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Skid Steers

A Tool Carrier That Still Defines Versatile, Zero Turn Machinery

Skid steers are among the oldest and most famous American-made equipment categories. Borne out of the Midwest farming industry in the 1950s, and never really that popular outside of North America, skid steers used to be the benchmark for compact hydraulic tool carrier sales in the United States until their compact cousin — the compact track loader — started outpacing skid steer sales. Skid steers use wheels, and track loaders use tracks. That’s the key difference between these two machine types. Both categories can run hundreds of attachments using powerful auxiliary hydraulic systems. High-flow hydraulics emerged in the 1980s to power larger, niche attachments. Today, this option is popular for high-powered skid steer operations, with flow ranges from 16 to 45 gpm.

Manufacturers have focused on operator usability, advanced technology, comfort and efficiency, alongside Tier 4 Final engines. Pressurized cabins, adjustable seats, backup cameras and ergonomic controls make operating feel like driving a car. Automated settings, like boom adjustments and wheel speeds, are made possible through electro-hydraulic (EH) joysticks. Options vary by style, brand, size and power, but choosing between a vertical- or radial-lift machine is crucial. Vertical lift excels at forklift-type and loading tasks, while radial lift suits heavier digging and attachments. Some good examples of skid steers include:

Bobcat’s S Series Loaders | Cat’s Next Gen Loaders | Case’s B Series Loaders

461 Articles
Firstgreen Industries LIneup

Firstgreen Customers Capture $11.4M in CORE Incentives for Electric Machines

Keith Gribbins By Keith Gribbins
No Comments on Firstgreen Customers Capture $11.4M in CORE Incentives for Electric Machines
3 Min Read

Firstgreen Industries has turned incentives into serious savings. The company recently announced it has helped its U.S. customers secure $11.4 million through the Clean Off-Road Equipment (CORE) program, funding 76 zero-emissions machines. It’s a success…

Manitou's New Large frame skid steers and compact track loaders

A Deep Dive into Manitou’s All-New Large-Frame Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders

Keith Gribbins By Keith Gribbins
No Comments on A Deep Dive into Manitou’s All-New Large-Frame Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders
9 Min Read

The Rise of the Super Skid Steer and CTL Continues with Five Big New Models The 100+ hp compact loader class continues to grow. Skid steers and compact track loaders started small, but contractors have steadily demanded more power, more lift and more…

skid steer vs track loader John Deere units

John Deere’s P-Tier Skid Steers vs. Track Loaders: FAQs About Each Category’s Features

Dan Strong By Dan Strong
No Comments on John Deere’s P-Tier Skid Steers vs. Track Loaders: FAQs About Each Category’s Features
3 Min Read

John Deere’s P-Tier skid steers and compact track loaders (CTL) maximize operators’ efforts through increased horsepower, advanced technology and updated hydraulics systems.  “The P-Tier compact machines take a contractor to their next level of…

DC-fast-charger-with-ZQ140-module-and-ZQuip-excavator-scaled

Video: Zquip’s Swappable Power Systems Let Users Choose Between Diesel and Electric

Keith Gribbins By Keith Gribbins
No Comments on Video: Zquip’s Swappable Power Systems Let Users Choose Between Diesel and Electric
3 Min Read

In a sea of electrification solutions at bauma 2025, Zquip’s modular power system stood out. We visited Moog Construction’s outdoor booth in Munich to meet with Chris LaFleur, managing director of Zquip, and get a firsthand look at one of the show’s most…