Three Factors Driving the Trend for Full-Size Stand-On Skid Steers

By Brant Kukuk

In today’s competitive construction industry, contractors are always looking for ways to make their work more efficient and cost-effective. New technologies and tools are constantly being introduced to increase efficiency, productivity and safety on the jobsite. One tool that has become increasingly popular is the stand-on skid steer. These machines – which are a step up from a traditional compact skid steer but have a smaller footprint than other compact track loaders – offer several benefits that make them an attractive option for contractors.

In an industry where time is money, here are a few of the key reasons contractors are reaching for full-size stand-on skid steers.

Added Workforce Support
If you’re having trouble finding crew members for your construction and landscape jobs, you’re not alone. According to the Deloitte 2022 Engineering and Construction Industry Outlook report, more than half of construction executives indicated that they are facing a severe labor and talent shortage on the jobsite. And these shortages are expected to continue.

While the industry works to find a solution to the workforce shortage, an easy and immediate step to compensate for a lack of workers is to maximize equipment. Contractors are reaching for full-sizestand-on skid steers to fill in the gaps for lack of skilled labor. Increased horsepower on full-size stand-on skid steers means they have the ability to connect with larger attachments, in return being able to lift and move larger loads in fewer trips. This added power can fill the workforce gaps by lifting loads that would otherwise require three or four workers, helping contractors work more efficiently, leading to increased productivity and higher profits.

Additionally, storing and transporting equipment can be a daily, yet headache-inducing task for contractors, especially working with smaller crews. To help eliminate the downtime associated with this task, it is crucial that you bring machinery onto the jobsite that is designed to be quickly stored at the end of the workday and easily transported from one project to the next. Stand-on skid steers are compact enough to fit on a trailer, yet large enough to make a difference in filling the gap for laborers, making them an excellent addition to any contractors’ fleet.

Creative and Versatile Solutions
In addition to added power and workforce support, contractors are reaching for full-size stand-on skid steers for their versatility. Rather than hauling multiple smaller, specialized machines to a jobsite, a larger stand-on skid steer can be outfitted to complete a wide variety of tasks. Full-sizestand-on skid steers have the capability to be outfitted with power attachments like a microtrencher for fiber installation projects. A full-size stand-on skid steer can go from trenching for a utility installation to hauling gravel in a matter of minutes.

In fact, the versatility has made the tree care industry a major driver in the trend of larger stand-on skid steers. Being able to move bigger logs means tree care professionals are spending less time making cuts before hauling away. Attachments like tree grapples and bucket grapples are being used to help improve efficiency in tree-care jobs like debris removal. The compact size – compared to cabbed machines of the same operating capacity – also make it ideal for tree care professionals who need to seamlessly maneuver through yards and residential areas.

With smaller crews and high demand, many contractors are taking on 2 or 3 different jobs in a day, so having a machine in the fleet with more power and versatility to stay efficient and cost-effective is key.

ROI on the Rental Lot
Not only are contractors increasingly reaching for full-size stand-on skid steers, but rental yards are turning to them as a versatile offering too. With the wide variety of attachments, a stand-on skid steer can be rented out year-round for tasks like digging, hauling, grading, and even snow removal. This versatility means that the machine can be rented out to a wide range of customers with different needs, making it a profitable addition to any rental lot.

Compared to their cabbed counterparts, stand-on skid steers are a simpler, less intimidating option for inexperienced renters working on residential projects. The compact design of a stand-on skid steer allows it to fit through narrow fences and navigate around obstacles, making it perfect for use in backyards or other confined jobsites.

Stand-on skid steers are designed to be easy to use, even for novice operators. The simple controls and intuitive design make it easy to get started with the machine, and their reliability gives renters reassurance they’ll be able to complete projects with minimal maintenance. With a stand-on platform, operators receive a 360-degree view of the jobsite. This increase in jobsite visibility and operator comfort helps operators see what is happening around the machine, boosting jobsite safety.

With so many options on the market, there’s a reason contractors and renters are driving the trend for full-size stand-on skid steers. The powerful, versatile machines are a valuable asset to any rental lot or contractor’s fleet. They’re powerful enough to fill the gap where the workforce is short, yet simple enough for renters to hop on safely and get to work in their backyards. The range of attachments and easy-to-operate design makes full-size stand-on skid steers a great option for those looking to get the best bang for their buck on the jobsite.

Originally appeared on ForConstructionPros.com

HYDRAULIC BREAKER
Used for construction and demolition, our breakers can be used to break up asphalt, concrete or even clay. The hydraulic hammer is perfect for any small or medium job you might have. More up-time in the field is always the goal, and with only two moving parts and a few seals, there’s no reason for down-time.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

ROCK SAW

Best suited for irrigation and fiber installation, the Rock Saw attachment can effortlessly cut through rock, concrete, and other tough materials with unmatched precision. 

Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BACKHOE
Easily move materials for rebuilds, new construction, footings, utility repairs and more with this compact and versatile attachment.
Compatible Models

SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

STUMP GRINDERS
Featuring a heavy-duty boom design, powerful stump grinding attachments quickly shred stumps down to nothing. Easy maneuvering from stump to stump and increased visibility turns more ground stumps into more profit.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

MULTITASK TOOL
Your multipurpose tool for the ultimate multi-tasker is here. Engineered to grab tight to heavy materials and move them with ease and precision, the multi-task tool is your go-to for heavy applications. Easy to operate with convenient, functional levers.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

CORE DRILL
With the MC-450 coring attachment, utility maintenance is simple and less disruptive. Featuring intuitive controls and an integrated water tank, the MC-450 is the perfect choice for quick cuts and a more productive coring process. A fully adjustable 0 to 280 rpm speed allows for enhanced control and greater productivity.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

SOIL CULTIVATOR
Prepare food plots, gardens, and landscaping projects with a soil cultivator. It gets land ready by stirring organic material back in the soil for a healthier, more stable lawn. Buries the biggest of rocks for a looser topsoil.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BLADES
Whether you’re looking to increase dump height or digging depth, attaching a backfill blade is an easy way to save manpower on your jobsite while working with precision and timeliness. Available in various widths.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

AUGER DRIVER
Ideal for landscaping and tree care, an auger attachment will expedite hole creation and allow operators to quickly plant trees or install fence posts than if they were hand-digging or relying on a hand-held auger. Available in 6" to 30" diameters.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

TILLER
Tough and effective tillers prepare your garden by breaking up tough soil and removing unwanted weeds. Available in 4' width.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

GRAPPLES
Tree grapples come with 48" or 57" openings to efficiently remove logs and debris from the jobsite. It has an excavator style boom design with a powder coat finish and a cylinder lock for increased safety. Brush grapples available with a gap opening of 29" and widths of 42" or 54".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

CARRY ALL LEVELER
One of our most simple yet versatile attachments, the Carry-All Leveler is perfect for carrying bulky material, leveling soil and adding a flat, smooth finish to your project. Available in 49" width.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BUCKETS

From landscaping and hardscapes to tree care and construction-grade tasks, your stand-on skid steer can take on more than you think. We've got you covered with a variety of buckets from 4-in-1 to heavy and light material buckets. Widths range from 34" to 66".

Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

PALLET FORKS
Take on your heaviest loads with precision and dependability with Ditch Witch pallet forks. They easily attach to any of our skid steers and can easily accessorize with hay spikes, brick guards, and much more to add even more ROI. Available in widths ranging from 36-48.75" and lengths from 36-48".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

MICROTRENCHER
Fiber installation and other street-located work is rapidly growing. A microtrenching attachment is key for operators looking to get into fiber installation at the street level. They cut both concrete and asphalt in controlled increments so contractors don't need to stop traffic. Maximum width options are 0.5-1.5” or 2” with maximum depths of 12” or 16”.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

ROTO WITCH®
The Ditch Witch Roto Witch® attachment is used for short bores underneath sidewalks, driveways and other obstacles. It offers great digging performance while minimizing jobsite restoration. Compatible with numerous Ditch Witch stand-on skid steers, the Roto Witch attachment can bore and backream up to 12" (300 mm) in diameter.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

PLOW
Install fiber and other utilities quickly with a vibratory plow attachment for your skid steer. It creates less ground disruption and cleanup than traditional trenching to get the job done faster. Available in maximum depths of 14" and 24".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

POWER RAKE
Clean, level and prep jobsites or smooth and loosen soil for sodding with a rake attachment. Most rake attachments require 10 to 14 gpm, but the higher horsepower creates even more drum torque to tear through the most demanding soil types. Width measures 4'.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

MICROTRENCHERS
Fiber installation and other street-located work is rapidly growing. A microtrenching attachment is key for operators looking to get into fiber installation at the street level. They cut both concrete and asphalt in controlled increments so contractors don't need to stop traffic. Maximum width options are 0.5-1.5” or 2” with maximum depths of 12” or 16”.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

ROTO WITCH®
The Ditch Witch Roto Witch® attachment is used for short bores underneath sidewalks, driveways and other obstacles. It offers great digging performance while minimizing jobsite restoration. Compatible with numerous Ditch Witch stand-on skid steers, the Roto Witch attachment can bore and backream up to 12" (300 mm) in diameter.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

PLOWS
Install fiber and other utilities quickly with a vibratory plow attachment for your skid steer. It creates less ground disruption and cleanup than traditional trenching to get the job done faster. Available in maximum depths of 14" and 24".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

TRENCHER

Stay efficient on large jobsites with a trencher attachment for your skid steer. It’s a smart alternative to large, specialized equipment for utility installation and landscaping jobs. Available in standard 6”, 8” and 12” maximum widths with maximum depths of 36", 38", 48” and 55.5”.

Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000