know? The Ditch Witch organization supports all of its products with superior-quality parts, service and training, all available from a worldwide network of authorized dealers.

What's the ideal mini skid steer for your organization? Your local Ditch Witch dealer has all of the answers.

Published in the Spring 2006 issue of The Underground.