Versatility is one of the most common words we use to describe equipment like MMS Mini Skid Steer Loaders. This is because the functions of a skid steer make it highly useful across different industries. In this article, we’ll share more information about what they are capable of so you can figure out if this is the equipment you need for your projects.
Functions of a Skid Steer Loader
The main feature of a skid steer loader is that it is a compact machine, which makes it ideal for small spaces or places where heavy equipment would damage the ground. It usually comes with a bucket as the standard attachment, but since it can be equipped with additional attachments, it is able to handle tasks in all types of projects—construction, industrial, and agricultural.
Here are some of the functions a skid steer loader can perform:
- Agricultural work (plowing, cutting weeds, etc.)
- Road maintenance tasks
- Excavation, drilling, and trenching
- Lifting and moving various loads
- Snow removal
Agricultural Work
By changing an attachment, it is possible to carry out tasks such as plowing, cutting weeds, and removing small trees in open areas, in central strips, and around general service spaces. This is done with tools like brush cutters, weed cutters, and silage rakes.
Road Maintenance Tasks
Skid steer loaders can perform construction and road maintenance work using tools like asphalt and concrete grinders, compactors, and vibratory plates.
Excavation, Drilling, and Trenching
They are also considered earthmoving equipment. There are different attachments that are very useful for these tasks, such as hammers, backhoe arms, augers, and more. With the right attachment, a skid steer can dig into just about anything.
Lifting and Moving a Wide Range of Loads
Skid steer loaders are very helpful when transporting different materials at the job site with their bucket. For different types of loads, there are also tools that can adapt to different needs, such as forks and buckets with varying capacities.
Snow Removal
Skid steer loaders are widely used in cities where it is essential to clear snow from roads in the winter. Because they are compact machines, they do not damage sidewalks or roads that cannot bear heavy weight.
How to Select the Best Skid Steer Loader
Several factors come into play when choosing the right skid steer loader for your application, such as the terrain, travel speed, traction, load-handling capacities, and more. Here we share some information that can help you.
Consider the load capacity and power your jobs require:
There are skid steer loaders in different sizes, which mainly serve as a reference for the power and weight they can handle, to adapt to the different applications mentioned.
- Small: lighter machines, which makes them easier to transport to and from the job site and easier to maneuver.
- Medium: still compact, but provide more power and load capacity for more demanding work.
- Large: not referring to regular loaders, but rather to skid steers with the highest load capacity and power in their range. The best option for heavy-duty applications such as large-scale demolition projects, excavation work, and road construction.
Choose a track or wheel skid steer loader:
Mini track skid steer loader provide more traction, less ground disturbance, better material retention, and better load-handling capabilities. However, if you are working on projects that may require higher travel speed, such as road construction or city construction, a wheel skid steer loader may be a better fit.
3 Advantages of Choosing MMS Skid Steer Loaders
MMS offers a series of skid steer loaders that deliver great performance and durability.
Comfortable and safe operation: the equipment is designed to provide the operator with a safer and more comfortable cab. With excellent visibility, ergonomic joystick controls that make operation easier, work lights, a safety alarm, two emergency exits, among other features.
Best-in-class durability: MMS subjects its machines to rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand harsh conditions and continue working effectively.
Variety of available attachments: as mentioned before, the different tasks a skid steer can perform are tied to its attachments. That is why MMS has worked to expand its range of tools and with technology that allows operators to change tools directly from the cab.
As you can see, a skid steer loader will allow you to do more tasks with the same machine.