FAQs About Skid Steers & Compact Track Loaders
Whether you're breaking ground on a construction site, grading a new path or transporting heavy loads around the jobsite, we have a skid steer or track loader to fit your needs. If you're trying to decide between a tracked or wheeled skid steer, check out our Project Uptime article on Tracked vs. Wheeled Skid Steers: How Do They Compare? Also called uniloaders, these skid steer loaders are great for lifting, grading and leveling. For smaller jobs, we also offer mini skid steers and compact track loader rentals.
For larger projects and heavier loads, our selection of crawler loaders will get the job done. We also offer multiple earthmoving attachment options, such as auger attachments, blade and plow attachments, bucket attachments and more. Operators can learn how to use a skid steer with just a few hours of training. Starting and driving the machine and operating the attachments is easy once you’ve put in some practice. This Project Uptime article outlines the basics of skid steer operation. United Rentals' lineup of skid steers and track loaders contains equipment from well-known manufacturers like Bobcat, John Deere and Takeuchi.
For more information on our inventory of track loaders and skid steers, visit our FAQ section below.
The most notable difference between skid steers and wheel loaders is how they maneuver. Skid steers have a unique skid-steering mechanism, where the wheels on one side move independently of the other. On the other hand, wheel loaders have a conventional steering system with an articulated joint in the middle of the frame, allowing the front and rear wheels to turn in a coordinated manner. Wheel loaders are generally larger and have a higher lifting capacity than skid steers. They are designed for heavy-duty tasks, such as moving large volumes of materials or loading heavy items onto trucks. Skid steers are smaller and more compact, making them suitable for jobs in tight spaces or where maneuverability is crucial. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of your project and the working environment.
United Rentals offers various bucket attachments for skid steers. A tooth bucket is an excellent choice for harsh environments that require soil excavation in challenging conditions, such as frozen ground or hardpan.
Conversely, a smooth bucket is more appropriate for lighter tasks like clearing dirt and debris and achieving a polished finish. Additionally, smooth buckets offer greater versatility in their range of functions.
The size of the skid steer depends on the job you wish to perform. The smallest skid steers typically have a rated operating capacity (ROC) of about 300 pounds and an overall weight of about 3,000 pounds. This smaller size is ideal for landscaping projects as it usually fits through a walkthrough backyard gate. A very large skid steer can have a ROC in the 3,400-plus-pound range and is ideal for medium-duty projects like loading, grading and dumping.
A skid steer can serve many purposes in construction or industrial use — lifting and pushing, and it can help build up mounds or hills and level soils as well. The bucket can be used to move materials across the site, including hay bales, bags of concrete and more. You should ensure the bucket size and equipment fits the job you need it to do. A skid loader has tires and may get stuck in muddy or wet conditions. A track loader can float on top of mud and wet earth.
The size of the skid steer depends on the job you wish to perform. The smallest skid steers typically have a rated operating capacity (ROC) of about 700 pounds and an overall weight of about 3,000 pounds. This smaller size is ideal for a homeowner project as it can usually fit through a walkthrough backyard gate. A very large skid steer can have an ROC in the 3,000-plus-pound range for someone who doesn’t have room for a full-size backhoe or wheel loader. Read more about the seven factors to consider when renting a skid steer from United Rentals.