As a versatile piece of machinery, skid steer loaders are ideal for a number of uses. From helping in the management of forestry to crushing concrete, you can use them for almost anything.
At Skidsteer Hire Solutions our blog this week takes a look at this particular type of equipment, showcasing the very best features available.
History of the Machinery
The first machine can be traced back to 1956 when Louis and Cyril Keller from Minnesota created a brand new machine. With a light weight, the compact loader had 3 wheels and featured a 6.6 hp engine. It was made to help a local turkey grower to clean out manure from his two-storey barn and was known as The Keller Loader.
Soon afterwards in 1958 the pair sold the rights on to the Melroe Manufacturing Company. Alongside this, they also began working for the agricultural company. More work was carried out on the design and it was finally re-launched as the Melroe Loader.
Over the next few years the M400 was put onto the market and this featured 4-wheels, similar to the loaders we are used to today. It was at this point that the machine was renamed as the M440 Melrose Bobcat.
Years of Recognition
Since its birth, the skid steer loader has received recognition from across the world. In 1980, Bobcat became the largest company in North Dakota in the USA and had more than 2,200 employees. The equipment has also been named as one of America’s Top 100 products by Fortune Magazine.
More and more companies have started to produce these machines. Some well-known brands include Volvo, Caterpillar, JCB, John Deere and New Holland.
Advantages to Consider
If you have a project to undertake, then a skid steer loader may well be your best choice. However, there are a few things you should consider before you hire or purchase one. These include:
- Transportation
- Size of Machine
- Torque and Horsepower
- Lift Mechanism
- Cab Features
- Available Attachments
There are several different sizes of skid steer available, so it is worth doing your research. Alongside this, it is important to arrange for how these will be moved to and from your site. There is nothing worse than finding the ideal piece of equipment and not being able to use it.
While cab comfort may not seem like it is important, you should remember that you will be spending a lot of time here. You should look for how the controls are set out, overall comfort and visibility.
What Do We Stock?
We offer a variety of skid steer loaders for hire across England and Wales. These are all by Bobcat and include the S70, S100, S450, S550, and S570.
To find out more about the availability of our stock, please do not hesitate to get in contact with our team. We are always on hand to offer advice and guidance on which machine is best for your needs.
