Both skid steer loaders and compact wheel loaders can serve as vital assets to your equipment fleet. It’s all a matter of deciding which machine(s) best suits your needs, and offers you the lowest total cost of ownership. It is always important to carefully consider the type of machine(s), as well as the machine configuration you need to get the job done.
Deciding Between a Skid Steer Loader and Compact Wheel Loader
While skid steer loaders are the more popular machines in North America and tend to have a lower initial purchase price, in certain applications a compact wheel loader may make the most sense. Some items to consider when deciding between the two machines include:
Evaluating Machine Specs
So you’ve decided to purchase or rent a compact wheel loader or skid steer loader—now it’s time to select the machine configuration you need. Since loading material is often the primary function of any wheeled loader, the first spec to consider is typically the machine’s tip load and/or rated operating capacity (ROC). Here’s how the machine configurations break down:
Dimensional and weight requirements are also important factors to consider, especially for transportation purposes. For instance, if you need to transport the machine to various job sites on a trailer, you need to ensure that you do not exceed the weight limit that your vehicle can safely tow (i.e., truck, trailer and wheel loader weight combined). Height and width of the machine also come into play to make sure you will be able to properly maneuver the equipment within the constraints of the working environment.
Finally, another specification to evaluate is the machine’s hydraulic horsepower. This becomes especially important if you are utilizing certain attachments that require higher hydraulic flow, such as a cold planer. If this is the case, select a compact wheel loader or skid steer loader with a high flow option so you can operate these attachments at optimal performance.
As you can see, there is a lot to consider when selecting between a skid steer or compact wheel loader. To learn more, contact your local Cat® dealer or visit us online.
We’d like to hear about your machine selection and spec’ing process.
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