4 Factors To Consider When Choosing Skid Steer Attachments

But be aware of four factors to consider when choosing skid steer attachments; many attachments are available, but you must know which is ideal for your purposes. Know what you need to work with and what to look for when purchasing what you need.

Know the Intended Application

The skid steer has a wide range of applications, and it’s important to know what you need it for specifically. Whether that be farming, agriculture, construction, or landscaping, skid steers offer great utility for moving earth and other debris out of the way.

Some skid steer attachments come with a bucket, allowing you to pile in soil or materials to transport, while other accessories include hydraulic hammers, allowing for breaking up hard surfaces.

Be Aware of What Size You Need

Skid steers are compact machines, but they can vary in size. This size difference is critical to know before committing to an attachment. There are three different sizes you need to consider:

Small frame – Up to 1,700 pounds in weight with under 50 horsepower.
Medium frame – Up to 2,200 pounds in weight up to 70 horsepower.
Large frame – Over 2,200 pounds in weight and more than 70 horsepower.

Know what size skid steer is suitable for your attachment; getting something that doesn’t fit properly will only lead to further complications.

The Two Different Types of Lift

When you need to use your skid steer to lift heavy objects, there are two different types of lift you need to know, each providing a different utility. The first type is vertical; this one simply means you need to raise an object directly up or down, moving on a Y-axis. The second is radial lift; this is when you need to extend your attachment outward on an X-axis. There is no better or worse option to go with in this instance. It’s simply a question of what you need to accomplish.

Compatibility

Lastly, you need to be aware of your attachment’s compatibility with your skid steer machine. Most often, when dealing with modern skid steers, you’ll find that they are compatible with just about every attachment on the market, no matter the manufacturer.

This is due to streamlined, universal design, but there are some older models that may not have this compatibility. Be sure that whatever attachment you purchase, you can install it on your skid steer— otherwise, you need to search for new accessories or a new skid steer.

Be aware of what to consider when selecting attachments for your skid steer. With different applications come different accessories, and you need the best for your project. Know what you need and if it’s compatible with your machine, whether that means it fits the frame or fits into the manufacturer’s design.