What is the difference between a skid steer and a wheel loader?

A skid steer and wheel loader may complete similar jobs, but they are not the same machine. Skid steers are maneuvered by "skidding" the tires to turn, while wheel loaders can be maneuvered using a steering wheel. Some operations will use a skid steer in narrow locations on the site and a wheel loader in large, open areas. However, we offer compact wheel loaders that can reach those narrow locations.

Do skid steers have a smooth-edge bucket or a bucket with teeth?

Our skid steer loaders have a smooth-edge bucket that assists with more multipurpose applications, such as lifting materials, grading and leveling.

What is the difference between a skid steer and a Bobcat?

Skid steer is the name of the equipment, but it's commonly referred to by the popular brand name, Bobcat.

What is the best use for a skid steer loader?

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.

Skid Steers & Track Loaders (7)

Skid steers and track loaders provide optimal power and performance on small-to-medium jobs where space is a consideration. These skid loaders — also known as Bobcats or uniloaders — are great for lifting, grading and leveling. Skid steers have tires to travel on paved or soft and sandy surfaces. Their left wheels turn independently, letting the vehicle nearly turn in place and skid around sharp corners.

Track loaders have tracks so you can travel through rough terrain and on wet or muddy areas. We have multiple bucket attachment options as well. Whether you’re breaking ground on a construction site, paving a new dirt path or transporting heavy loads around the jobsite, we have a skid steer or track loader to fit your needs.

FAQs

What is the difference between a skid steer and a wheel loader?
- A skid steer and wheel loader may complete similar jobs, but they are not the same machine. Skid steers are maneuvered by "skidding" the tires to turn, while wheel loaders can be maneuvered using a steering wheel. Some operations will use a skid steer in narrow locations on the site and a wheel loader in large, open areas. However, we offer compact wheel loaders that can reach those narrow locations.
Do skid steers have a smooth-edge bucket or a bucket with teeth?
- Our skid steer loaders have a smooth-edge bucket that assists with more multipurpose applications, such as lifting materials, grading and leveling.
What is the difference between a skid steer and a Bobcat?
- Skid steer is the name of the equipment, but it's commonly referred to by the popular brand name, Bobcat.
What is the best use for a skid steer loader?
- 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.