Skid Steer Solutions

Hi-Flow Snowblower Attachments

2012-02-20T13:00:00.000-05:00

The right snowblower attachments can make all the difference to anyone doing snow removal during the winter. Pick the right one the first time, and you're up and running as soon as you attach the snowblower to your skid steer loader. Pick the wrong one, and you have to mess around with returns and having the right snowblower shipped to you.

Skid Steer Solutions offers a wide variety of winter-tough, high-flow snowblower attachments that come in many sizes and capacities for many different environments. The high quality high-flow snowblower attachments are all specifically designed to attach quickly and easily to any skid steer loader.

There are widths available from 48 to 96 inches, to fit every possible size project.

The 48-inch model is ideal for tight paved areas near buildings and sidewalks, yet the little one shares many of the features of its larger counterparts. On the one hand, you can work in smaller areas, on the other, you need to take two passes to every one of the 96 inch model. Each of these high-flow snowblower attachments is equipped with a two-stage hydraulic blower, capable of throwing the snow up to 45 feet in any direction. All of the models have a high volume shroud, and adjustable skid shoes that protect the snowblower attachments as well as the ground underneath it.

The larger snowblower attachments will create a wider path, move more snow, and the increased flow rates give these snowblower attachments more grunt in the drifts. There is also a dual motor design.

All told, the largest and most powerful high-flow snowblower attachments would be best put to use in large parking lots, public drives, and wide streets that don’t have many obstacles to negotiate. These high-flow snowblowers can move a lot of snow very quickly.

It is easy to choose from a number of attachments that may fit your snow removal needs and your budget. Just pick the one you're likely to use the most. While it's usually a good idea to get a machine that's a little bigger than what you need, take a look at every potential situation you're going to find yourself. If you're going to be constrained by something physical, like space between walls or concrete curbs and buffers, get the size that's going to fit. But if you're speculating on future projects, pick the one you think is going to do the job, but cast an eye toward bigger projects too.

As the winter weather continues all around the country, it is important to choose what kinds of areas you plan to be clearing with your skid steer machine, so as to make a wise purchase. It is certainly helpful to have an understanding of the kind and frequency of snowfall that you experience. But with the highflow snowblower attachments that are available today, you’ll be ready for anything.

Your Skid Steer Snow Plow is Not a Dozer

2012-02-13T13:00:00.000-05:00

Skid steer snow plow, meet regular skid steer dozer plow. They might look similar. They may have the same basic shape. They both are described as “heavy-duty.” They even have some functions in common. But a skid steer snow plow is not a dozer blade. And it should not be used as such.

It is tempting, once the winter months pass and there are rocks and soil where there had been snow, to leave your skid steer snow plow hooked to the boom of the skid steer loader so you can start pushing soil around. But do not let yourself be tempted. Though the snow plow resembles the regular dozer blade in many ways, you can do severe damage to your skid steer snow plow if you use it in the dirt.

The skid steer dozer blade has been specially constructed to sculpt (as in, carve and shape) the surface of the earth. It has a reinforced steel blade that will dig and gouge the soil and move the rocks within it, in order to change the landscape. To that end, the skid steer dozer blade has the option of 4-way or 6-way tilting capability that allows it to cut and shape at myriad angles.

By contrast, the skid steer snow plow is specifically designed to push and move a relatively light-weight substance (snow). And the skid steer snow plow is meant to push snow at the precise angle of the surface beneath it. As such, it is equipped with skid plates that keep the blade perfectly parallel to the plowed surface at all times.

The skid steer snow plow, in fact, is quite averse to hitting any hard objects beneath the snow, and is equipped with a spring-and-damper tripping mechanism which allows the whole unit to flex when it hits an obstacle. It would be completely against the nature of the unit to assume that the blade of the skid steer snow plow could be used to dig into anything, let alone gouge the underlying surface in any way. In reality, it is designed to do the opposite. It will give when it hits something heavy, and if you start pushing enough soil, the blade will automatically trip against the sheer weight of what you're pushing.

The regular plow, on the other hand, doesn't bend, bow, or give when it's up against dirt, rocks, and even large boulders. It's built to withstand the heavy duty work.

The skid steer snow plow has been designed to clear snow with minimal impact to the property on which it has fallen; the dozer blade, on the other hand, is geared for maximum impact. So don't cheap out on your spring and summer plowing work by using a snow plow thinking you're saving money. You'll end up replacing the snow plow anyway, and still buying a new dozer blade.

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Snow Plow Attachment protection and care

2012-01-30T13:00:00.001-05:00

A snow plow attachment needs to be built tough so it can handle a lot of abuse on the job. Imagine being shoved through snow for several hours, scraping the edge along concrete and ashpalt, hitting bumps and potholes, snapping back into place. When you think about it, a snow plow attachment can take just about anything you can pile on it.

The same is true for a skid steer loader. You take care of your machine, and don’t leave it to the mercy of the elements, especially during the winter months. Even if you don’t have an indoor facility for your skid steer loader, you can still buy a tarp for ten bucks, and keep it protected. Or you can at least get a cab enclosure and keep the cab dry and free from snow, rain, and dirt.

But we often don’t think about that for our skid steer attachments. We don’t think about the fact that they need to be protected from the elements when the regular spring and summer attachments are not being used.

A skid steer snow plow attachment is no different. If a skid steer owner is savvy enough to use one of the most useful machines on the planet during the winter, chances are he or she is smart enough to know how to store it during the no-snow months. In addition to repairs and maintenance, though, it is wise for snow plow attachment owners to find a good way to store their equipment when it is not being used. Especially if that snow plow attachment will be needed in the not-too-distant future to help earn some money.

To store your snow plow attachment, there are a few things to keep in mind. Most important is the steel — salt crystals and residue, left unattended, can ruin steel machinery of any kind. Water speeds up the oxidation process on unprotected equipment. But so can corrosive chemicals that are found in any construction environment, and ice is a perfect way to apply water to metal parts and keep it, and the corrosive chemicals and salt, there until temperatures rise and everything runs off.

So make a point of washing down and drying off your valuable snow plow attachment after a job. And avoid leaving your snow plow attachment uncovered in the weather. Find a way to bring your precious gear under a roof. If that is impossible, though, a good quality tarp or other waterproof covering will do the simple job of keeping rain and ice off of the machinery.

Water can also be found standing on the ground, indoors or out, so even if it is the remote possibility that your snow plow attachment could end up in a puddle, it’s better to get it off of the ground. Some concrete blocks, bricks, or even a few inches of 4X4 wood block under each corner will do the job. Just make sure it won’t tip over onto anything or anyone.

If your snow plow attachment has treated you right this winter, make sure you return the favor when it warms up outside.

Snow Attachments Review: The V-Plow

2012-01-23T13:36:00.000-05:00

Of the snow attachments you typically think of for winter work, the snow plow is the most obvious choice. It's elegant in its simplicity. Think about it: a straight piece of concave steel that acts like a giant shovel. Tilt it slightly toward the right, and drive. You could clear a straight road, without ever stopping, until you run out of fuel. And its straight-forward design is great for straight-forward snow clearing, like parking lots. Nothing fancy, just drive forward, back up, adjust, and drive foward again.

Skid steer snow plow attachments come in 7, 8, 9, and 10-foot widths and offer a wide array of unique and useful features, which makes them the obvious choice for snow removal. But compared to the V-Plow snow attachments, conventional plows are no longer king of the slippery hill.

V-Plows are among the most versatile snow attachments available for skid steer loaders. These reticulated snow attachments are built to do all of the same jobs as the traditional snow plow, but with a hinged center design, they can really do more, and do it more efficiently.

Each side of the V-Plow’s blade is electro-hydro controlled, meaning that the skid steer loader operator can move each half of the blade independently of the other, all from within the cab of the skid steer machine.

As a result, the V-Plow can be configured to plow straight, or as a concave scoop, or even split-plow in the "V" formation for fast clearing of large areas such as parking lots, wide roads and drives, and industrial areas. These incredibly versatile snow attachments are made in six sizes: 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, and 120 inches (5 - 10 feet).

The V-Plow attachments really do have some excellent features, not the least of which would have to be their heavy-duty, adjustable, front-mounted drag shoes that allow the snow attachments to keep plowing away the snow without cutting into the surface below.

These snow attachments can also be used in some unorthodox ways. In the "V" formation, these snow attachments have the capability to break through high drifts without causing a lack of lateral stability in the plowing vehicle. In the concave "scoop" configuration, they act just like a snow pusher attachment, eliminating the unnecessary volume of spoilage that is left behind by a conventional snow plow.

If you get desperate, you might even be able to use the V-shaped nose of the V-Plow to break up stubborn areas of ice, like one of the ice breaker ships they use on the Great Lakes during the winter. Whatever you do this winter, choose the snow attachments that are as tough as they are versatile!

Five Snowblower Uses This Winter

2012-01-16T13:00:00.006-05:00

The snowblower and the snow plow always seem to duke it out for winter cleanup supremacy. Snow plows are the standby tool of choice in wide-open spaces, but a snowblower is available in multiple sizes and configurations, and have more versatility when it comes to choosing your path. And because they throw the snow in the direction that you choose, snowblowers can operate with a bit more precision. If you’re thinking of clearing sidewalks and walkways, parking lots, driveways and streets, or even if you need to get up close to a home or office building, a snowblower attachment will get the job done.

SIDEWALKS/WALKWAYS
A high quality snowblower attachment for sidewalk and walkway work can make the difference between making money and making a real wintry mess. A snow removal professional can utilize the venerable skid steer to create a better, safer environment. Walking paths around the homes of customers, friends and neighbors need the deft touch of the directional chute, because it’s simply the right tool when you need to avoid obstacles hidden by the drifts, and send snow away from windows and cars and other damageable items.

PARKING LOTS/DRIVEWAYS/STREETS
When it comes to high-quality snowblowers, there are many sizes to choose from, so choose the best one for your snow removal job. The smaller skid steer snow blower are less expensive and can be used on smaller skid steer loaders, but for larger areas like lots and drives, the operator really needs to choose between the high- and the normal-flow tool. Lower-flow, single motor models do a great job, and simply require a little more time than their bigger brothers. So choose a skid steer snow blower based on size and price that fit your skid steer, your work style, and your budget constraints.

AROUND BUILDINGS
Some people say that the smaller skid steer snow blowing machine with a lower hydraulic flow-rate and a simpler set of options would be inadequate in the harshest winter conditions. But the normal-flow machines still have the potential to overcome even the heaviest weather, eject snow up to 45 feet in any direction you choose, and slide easily up against a home or building without risking damage to the structure. The smallest skid steer snow blower is 48 inches wide, and it operates at a flow rate of 8 to 13 gallons of hydraulic fluid per minute.

But if you want to cut a wider path through the white stuff, consider that "normal-flow" skid steer snow blowers come in myriad sizes. You can buy one 48, 60, 72, 78, and 84 inches wide. Find the skid steer snowblower that meets the job you’ll be doing. From sidewalks and walkways to parking lots, driveways, streets, and even the tight spaces nearer to buildings, the skid steer mounted snowblower will blow you away.

Snowblowers Review: Normal Flow vs. High Flow

2011-12-26T13:00:00.000-05:00

Using high-quality snowblowers for winter skid steer snow removal work can mean the difference between making things better or making things worse. A skid steer professional can use the skid steer loader to truly serve customers this winter season by providing a better, safer environment. But to really do the job right, it is crucial to choose between the high- and the normal-flow snowblowers available on the market. There are also several sizes to choose from, so hydraulic flow rates, snow blowing capabilities, and other features should be considered carefully.

Along the way, the smaller skid steer snowblowers with a lower hydraulic flow rate and a simpler set of options have been reported to be inadequate for the heaviest snowfalls. But that is not the case at all with snowblowers from Skid Steer Solutions: the normal flow machines still have the potential to overcome even the deepest drifts, and can still eject snow up to 45 feet in any direction you choose. They just take a little longer to get the job done.

The smallest snowblower is 48 inches wide, operating at a flow rate of 8 to 13 gallons of hydraulic fluid per minute. If you find it necessary to take larger bites, however, normal flow skid steer snowblowers also come 60, 72, 78, and 84 inches wide.

For the skid steer winter professional, snow plows are still the standard tool for removing snow from wide-open spaces like lots and roads, but snowblowers have more versatility when it comes to the smaller, tighter spaces. No matter what size or flow rate you buy, because they all throw the snow in the direction that you choose, a snowblower operates with more precision. If you’re thinking of clearing small walkways, or if you need to remove snow that has drifted close to a home or business, a snowblower attachment will get the job done. And it’s also the right tool for situations where you need to avoid obstacles and things that break.

This can be especially important for property owners who can't afford to have giant snow piles, well, piling up. These snow piles can often take up valuable parking spaces, which means fewer customers in their business. Or, the owners are worried about the snow melting in the warmer daytime temperatures and then refreezing at night, which presents a serious slipping hazard. Snowblowers can avoid that.

The smaller skid steer snowblowers are less expensive and can be used on smaller skid steer loaders. Lower-flow, single motor models do a great job, simply requiring a bit more time than their heftier siblings. So choose one of the skid steer snowblowers of a size and price that fit your budget and work style.

Use Snow Plows On Big Parking Lots

2011-12-19T13:00:00.001-05:00

The basic snow plows are probably the most widely used snow attachment of any skid steer loader's arsenal. They offer a wide array of unique and useful features, and have the broadest spectrum of uses. The conventional snow plows are truly quite versatile skid steer attachments. Hydraulic controls allow the skid steer operator to adjust the blade’s angle side-to-side, and to choose on which side of the machine he or she wishes to deposit the snow.

Good-quality, heavy duty skid steer snow plows comes in 7-, 8-, 9-, and 10-foot widths, and offers a wide array of unique and useful features. The overall construction of your snow plows should be first-rate. The mold boards on the best snow plows are made from heavy, rust-proof stainless steel. In addition, the cutting edge on this snow attachment is really two-in-one, because it is a reversible, bolt-on design. Eight inches of 3/4-inch hardened steel across the entire width of the plow gives it formidable strength and rigidity, and shock absorbers dampen the blade’s rebound. Adjustable skid shoes are included to reduce wear on the blade and to protect the surface below.

Also, tripping the blade of a snow plow is always a concern. Every time there is a decent snow fall, many obstacles, like curbs, concrete lips, and other fixed objects are obscured by the blanket of snow. The best plow attachments include a trip feature, basically a spring-loaded dampening system. The trip feature serves to protect the integrity of hidden objects as well as the snow plows themselves from extensive damage. The system simply allows the snow plow blade to tip forward a certain distance and then dampen the rebound.

Snow plows are excellent for clearing all sorts of surfaces: from parking lots and other wide-open paved areas, to the more tricky driveways, sidewalks, and asphalt paths. You can clear off a driveway by driving up to the top of the drive, lowering the blade, and driving backward. You can also clear off walkways by turning the blade and pushing it off to the side.

Admittedly, the downside is that snow plows leave huge piles of snow in parking lots, so it's advisable to push as much snow off to the side as possible, rather than taking up valuable parking spaces with the giant piles. They can't be avoided, but busy merchants and schools may want you to save the parking spaces as much as you can.

A good-quality skid steer plow is a truly effective skid steer attachment for snow removal. It will be available in a variety of sizes, constructed of sturdy steel, and should mount directly onto the skid steer. Skid steer snow plows are a simple solution that should clear the way for years to come.

Snow Attachment Review: Large Skid Steer Snow Plows

2011-12-12T13:00:00.000-05:00

A snow attachment is more than just a piece of equipment. It's a money maker. It's your key to making money with your machine in what most landscapers would consider their off-season or they instead stick a small snow plow on the front of their truck, and start plowing small parking lots.

But with the right kind of snow attachment, you can keep not only the money coming in, but you can keep running your skid steer loader and keep it earning money for you.

One of the best tools to use is a high quality, large skid steer snow plow. This snow attachment can be used any time the white stuff falls, and plowing snow through the winter can be lucrative while at the same time helping provide a valuable service to the community.

As any skid steer operator knows that there is a big difference between good and excellent when it comes to any snow attachment, and also that if they can afford it, it’s good to know that a bigger plow moves more snow.

The Heavy Duty Series skid steer snow plows come in 7-, 8-, 9-, and 10-foot widths, and offer a wide array of unique and useful features. First and foremost, the overall construction of each plow is first-rate. Scratches and wear on regular steel mold boards would lead to rust and weaken the snow attachments, but the mold boards on this snow attachment are made from heavy, rust-proof stainless steel, so they'll last for more than one four month snowy season.

The cutting edge on each of these skid steer snow plows is really two-in-one: a reversible, bolt-on design. Eight inches of 3/4-inch hardened steel across the entire width of the plow gives it phenomenal strength and rigidity. The skid steer snow attachment also include a trip feature, which, if the plow hits an object hidden by the snow, protects both the object and the snow plow from extensive damage by allowing the blade to tip forward a certain distance and dampening the rebound.

Of course the skid steer owner will have to choose which snow attachment fits the budget, but it should be noted that the difference between the 7-foot plow and the 10-footer is huge - almost half again the width of the smaller one. That means that plowing large areas like school and shopping area parking lots is no problem, and can earn more money faster.

No matter the size, though, hydraulic controls allow the skid steer operator to adjust the blade’s angle side-to-side, and choose which side of the machine to deposit the snow. Adjustable skid shoes just behind the snow plow’s blade are included to reduce wear on the snow attachment and to protect a graded surface beneath the snow.

Can Your Snow Plow Do This? The V-Plow

2011-11-21T13:00:00.000-05:00

Getting a snow plow can help your skid steer loader's business keep working through the winter months. It's simple, basic, and does the job most of us need for moving snow out of the way. While you can use the snow blower, the snow bucket, and the snow pusher, there are some days you just need some basic snow removal, nothing fancy. You just want to put your head down and go. This is where the snow plow is going to excel.

But some days, you need something a little more complex in a plow. It's not enough to just push straight ahead, or tilt to one direction. You need to break through packed down snow, or pack it into tight drifts.

Skid Steer Solutions' Heavy Duty Series snow plow attachments come in 7-, 8-, 9-, and 10-foot widths and offer a wide array of unique and useful features. But they are quickly becoming the undesirable, largely ignorable, nearly faceless sibling to the V-Plow.
V-Plows are among the most versatile plows available for skid steer loaders. These snow plows are built to do the same jobs as the traditional snow plow, but with a center-reticulated design, they can simply do more. Each side of the V-Plow’s blade is Electro-Hydro Controlled, meaning that the snow plow operator can move each half of the blade independently of the other - all from the cab of the skid steer loader.

So the V-Plow can be configured to plow straight, plow snow as a concave scoop, or split-plow in the “V” formation for lightning-quick clearing of large areas such as school, church and shopping center parking lots, wide roads and drives, and industrial areas. These incredibly versatile snow plow attachments are made in six widths: 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, and 10-foot widths.

The V-Plow snow plow attachment has some excellent features, not the least of which is its heavy-duty, adjustable, front-mounted drag shoes that allow the attachment to keep working in the snow without digging into the surface below.

But the V-Plow snow plow can also be used for some unusual activities. In the “V” formation, this snow plow can easily break through high drifts without causing a lack of lateral stability in the plowing vehicle. In the concave “scoop” configuration, it acts quite like a snow pusher, eliminating the large volume of spoilage that would be left behind by a conventional snow plow.

There are even stories that the v-shaped nose of the V-Plow has been used to break up stubborn piles of ice. Whether it's true or not, we're still hoping to find out. But whatever you do this winter, choose a snow plow attachment that is as tough as it is versatile!

Your Skid Steer Loader Can Be Warm With Cab Enclosures

2011-11-18T11:51:00.001-05:00

The skid steer loader is an awesome, do-everything machine that comes ready to attack tough jobs by attaching itself to a host of incredibly useful tools. With all that potential, it has to be built tough: heavy-duty steel fabrication, tracks or flat-proof tires, as well as a bullet-proof boom for lifting heavy loads.

With heavy lifting and other dangerous construction and landscaping jobs to do, it’s a good thing that the skid steer loader comes equipped with the heavy-duty steel cage that completely surrounds the operator. It is made so tough that it has no doubt saved the lives of skid steer loader operators when they have gotten into trouble.

The skid steer loader cage is really no more than a protective cage that keeps out large objects and keeps the driver safe if the machine should tip. It lets air flow freely but also lets in the elements, too. That's why driving the skid steer loader is the much sought after job in the spring and fall, but you don't see anyone fighting for the seat in the cold, snowy winter.

That's also why skid steer loader owners are thankful that someone invented the cab enclosure. Skid Steer Solutions offers several types of all-weather enclosures that fit over the existing steel cab and, in foul weather conditions, will keep a driver dry and warm all day.

The cab enclosures come in acrylic and nylon materials. They have a hard front hatch, a foot flap, and large windows all the way around, and even on the top, which can sometimes be the most important view in a skid steer loader. The cab enclosure is a truly affordable solution to otherwise worthless work days. And with the cab enclosure from Skid Steer Solutions, you won’t waste any time scraping ice and snow off the seat or warming up the controls.

The front door of the cab enclosure will slip on or off in seconds, making it a quick job to install the entire cover. The weather is sealed out so thoroughly that the manufacturer even recommends using a cab enclosure heater, to help keep the driver warm, but to also keep condensation from building up inside the skid steer loader! That's because the cab enclosures are so well made and tightly sealed, there's no air flow. Skid Steer Solutions can have a quality cab enclosure at your door in two weeks.

If you’re worried you might have to give up on lucrative jobs this winter, it is time to consider the cab enclosure for your skid steer loader. Couple it with a cab enclosure heater, and you'll be sitting high and dry for hours and hours, making money, while the competition is either sitting in the cab freezing, or sitting at home waiting for the spring to come.

Snow Attachment Smackdown: The Snow Pusher vs. the Snow Plow

2011-11-07T13:00:00.000-05:00

It's snow attachment time. But which one do you choose? There seem to be as many ways to move snow as there are snowflakes on a frosty day in February. Snow blowers are getting cheaper, and there’s always a kid with a shovel in the neighborhood looking for twenty bucks. But if a skid steer owner needs to know which snow attachment would be the best one to choose this winter, it would be good to know what kind of work is at hand. And it’s always best to consider plows first.

THE SNOW PLOW
The heavy duty snow plow is probably the most widely used snow attachment. It offers a wide array of unique and useful features, and has the broadest spectrum of uses. The conventional plow is truly a quite versatile snow attachment. Hydraulic controls allow the skid steer operator to adjust the blade’s angle side-to-side, and to choose which side of the machine to deposit the snow. Adjustable skid shoes are included to reduce wear on the blade and to protect the surface below.

The overall construction of each snow attachment is first-rate. The mold boards on the best plows are made from heavy, rust-proof stainless steel. In addition, the cutting edge on this snow attachment is really two-in-one, because it is a reversible, bolt-on design. Eight inches of 3/4-inch hardened steel across the entire width of the plow gives it formidable strength and rigidity, and shock absorbers dampen the blade’s rebound.

THE SNOW PUSHER
Made in widths of 96-, 120-, and 144 inches, the Snow Pusher is similar to a plow, but is more like a fully-enclosed, double-bladed scraper. Instead of pushing snow at angles to the side, snow is trapped in the giant box of this snow attachment and shoved off the end of a parking lot or driveway. And that seems to be where this snow attachment really excels: in large, open, flat areas, where maneuverability is not as big an issue.

The Snow Pusher allows very little of the snow you push to escape, so if you purchase this snow attachment, it is recommended that you use tracks or chains on your skid steer.

They say that the Snow Pusher will clear a lot or street 35% faster than with a traditional snow plow. But if you find yourself in tighter spaces, the plow will serve you well, too.

Which Skid Steer Snow Blower Do I Need?

2011-10-24T13:00:00.000-04:00

A snow blower attachment for your winter snow removal work can make your community safer and make you money. A snow professional can use the skid steer loader to create a better, safer environment for customers and neighbors, but really needs to choose the right size for the snow removal job as well as the high- and the normal-flow tool.

Some might argue that the smaller snow blowing machine with a lower hydraulic flow-rate and a simpler set of options would be inadequate in the harshest winter conditions. But the normal-flow machines still have the potential to overcome even the heaviest weather and can still eject snow up to 45 feet in any direction.

The smallest snow blower is 48 inches wide, and it operates at a flow rate of 8 to 13 gallons of hydraulic fluid per minute, and if you want to cut a wider path through the white stuff, consider that “normal-flow” skid steer snow blowers come in myriad sizes. You can buy one anywhere from 48 to 84 inches in width.

Snow plows might prove to be the best choice in large, open spaces, but a snow blower will have more versatility when it comes to the smaller, tighter spaces. And because they throw the snow in the direction that you choose, a snow blower can operate with a bit more precision. If you’re thinking of clearing small walkways, or if you need to remove snow that has drifted close to a home or business, a snow blower attachment will get the job done. And it’s also the right toll for situations where you need to avoid obstacles and things that break.

A smaller skid steer snow blower will most likely be less expensive and can be used on a smaller skid steer loader. The low-flow, single motor models do a great job, and require a little more time than their bigger brothers. So choose a skid steer snow blower based on size and price that fit your skid steer, your work style, and your budget constraints. And consider just how much time you will be putting in to battling winter storms.

Dig These Bobcat Skid Steer Attachments: Three New Buckets

2011-10-17T11:44:00.000-04:00

There are certainly a lot of bucket attachments available for your Bobcat skid steer loader. And, as anyone in the construction industry will tell you, it's important to choose the right tool for the job. Whether you choose a digging bucket (with or without teeth), a stump bucket, or a rock bucket, you will do well to know how each of these bobcat skid steer attachments can be used, and consequently, which one is right for your kind of work.

DIGGING BUCKET
The digging bucket, probably because it has been around since the tractor-implement days, is by far the most ubiquitous skid steer attachment, and has been through the most iterations and modifications of them all. While it is still pretty much in its original form, there have been some subtle, but important improvements in recent years.

The latest digging buckets are made with dimples on their bottoms. The dimples make a sort of honeycomb structure, adding significant rigidity to the bucket, regardless of its width. Also, today’s good quality digging bucket skid steer attachments are fabricated and heated appropriately so that welds of disparate materials remain intact.

ROCK BUCKET
The rock bucket is clearly set apart from the others. This bobcat skid steer attachment was developed precisely because, when processing the soil thats surrounds a building project, the soft soil is good, and the rocks are bad. For almost any kind of project, soft, pliable soil is what is needed most, and the rocks, concrete, bricks and debris within need to be sifted out.

STUMP BUCKET
The stump bucket, as far as skid steer attachments go, is an inspiration on a couple of levels. First, though it is definitely a bucket attachment, it is instantly apparent that this tool has been changed; it takes the conventional digging bucket to an entirely different level. It is an elongated bucket, with a long, toothed nose. Along the rimmed sides of the container are severe ridges.
This skid steer attachment is a specialized digging tool designed for maximum leverage when forced underneath large boulders, stumps and structures.

Each of these amazing skid steer attachments has a specific purpose, be it digging, rock-removal, or stump- and boulder-raising. But do not be surprised if one (or all) of these shows up soon doing something completely new!

Three Skid Steer Snow Attachments You'd Never Think Of

2011-10-10T13:00:00.000-04:00

Some snow attachments don't really seem like snow attachments at all. And they're not. But they're regular skid steer attachments that can be drafted into winter cleanup, rather than sitting around all winter.

There are a number of snow attachments on the market for the skid steer, and certainly many other attachments and implements that can easily be adapted for snow use. But there are three that can really take the skid steer owner from "zero to hero" in no time at all. They are the rotary broom, the dumping hopper, and the 4-in-1 bucket.

THE ROTARY BROOM
I know what you’re thinking. "The rotary broom is the thing they use to clean the debris off of the streets in active construction sites." Precisely. And it’s that same tough cylinder of bristles that can be used to sweep suburban streets clear of large drifts of snow — even snow that would stop automobile traffic. Rotary brooms are some serious snow attachments with their natural, steel, or combination bristles rotating under a heavy-duty steel shroud. When you've got a lot of snow and no ice, a rotary broom works great for cleaning off sidewalks.

THE 4-IN-1 BUCKET
The best thing about snow attachments like a bucket is that you probably already have one. And if you do, you most likely used it every day you fired up your skid steer machine. The 4-in-1 Bucket can be used as a dozer blade for scraping snow and ice off of roads and lots, a toothed bucket for hauling the snow, a grapple for handling chunks of ice and debris like broken tree limbs, and an open-clamshell grader for scooping up snow and ice while running in reverse.

THE DUMPING HOPPER
Hoppers are ideal snow attachments. A bucket loader is indeed an awesome snow attachment, but the only complaint anyone ever has about a skid steer bucket is that it can only carry so much material. But the dumping hopper, with its massive capacity, wheel-barrow configuration, can be filled over and over again by even the smallest skid steer, taking loads of snow and ice wherever it needs to go to be out of the way of winter traffic.

Don't be limited by traditional thinking about skid steer snow attachments. Some of the best snow attachments may be the ones you normally only use in the summer. Do some thinking and see if you can come up with a new winter use for a summer attachment, and make your life easier.

Skid Steer Snow Attachments Review: The V-Plow

2011-09-26T13:00:00.002-04:00

Snow attachments keep people working through the winter, but it's the guys and gals who take snow-plowing jobs that get a bad rap. Every once in a while, after the whole world and all of its distinguishable features have been covered by a magical blanket of a fluffy frozen substance so bright it would strike a Taun-taun blind, a snow plow operator clips 3 square inches off the corner of someone’s lawn. And then one of them nicks a heretofore pristine driveway.

Forget that they are making the roads passable, the lots parkable, the walks walkable, the world livable, and quite possibly saving lives in the process, they are abused by the terminally grumpy for minor indiscretions.

It’s all because of the snow attachments they have chosen for the job they did with their skid steer machines. And it’s the reason they really should choose the king of snow attachments, the V-Plow.

First, let’s look at the more conventional snow attachments. The snow bucket can push snow like a snow plow. And it may even reduce the amount of “spoil,” or snow that is lost to the sides of a plow blade, thus cutting down on the time spent on the job. But the bucket is a simple, straight-edged tool, and can dig into the obscured lawn now and again.

The skid steer snow plow is excellent for clearing all sorts of surfaces, from parking lots and other wide-open paved areas to more tricky driveways, sidewalks, and asphalt paths. The snow pusher is similar to the plow, but as a fully-enclosed, double-bladed scraper, it can scar up the surfaces.

BRING ON THE V-PLOW

V-Plows is the ideal snow attachment for skid steer loaders. This snow attachment was built to do the same job as the traditional plows, but with its center-reticulated design, it can do more. On each side, the V-Plow’s blade is Electro-Hydro Controlled, meaning that the skid steer operator can move each blade half independently from the cab of the skid steer loader. It can straight-plow, scoop, or divide-plow for quick clearing. And these skid steer attachments are made in six sizes: 60", 72", 84", 96", 108" and 120" widths.

The best feature has got to be the heavy duty, adjustable, front-mounted drag shoes that allow the snow attachment to keep working in the snow without digging into the surface below.

This winter, choose the only snow attachment tough and sensitive enough to use on Hoth: The V-Plow!

3 Reasons Your Skid Steer Loader Needs Flat-Proof Tires This Winter

2011-09-19T13:00:00.003-04:00

Your skid steer loader needs to be impervious in the winter. No cold getting into the cab, no stray nails in the tires.

When it gets to be cold and snowy out, and kids start thinking about the holiday surprises, this is the time for a skid steer loader operator to think about ways to avoid surprises on the job. And one of the best ways is to invest in a set of flat-proof skid steer tires.

Flat-proof skid steer tires are specially-engineered to keep a skid steer loader running in any conditions. There are circumstances as the seasons change that make flat-proofs the optimal choice for any skid steer loader, including: sharp hidden objects, tire pressure maintenance, not to mention what it takes to change a skid steer tire in the snow and ice.

Pressure Problems

During the winter months, or on any cold day, traditional tires lose air pressure as the temperatures drop, especially over night. The skid steer loader owner has the continuous, arduous responsibility of maintaining the right pressure in the tires of the skid steer. But with a flat-proof tire, there's no need to obsess over tire pressure.

Hidden Objects

Construction and landscaping sites are rife with sharp and jagged flotsam and jetsam, just lying in wait to puncture truck and machine tires, disabling a project completely until the tire is repaired or replaced. Snowy conditions make the situation even more insidious, obscuring sharp, pointy objects beneath a white sea of shifty drifts. In the winter, it is much more difficult for a skid steer loader driver to see obstacles that can take the skid steer loader out of commission for half a day or more.

Changing a Tire

With flat-proof skid steer tires, however, the situation is completely different. The flat-proofs look similar to their puffed-up partners, but are engineered and perforated rubber discs with an internal honeycomb pattern that run just as smoothly, and have additional improvements. With flat-proofs, there's no need to change a flat in the snow and ice, with bitter winds whipping all around you.

Specifically developed to better support the use of over the tire tracks, flat-proof tires are made with increased sidewall thickness for less side-to-side track slippage. The design leads to fewer scratches on the skid steer loader frame and less tire edge track damage.

Skid Steer Snow Attachments Preview: The Snow Plow

2011-09-12T13:00:00.001-04:00

Snow attachments can help you get through winter easier than a hot knife dropped in a deep snow bank.

One of the best ways to plow through the winter is to use high quality skid steer snow attachments, like a snow plow. Plowing snow can be lucrative and provides a valuable service to your community.

As any skid steer operator knows that there is a big difference between good and excellent when it comes to snow attachments, and an excellent line of skid steer snow plows includes top-quality units that deliver excellent performance and durability season after season.

The Heavy Duty Series skid steer snow plows come in 7-, 8-, 9-, and 10-foot widths, and offer a wide array of unique and useful features. First and foremost, the overall construction of each plow is first-rate. Scratches and wear on regular steel mold boards would lead to rust and weaken the snow attachments, but the mold boards on these plows are made from heavy, rust-proof stainless steel.

The cutting edge on each of these skid steer snow plows is really two-in-one: a reversible, bolt-on design. Eight inches of 3/4-inch hardened steel across the entire width of the plow gives it phenomenal strength and rigidity.

Tripping a skid steer snow plow blade is always a concern, as many obstacles, like curbs, concrete lips, and other fixed objects are obscured by a heavy snowfall. These snow attachments include a trip feature, which protects the hidden object and the snow plow from extensive damage by allowing the blade to tip forward a certain distance and dampening the rebound.

The frames that support the snow attachments are powder-coated for protection from the elements, and side steps for further versatility are also included. Hydraulic controls allow the skid steer operator to adjust the blade’s angle side-to-side, and choose which side of the machine to deposit the snow. Adjustable skid shoes just behind the snow plow’s blade are included to reduce wear on the blade and to protect a graded surface beneath the snow.

The skid steer snow attachments are a terrific value, especially when it comes to the business of removing snow.

Skid Steer Attachments That Rock

2011-08-29T13:00:00.000-04:00

Skid steer attachments rock. And with good reason. In some regions of the Northeastern U. S., the soil is so rocky, it is almost impossible to dig into to lay the foundation of a new home.

To break into terrain that is dominated by giant slabs of rock, it is necessary for the skid steer loader operator and his crew to bring along these skid steer attachments: the rock saw, a rock breaker, and a rock crusher.

THE ROCK SAW

Just as the name implies, this is one of the skid steer attachments that is designed for cutting right through solid rock and concrete. Its giant toothed wheel is spun by a high torque planetary gear. The rock saw skid steer attachments are available with blade diameters of 48 inches or 60 inches. That means that these amazing tools can slice a precise cut into solid rock up to 18 and 24 inches, respectively.

THE ROCK BREAKER

When the rock material that a skid steer operator is trying to get through does not need to be precisely cut, the rock breaker is the right choice among the skid steer attachments. This heavy duty tool is reminiscent of the traditional jack-hammer seen on road and construction crews. Usually, the jackhammer is foisted upon the poor newbie to the construction crew, just to break him in.

THE ROCK CRUSHER

After the hillside has been cut into, and after all of the boulders have been broken into manageable sizes, it is time to bring out the one attachment among all of the other skid steer attachments that can render these seemingly indestructible chunks of stone into dust. The rock crusher is one of the most elegantly designed skid steer attachments on the market. Originally conceived of by the mining industry, the rock crusher is essentially a large bin that accepts rock material up to 23 inches wide and 6 inches thick. By way of a cleverly designed heavy duty drum system, it pulverizes rock and concrete down to two inch gravel.

The most excellent feature of the rock crusher has to be that it is one of the handful of specialized skid steer attachments that can scoop up the rock material to be broken, and then tilt it into an upright position for the crushing operation.

Attachments like these make new building projects that would otherwise have been impossible in certain regions, possible with the amazing skid steer loader and a little ingenuity.

Skid Steer Attachments for Tree Planting

2011-08-22T13:00:00.001-04:00

Skid steer attachments are available to help landscapers with tree planting. and to make life simpler for everyone, and to make your tree plantings more likely to survive. Rather than getting three teenagers to dig a big hole that's supposed to receive a 17-foot white-flowering dogwood. The hole must be big enough to accommodate a root ball eight feet in diameter. Not only are the teens wishing there were an easier way, but who's going to carry the tree off the truck?

There are several skid steer attachments available to help any landscaping crew install as many trees as they want.

THE TREE-PLANTING AUGER
Tree planting skid steer attachments are 18-inch wide spiral-shaped steel blades, capable of displacing a lot of soil in a short amount of time. The shaft of the Tree-Planting Auger Skid Steer Attachments alone are a full 2 inches in diameter and use a pair of half-inch shear bolts. And at 42 inches in length, these formidable attachments can reach depths that no sweaty teen wants to reach on a humid day in August.

THE TREE SPADE
The tree spade skid steer attachments are now available for the skid steer in two different configurations. The first is the EZ Spade, and the other is the Bradco, a full-service tree spade attachment that can access a planted tree on four sides, cut into the earth, cut the tap-root, lift, transport, and deploy the tree in a new location - all with the same skid steer loader.

THE EZ SPOT UR ROCK AND TREE HAND
These amazing skid steer attachments were initially used to place large palm trees and looks just like its name: a giant red hand that, after a tree has been freed from its roots and surrounding soil, gently and carefully uses the boom of the skid steer loader to do the heavy lifting. And these skid steer attachments are not just for trees. With its standard fixed or optional rotational base, the EZ SPOT UR Rock and Tree Hand is an excellent choice for the landscaping pro who needs to manipulate large boulders and other heavy objects.

Skid Steer Attachments Review: Cold Planers

2011-08-15T13:00:00.000-04:00

Some skid steer attachments are great at cutting down trees. Others are better suited for digging up dirt. And still others can scrape off a section of road (or any other material) right to soil level, leaving straight, sharp edges that make for an easy and potentially seamless repair once the material is installed and back-filled.

The cold planer skid steer attachments have been configured with a number of incredibly thoughtful features. First, they are available in several widths, from as narrow as 12 to as wide as 40 inches. The wider cold planer skid steer attachments are perfect for smoothing out roads and driveways, as well as eliminating harsh joints between parking lot sections.

And even if those road sections are at quite severe grades, the Cold Planer skid steer attachments can handle the job. They have a tilting feature that allows the skid steer attachments to be angled and shifted to match the road surface even when the skid steer loader must remain upright. But it is inside the Cold Planer that the exciting stuff happens. A shark’s mouthful of carbide teeth is attached to a rotating drum inside the unit, ready to tear into the road surface without hesitation. The whole drum spins using a planetary drive for high torque.

These rugged Cold Planer skid steer attachments even come equipped with self-leveling capability which allows for very precise lapping and tapering techniques. In addition, the Cold Planer skid steer attachment is equipped with high enough clearance in the rear that it is able to remove the appropriate layer of road material without recirculating it endlessly through the machine.

There are a number of cold planer skid steer attachments on the market, and each of them has its unique set of features. As with any skid steer equipment, however, the most important concern on any job site is safety. It is also vitally important to keep the vulnerable controls safe from flying debris A good cold planer attachment for the skid steer loader will include protective shields for the hydraulics and electrics, and will come equipped with protected grease fittings. Look for those things as you compare attachments.

Making a rugged tool like the cold planer skid steer attachment portable and removable is smart. Attaching it to the versatile skid steer loader is just a brilliant idea.

Use Your Bobcat Skid Steer to Clear Fields

2011-08-01T13:00:00.000-04:00

Your Bobcat skid steer can do everything from mowing to clearing to building to demolishing. One thing landscapers can do, especially if they're not using their Bobcat skid steer very often, is to take up mowing and clearing jobs for a city or town, highway department, or even residential development company.

To get the job done, there are basically three kinds of Bobcat skid steer mowing attachments that will really help you to take care of a large area through the growing and mowing seasons: the flail mower, the sickle mower, and the brush mower.

THE FLAIL MOWER Some Bobcat skid steer owners win a county or state contract for mowing the shoulders of roads and highways, and the flail mower is an excellent choice. With several widths to choose from, heavy steel construction, and flaps that keep rocks and debris from being thrown toward road-drivers, a flail mower can make short work of a long piece of state highway.

THE SICKLE MOWER The sickle mower is known as “the magic wand” for angled roadsides, concrete conduits, ditches, and other features that would threaten to flip a stand-alone tractor, and are impossible to reach with a traditional mowing machine. The sickle bar attaches to the boom of your Bobcat skid steer and reaches off to the side. It is light and can be angled to accommodate the contour of almost unusually contoured field. Unfortunately, the sickle bar on this mowing attachment is completely exposed while it cuts, so precautions must be taken, especially around other people.

THE BRUSH MOWER Using your skid steer loader to cut a wide, even path through the gnarliest brush and brambles without tossing a lot of debris calls for a heavy duty brush mower. Also available in several widths, this heavy duty steel deck sits out in front of the Bobcat skid steer and chews up everything in its path. Perfect for an overgrown open field situation, the brush mower has steel reinforced shoes that maintain an even mow height.

If you have a Bobcat skid steer, you’ll find these mowers to be indispensable when it comes time to cut back the meadow or clear a parcel for a project.

Skid Steer Attachments for the Farm

2011-07-25T13:00:00.000-04:00

Skid steer attachments have a long history with farmers. Even though it makes sense that farmers in general have been adapting tractors for their growing productivity needs, the skid steer loader has gained increasing favor with the farmer because of the inherent versatility and agility, plus its dozens of different skid steer attachments to make life on the farm easier.

Of course, skid steer attachments can serve crop farmers, but livestock farmers have a number of useful skid steer attachments that make life so much easier. They are the bale handler, the rod bucket, and the material spreader.

Bale Handler: This is one of those skid steer attachments that just makes sense to the farmer who either makes his own feed bales for livestock, or who buys them and just needs a tool to help move, stack, load, or transport them. Basically a rectangular bale grasping mechanism, the Bale Handler squeezes the feed bale on opposite sides and allows the user to manipulate any load from 48 to 96 inches thick. It can be used for both rectangular bales and large round bales, but the Bale Squeeze offers a bit more stability for the latter.

Rod Bucket: This, like many other skid steer attachments, is a true multi-purpose tool. The Rod Bucket is essentially a shallow bucket with long splines that project from the lip at adjustable intervals. It is terrific for forklift-type loads, where, as with feed bales, the skid steer operator needs to slide under the load before lifting it. It could certainly be used as a quick equipment or container transporter. But where the Rod Bucket really shines is in manure removal. Like a large pitchfork, the Rod Bucket is able to scrape along under manure and hay, lift out the manure, and leave the soil or other underlying surface undisturbed. You can imagine this is one of those skid steer attachments that is excellent at removing large rocks and boulders up and away from viable soil.

Material Spreader: This is one of the most versatile skid steer attachments on the market. Not only is the Material Spreader able to broadcast any kind of granular material, like fertilizer on a feed lot corn field, with even distribution, it also tilts down and away from the skid steer to scoop the chosen material prior to the spreading operation. For large volume projects, this is one of the attachments that could become a livestock farmer’s best friend.

Skid Steer Attachments Review: Plate Compactor vs. Trench Compactor

2011-07-18T13:00:00.000-04:00

Some skid steer attachments have different earth moving functions: there are attachments for digging, and there are attachments just for packing it back in. But which do you need?

After initial construction has been done on a residential or commercial property, there are always reasons for digging a ditch or trench: the property owner needs the burial of some sort of electrical or fiber-optic cable, or there may be a need to provide water drainage through a conduit. Maybe a water or gas line needs to be run into a home remodel. There are any number of other reasons.

But as with any work that creates a disturbance in the soil, the challenge seems to be that the earth will need to be compacted before being seeded, built or planted on to be sure the area will not collapse.

To compact the aerated soil with your skid steer loader, one of the two best skid steer attachments available is a tool called a trench compactor. These plate-mounted skid steer attachments are basically a heavy duty steel wheel attached to a strong steel plate, with thick steel feet all the way around its circumference. When the skid steer boom is lowered, the skid steer attachment’s wheel applies firm pressure to the surface of the soil, compacting it back to its original state. It can also be used to compact the inside of a trench, if that ever becomes necessary.

The other of these skid steer attachments is the vibratory plate compactor. The vibratory plate compactor is a special breed of skid steer attachments that can be used effectively in tight spaces. Roller-type compactors specialize in making short work of large areas, but when it comes to compacting the landscape close to a building or some other precious feature, the vibratory plate compactor is the only one that really, uh, comes close.

With either of these skid steer attachments, it is the fact that they are attached to a skid steer loader that makes them all the more valuable. Both of these skid steer attachments are fully compatible and plate-coupled directly to the boom of the machine, and the weight of the machine helps with the compaction as well.

Which of these skid steer attachments is best for the job depends on the job, of course. For larger areas where a precision “footprint” is needed, the rolling trench compactor makes the most sense. But for tight areas that need maximum flattening, the plate compactor brings down the hammer.

Skid Steer Tracks Accessories: Spacers, the Final Frontier

2011-06-27T13:00:00.000-04:00

Do your skid steer tracks fit right? The original skid steer loader had a set of wheels that allowed the machine to turn on a dime, so the little machine was an instant hit. That is, until people started driving the things willy-nilly into any and every kind of terrain. In really gooey mud, loose sand and some unpacked gravel, the skid steer spins those wheels, no matter how deep the tread.

It turns out that a skid steer with dedicated skid steer tracks will give more traction over a wide range of terrain, but the cost of maintenance for all of those moving parts can be up to four dollars per hour more than a wheeled machine.

That's why the best solution for getting the most traction for the least amount of money is to fit rubber skid steer tracks to a wheeled skid steer loader. Rubber skid steer tracks offer a truly enhanced tracking experience over the standard skid steer wheel-set. They still allow for the perfect pivoting that skid steer loaders are famous for, but in wet, grainy sand — everything but the steepest, slickest goo that the earth and the weather can dish out — rubber tracks are life-savers. They can also be used in all of the residential areas that steel skid steer tracks can not: they are harmless to sidewalks and drives, and perform even better than stock wheels on grassy areas as the weight of the machine is distributed over a larger contact area.

The only problem seems to occur when it comes time to fit skid steer tracks to the myriad sizes of skid steer machines available. The new rubber tracks may rub against the skid steer frame, or come into contact with the boom, stopping it from lowering correctly.

The correct wheel spacers are the answer and they are available to you. Some skid steer owners are lucky enough to have off-set wheels and gain the clearance they need by flipping each wheel around. Do that, and you will off-set your tires enough to allow you to run skid steer tracks without the need for spacers. However, machines with centerline wheels (wheels centered on their rims) don’t allow you to flip the wheels around and gain a few inches of additional clearances.

However, there must be sufficient space between the skid steer tracks and the skid steer frame, and the boom must not touch the tracks in its lowest position. It is crucial for most attachments to fully engage with the ground surface. Interesting how something small like wheel spacers can totally transform your skid steer loader.

Three Disaster Cleanup Attachments for Skid Steer Loaders

2011-06-20T13:00:00.000-04:00

Our skid steer loaders get taken into some pretty exciting building and landscaping projects where progress can be measured in feet and yards. We can actually see the progress happening. Those are the sunny days for skid steer loaders, the days they were built for.

But there are dark days as well when it is unfortunately necessary to coax ourselves and our skid steer loaders into disaster rescue and clean-up efforts.

When they go to help, though, skid steer loaders are ideal machines because of their ability to operate in tight spaces. And there are attachments for these skid steer loaders that can help communities clean up after tornadoes, storms, and floods.

Skid steer loaders' bucket attachments come in several different types and many widths. And while toothed buckets are best suited for digging, clean-up operations will require a smooth lipped bucket loader for sand, gravel, and smaller debris. A heavy-duty steel bucket is essential for moving more granular debris.

Even better than a bucket for disaster clean-up, perhaps, might be a dedicated grapple attachment for skid steer loaders. It is also a heavy duty steel bucket that will simply drag or carry and relocate bigger pieces of downed building material. A grapple bucket can be of real use when there are long pieces of siding, plywood, sheets of fiberboard or even metal to be moved. With a solid scoop on the bottom and a reticulated, tined, claw-like top, even the most wily debris can be handled easily.

When things like steel pipe, rebar, concrete slabs, metal poles and bar stock are just too big or long to be moved and must be broken up into manageable bits, the demolition shear is the tool to use.

The grapple jaw set attachment will grab and hold, load or drag just about anything it can bite into. With its 32-inch opening, it is ideal for the scrap yard, demolition and disaster clean-up. The shear jaw attachment is awesome as well. With 75 tons of bite force at the apex of the shear, and an opening of 12 inches, this set of jaws will tear through rebar and scrap steel. And the concrete pulverizer simply has super powers. It is designed to bite through concrete and rebar up to 14 inches thick, making short work of a tangled and messy situation.

While skid steer loaders might not be as big and brawny as their much-larger cousins, they still get a lot of work done, more easily, faster, and much less expensively than the dedicated equipment usually brought in.

A Scoop-and-Mix Concrete Mixer for Your Bobcat Skidsteer

2011-06-13T13:00:00.000-04:00

A Scoop-and-Mix Concrete Mixer for Your Bobcat Skidsteer

Your Bobcat skidsteer may have saved you from some pretty awful work, but you'll never know it. For example, if you’ve never tediously pulled together all of the ingredients and then manually mixed 20 small loads of cement, count your blessings. But if you have, then you know there’s got to be a better way! Lucky for you, there is.

The Scoop-N-Mix Skidsteer-Mounted Cement Mixer for the Bobcat skidsteer loader is an attachment that, like any worthwhile invention, just makes life easier. It’s true that most concrete companies make it easy for you to buy large quantities of concrete products from them. They sell more, you pay more — it makes sense. For them. But if you only need modest quantities of the stuff, and need to squeeze it deftly into tight spaces, the thing that will make the most business sense for you and your Bobcat is the Scoop-N-Mix Skidsteer-Mounted Cement Mixer attachment.

Just as the name implies, this Bobcat skidsteer attachment brings together the functionality of a skidsteer loader attachment and a cement mixer. And the Scoop-N-Mix connects to your Bobcat skidsteer the same way any attachment does. Once it is hooked up, it allows you to scoop up the sand and gravel mixture first (these represent the largest portion of the mixture) and then rotate the mixer into an upright position. From this point on, you and your Bobcat skidsteer are way ahead of the traditional process.

All you have to do at this point is add the correct number of bags of cement and the right amount of water and start the mixer. It even has a small, built-in bag splitter for the cement. Once everything is mixed properly, the mixture is ready for placement wherever the Bobcat skidsteer can take it (and, as you know, with the Bobcat skidsteer, the possibilities are endless). Discharge of the mixture is even simpler than the scooping and mixing processes. You may choose whether to use the attachment’s side lift gate and chute mechanism, or to simply pour the mix out of the top of the mixer as you would a Bobcat bucket loader attachment.

However you choose to deliver your load, you can feel confident knowing that it got there quicker than ever before, and with a lot less work.

How Do I Choose Between Different Skid Steer Tracks?

2011-06-03T15:59:00.003-04:00

Skid steer tracks help make your skid steer loader more grippy, turning a wheeled loader into a miniature go-anywhere armored personnel carrier.

Otherwise, despite its amazing capabilities and its phenomenal turning radius and drivability, the skid steer loader does have a few problems with wheel slippage in some conditions: most in super-thick mud, loose sand and loose gravel.

That’s why somebody along the way invented temporary skid steer tracks that can be applied over those wheels. They are referred to as OTT (over the tire) tracks, as they are not built on to the skid steer loaders. There are a few different kinds of OTT skid steer tracks, and each set has its high and low points.

Rubber and Urethane Tracks. Rubber or urethane skid steer tracks have a number of excellent qualities. They definitely improve traction, which is the obvious reason people buy them. They are not as aggressive as some, but these tracks also offer such a smooth ride, there is no need to remove them for inside work (like in a warehouse). And they are soft enough that they will not harm driveways or lawns.

Steel Tracks and Cleats. Steel skid steer tracks and cleats turn the skid steer loader into a dirt chewing monster. They will yank your skid steer out of anything. Thick mud and clay, sand, gravel — they always seem to find grip. That's also the only drawback to these reticulated steel bars wrapped around skid steer wheels. They can also cut into things like walkways, driveways, streets and lawns that homeowners prefer to keep intact.

Pricing skid steer tracks can sometimes be confusing. Outfits with higher prices will tell buyers that their quality is superior, but often inflated prices simply mean the fact that there are several people between the source and the end-user that are trying to get a piece of the profit.

We at Skid Steer Solutions.com think this kind of scalping is ridiculous. We were tired of seeing unreasonably high prices because everyone wanted to have their fingers in the customers pockets. So we starting having our own skid steer tracks molded and produced directly, to make prices more reasonable for our customers.

Four Bobcat Attachments You Need for Cleanup

2011-05-23T13:00:00.002-04:00

Bobcat attachments can be used for anything, including clean-up of a job site. At every construction site, there is debris of every kind - wood, steel, aluminum, asphalt, rock, concrete, paper and cardboard and trash. There are four Bobcat attachments that are virtually indispensable for skid steer clean-up operations: the sweep broom, the rotary broom, the scrap magnet, and the trash hopper attachment.

The sweep broom is one of those Bobcat attachments that makes you realize that it was invented not because it was a brilliant innovation, but that somebody was getting mighty sick of the push broom. The sweep broom Bobcat attachments are simply giant push brooms that are simple to attach and use. They create very little dust when being used, so they're ideal for indoor or enclosed jobs. The Polypropylene brush is easy to replace, but these Bobcat attachments are so tough, you won’t need to change the brushes very often.

Rotary brooms are Bobcat attachments that take sweeping to the next level. The giant spinning brush really digs into the surface, so these tools are excellent for residential roads and drive to make sure that current residents can get by with clean cars and tires intact. The rotary broom can be ordered with 100% poly bristles or a 50/50 mix of polypropylene and metal bristles. A truly useful feature is the floating hitch point which allows the rotary broom to remain in contact with the surface no matter what the contour.

Even if you’ve used one of these venerable broom Bobcat attachments, you may still worry that your building efforts have left behind sharp metal objects like screws, nails, brads, and fragmented metal that could be dangerous to passers-by and their vehicles. Or, you are committed to recycling as much scrap metal as possible from your site. Either way, there are Bobcat attachments for that!

The Bobcat scrap magnet is just like the ones you’ve seen at junkyards. Hanging from the boom on three chains, these Bobcat attachments are powerful hydraulically-operated electro-magnets that are as easy to operate as the Bobcat equipment itself. When activated, the magnet instantly pulls
attractive metals up off of the ground for deposit into a truck or scrap pile.

But if you are finished collecting all of the debris from your construction, landscaping, or agricultural project, and you need a convenient place to put it, the Trash Hopper is a handy solution. A sturdy, reinforced and coated steel receptacle, the hopper is one of those attachments that can go wherever the skid steer can go. If it just used for light stuff, the enclosure keeps things contained, and from blowing away. But it is strong enough to receive the gnarliest construction debris, and when the hopper has become full, use your Bobcat skid steer to take the load away from the site and dump it easily using the boom.

All of these attachments have specific roles. But they can work together to clean up, recycle, and even take good care of the “neighbors.” Those are the kind of Bobcat attachments that really make a difference!

Smooth Vibes: Get a Smooth Vibratory Roller for your Bobcat Skidsteer

2011-05-16T13:00:00.000-04:00

Here's something your Bobcat skidsteer needs: a vibratory roller.

Don't know what that is? If you’ve ever walked, run, driven a car, or biked along a paved path or road that hasn’t been compacted properly, you’ll know it. It has likely heaved and pitched and developed bumps on its surface over time until it’s almost unusable. In the case of asphalt or cement, the surface can develop dangerous cracks, high and low spots, as well as drop-offs that can be a real health and safety hazard.

So if you're working on road building and repair, even if it's for a farm or landscaping projects, it makes sense to invest in an attachment that will prepare the surface materials properly and keep you from coming back to fix a collapsed path or lot. The Smooth Vibratory Roller for the Bobcat skidsteer can make all the difference, whether on a construction site, a landscaping contract, or a private home.

There are padded vibratory rollers and a few others available on the market today that have special purposes, but the Smooth Vibratory Roller for the Bobcat skidsteer is extremely versatile, comes in several widths, and is highly effective on many different types of surface materials, including (but not limited to) sand, gravel of all sizes, many different types of soil, and of course, asphalt.

The Smooth Vibratory Roller comes in barrel widths of 48, 66, 73, and 84 inches. So if you have been contracted to condition a narrow paths or a large parking area, you’re covered. All of the various sizes include similar conveniences and features. The Roller for the Bobcat skidsteer includes an adjustable roller scraper for keeping the drum clean and running smoothly during Bobcat skidsteer operation. It also includes protected hydraulics, as well as a high-quality vibrating mechanism for years of faithful service.

Things that have historically been done by hand or have required a tractor are much easier with a Bobcat skidsteer. The Bobcat's boom allows precise manipulation of the pressure and angle of the Vibratory Roller, though this amazing attachment has an angle pivot that allows it to compact the soil on a cambered hill.

Using your Bobcat skidsteer and the Smooth Vibratory Roller, you don’t have to settle for badly behaved pavement. Unlike the other guys, you can do it right!

Sizing Your Skidsteer Tracks

2011-05-04T13:00:00.000-04:00

Are your skidsteer tracks ready? Spring has sprung. And so have the clouds! It is a good thing; the change of seasons is always a miracle. But miracle or not, you and your skidsteer need to know what it takes to get your work done without needlessly getting stuck and losing revenue. Skidsteer tracks are (at least) one of the solutions. But there are several different types. Which ones are the best for you and your skidsteer? And what about size?

There are essentially three types of skidsteer tracks available: steel, rubber, and urethane. Each has its pros and cons, and hopefully you will find among these the type that works best for the job that you have ahead of you this Spring. Each type mentioned here is an OTT, or over-the-tire track set. It can be installed and removed fairly easily, and you also retain the use of your tires when the job calls for them.

Steel skidsteer tracks offer the most grip. With individual bar links, steel tracks find their way deep into the wet and muddy soil, and work like a charm. But steel tracks, for the very same reasons, cause the most damage to terrain. So they might not be the best choice when negotiating residential lawns, and steel will also score, scratch, and many times even break the surface of driveways, sidewalks, and macadam. For more delicate surfaces, the rubber or urethane choices are better.

Sizing your skidsteer tracks is as important as the material from which they are made. If your tracks are the wrong size, you could waste a lot of time and money if they break, damage your skidsteer, or slip off the machine altogether.

To properly size your skidsteer tracks,

Check your frame-to-tire clearance. There should be a minimum of three inches of space to avoid contact with the frame of the skidsteer.

Check your frame-to-boom clearance. In order to make sure the skidsteer boom does not meet the skidsteer tracks in its lowest position, there should be a minimum of 2 and 1/4 inches of clear space.

Before installing your tracks, ensure that all of the tires on your skidsteer are of the same width and type, to avoid slippage and give you a safe driving environment.

Attachment clearance: it is also necessary to allow at least three inches of clearance between the front tires and the attachment you’ll be using.

Once your skidsteer tracks are tightened up, sag between the tires should be about 1 and 1/2 to 3 inches. And then you’re ready to experience some serious grip! Even when the heavens turn the earth to mush.

Skidsteer Loader Attachments: Stump Grinders

2011-04-25T13:00:00.000-04:00

Skidsteer loader operators and construction and landscaping crews are counted on by their clients to complete complicated jobs in a short amount of time. And demanding customers don’t often understand when work gets interrupted.

But even the best of the best run into snags as a regular part of the business. And the skidsteer loader operator is no exception. However, if the snag happens to be in the form of an unfortunately placed tree, the operator can deal with it quickly and decisively, rather than doing a lot of digging and pulling, or hiring a large backhoe to pull it. Once the tree is removed, the owner can use the EZ-Stumper attachment to pulverize a troublesome stump in no time.

It is a compact but powerful skidsteer loader attachment, and can be used on skidsteers with auxiliary flow hydraulics rated between 15 and 25 GPM at 3000 psi. Its 28 inch grinding wheel is a heavy duty piece of equipment, with 13 carbide-bladed teeth that can be resharpened or replaced with ease. The 650 lb. unit has a unique overload failsafe system that won’t allow it to be overloaded, with a bypass circuit that will protect the machine from damage.

With all of these formidable features, one would begin to think an advanced engineering degree were required to operate it correctly. But one would be mistaken, because the best thing about the EZ-Stumper Skidsteer Stump Grinder is its phenomenal ease-of-use.

By virtue of its compact design, the EZ-Stumper can be brought into the most delicate of stump-grinding procedures, put wherever your skidsteer loader can reach, even within six inches of a home, fence, or other structure. The grinding wheel is designed with a special feature that will not allow the cutting blade to be overloaded. And, the way it is attached to the boom of the skidsteer loader, the cutting wheel is applied straight down for maximum stump removal efficiency. The cutting surface is also carefully shrouded, making it a much safer piece of equipment to use than a traditional stump grinding unit.

The EZ-Stumper skidsteer loader attachment will make quick work of any stump that might threaten the progress of the construction or landscaping contractor, thus eliminating one more potential obstacle to a lucrative skidsteer loader career.

Four Mini Skid Steer Attachments You Need to Clear a Lot

2011-04-18T13:00:00.000-04:00

Mini skid steer attachments can really do quite a number when it comes to clearing land. There are really only a few skid steer attachments that you and your mini skid steer loader really can’t do without. There’s no need to bring in a giant bulldozer or some other piece of enormous equipment. With just a few mini skid steer attachments, you will be able to clear out trees and bushes, brush, rocks and other debris to make room for your building or landscaping design to come to life. All without getting in and driving anything.

The Tree Shear is designed to cut things down, the Mini Grapple is made to drag things away, the Stump Grinder is there to pulverize, and the Rock Bucket to haul it all out.

The Tree Shear is one of the more specialized mini skid steer attachments with a heavy duty cutting blade system that is able to hold a green tree up to ten inches in diameter in its toothed jaws and slice it off cleanly at the ground. But even more amazing is that this skid steer attachment then pivots to the appropriate angle and will cut your timber into lengths suitable to be carried out by another skid steer attachment: the Mini Grapple.

Grapples are skid steer attachments that loosely resemble traditional skid steer buckets but come in several configurations. you can get one with giant steel teeth only, like a huge set of jaws, or you can purchase a grapple with a solid bottom jaw. It just depends on what you’re attempting to haul.

In any case, once you’ve gotten your trees felled, sectioned, and hauled away, it's time to crank up the Stump Grinder. This beast features a bottom-mounted spinning blade fitted with replaceable carbide teeth. Varying the depth while sweeping across stumps simply makes them go away. All without excessive ground disturbance or danger.

Once the stumps are ground up, it will be necessary to remove stones, rocks and other debris, and the Rock Bucket is one of the best skid steer attachments for the job. The rock bucket is not solid; it is a narrow-grated bucket that hauls rocks and debris, but leaves the precious granular soil behind.

You and your skid steer attachments have cleared a sufficient path for progress.

Skid Steer Tracks: The Tracks of My Steers

2011-03-28T13:00:00.000-04:00

Skid steer tracks help make a skid steer loader versatile and easy to maneuver. Skid steer tracks let it travel where regular wheeled skid steer loaders cannot. Let's face it, tracked machines have superior performance in almost every situation. A tracked skid steer will almost never get stuck, even in the thickest, messiest mud. After all, more surface area means more grip, which means less spinning and getting stuck. Granted, the tracked skid loader has more moving parts and needs more maintenance, but when it comes to productivity, the tracked machine wins. Or does it?

The four-wheel configuration allows the skid loader to make the zero-radius turns that the skid steer is famous for. Getting into and out of tight spots is easy. Also, if there is damage to a skid steer tire or wheel, almost anyone who has had a flat in their car or truck instantly knows what to do. (Which is why someone came up with the flat-proof skid steer tire too.) Dedicated tracked machines might be too complicated for the average skid steer operator. And that could lead to costly professional repairs and maintenance, or worse, trying to figure it out yourself and making it worse.

Another huge reason tracked skid steer machines are not necessarily the best option is that the four-wheeled skid steer can also become a tracked skid steer! With the add-on skid steer tracks that are available nowadays, a skid steer with the traditional four-wheel setup can be given a new lease on, well, mud, snow, or sand.

With skid steer tracks, any skid steer is ready to do battle with the elements. And the process of installing skid steer tracks takes less than twenty minutes! If the weather changes, and a skid steer operator thinks that getting stuck in the deep mud might be a possibility, skid steer tracks are always an option, and in this case, the skid steer with four wheels is really two machines.

Options are the key to making the skid steer loader so versatile It's really all about having options. The tracked skid steer loader is appealing and flawless in its performance, for sure. It's an elite machine for tough work. But the wheeled skid steer with a set or two of optional skid steer tracks is just… better. (They're like Bac-O's that way.)

Material Spreaders for Skid Steer Loaders

2011-03-21T13:00:00.003-04:00

Skid steer loaders are known for being able to tackle any job, any time. Skid steer loaders have been called the Swiss Army knife of the construction trade, because it is just impossible to think of a job site where you would decide not to bring your skid steer loaders. One of the biggest, most compelling reasons skid steer loaders have such a reputation for going anywhere and doing anything is that there are hundreds of attachments available for it, whether it's for construction, landscaping, farming, ranching, or snow removal.

But for skid steer loaders, the only thing better than an attachment that does its job well is an attachment that does several jobs well. The material spreaders available from Skid Steer Solutions today are exactly that. Front-discharge spreaders and side-shooter spreaders do lots of jobs well, which is why they're on the front of lots of skid steer loaders.

For example, they are ideal for housing developments and other commercial landscaping applications where grass seed and fertilizer is needed throughout the year. These spreaders can be used for large spaces or small just by dumping in the seed and driving it over the area.

But the material spreaders aren't just used during the summer. Winter weather is still wreaking havoc on many parts of the country, and these material spreaders can broadcast more than just fertilizer and seed. They are perfect for spreading ice melt, sand and salt. Having skid steer loaders for snow removal jobs is one thing, but with the material spreader, you could offer an extra service and apply ice melt and a layer of sand or salt for safety. A complete job, a whole year covered, with one skid steer loader.

If you're considering a material spreader, it’s a good idea to take a look at both the front-discharge and the side-discharge units. They come in two widths, 60-inches, and 72-inches. The side-shooter is great if you need to spread seed or broadcast sand or salt (or some other material), but want to avoid driving on the treated surface with the skid steer loader. The larger of each material spreader holds just over a cubic yard of granulate, while the smaller unit’s capacity is just under. They are all made with high-quality steel, and have been engineered to withstand years and years of hard labor, just like the skid steer loaders they're attached to.

Three Concrete Attachments for Your Bobcat Skidsteer

2011-03-13T13:00:00.000-04:00

A Bobcat skidsteer is ideally suited for concrete work that's needed for fence building, deck building, driveway work, and any other place where you need ready-mixed concrete. That's great, because there are more than a few challenges when it comes to mixing and using concrete for a job.

If you want to save paying someone to bring concrete to your jobsite, it means it will takes a lot of manpower to mix, transport, and pour the right amount of concrete you will need. With a Bobcat skidsteer on the job, however, you begin to uncover some options that are bound to make your concrete job a whole lot easier.

The Bobcat skidsteer has three different options that are perfect for concrete work: the Scoop-N-Mix Concrete Mixer, the EZ-Mixer, and the Concrete Chuter attachments.

The Scoop-N-Mix Concrete Mixer is a Bobcat skidsteer attachment designed from the ground up to do three really important and otherwise time-consuming and back-breaking tasks. It is essentially a bucket-type scoop, so that it can pick up the materials needed to make the concrete. Once it has been tilted upright, it has a bag breaker on the outside for tearing into bags of cement. After the right amount of water has been added, the attachment stirs up a perfect batch of concrete that can be transported anywhere it is needed.

The EZ-Mixer is a cement mixer that has been ingeniously adapted from the original Bobcat skidsteer hole-digging auger attachment. It has a two inch hex drive that turns the auger blade inside the mixing bowl, after the attachment has been flipped up into position and the mixing bowl added.

The Concrete Chuter is one of the most useful attachments for the Bobcat Skidsteer that I have ever seen. One of the biggest problems in any concrete building operation is placement. And not every contractor has a budget that allows for the big concrete pumping truck. So the Concrete Chuter puts concrete placement into the capable boom of the Bobcat skidsteer operator.

Carrying a half-yard of mixed concrete, this heavy steel Bobcat skidsteer attachment can be maneuvered right to the dump area and deposited, without incurring ridiculous pumping bills or hiring an army of workers with wheelbarrows.

Any contractor who needs to work with concrete more than a few times a month can pay for a new concrete attachment in a couple years, just by saving money on delivered concrete and time wasted waiting around for the delivery driver.

Bobcat Equipment Review: Three Cheers for Tree Shears

2011-03-02T13:00:00.000-05:00

Bobcat equipment owners find themselves in a lot of different situations: digging holes, plowing snow, installing fences, and even cutting down trees.

The tree shearing professional knows what it takes to take down trees, and there are a few ways to do the job right without calling in the guy with a plaid shirt, a long beard, and a chain saw (no offense to these guys. I mean, they've got a CHAINSAW).

But rather than calling your friendly neighborhood lumberjack, try a set of tree shears instead.

Bobcat equipment tree shears come in a few different configurations, but each of these portable machines will clear the small trees from a plot of land quickly, efficiently, and safely.

The M&M Tree Shear with optional grapple is a state-of-the-art Bobcat equipment attachment that is just scary to look at. From the standing grapple at the top to the 36-, 48-, or 60-inch blades at the bottom, this attachment is intimidating. If I were a tree and saw this thing coming, I’d pick up my roots and run. All you have to do is imagine the cutting force that it takes for 3-inch thick steel scissors to snip off a tree at the base, and you'll see what I mean.

The Timberline Tree Shear is also a fearsome bit of Bobcat equipment that has gripping teeth to hold the tree still while the shear does its job. The Timberline Tree Shear, though has been specifically engineered to be of the most efficient piece of Bobcat equipment. It features a rotating feature that, once a tree has been cut down, allows the Bobcat operator to turn the shear 90 degrees and cut the timber into sections without ever leaving the cab.

The Bradco is a truly heavy duty Tree Shear with a single blade system. It is an elegantly simple machine that is built with a large shield for keeping the Bobcat equipment and the equipment operator as safe as possible as this thing tears through the forest. With its hardened steel construction and 3000 pounds of biting force, this is a high-quality Bobcat equipment attachment that you will be able to count on for many seasons. It boasts very good strength and quality of build, but is also simply built and relatively inexpensive, with few moving parts.

So, there’s no need to bring in the tree surgeon. With one of these three tree shears complementing your collection of Bobcat equipment, you’ll be able to take care of things on your own.

Skid Steer Loaders: They Can Plane the Land, But They Can't Land a Plane

2011-02-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Skid steer loaders are amazing. They can be used for just about any task. And just when you think you need to revert back to a tractor implement, or invest in a dedicated one-trick construction or landscaping machine, skid steer loaders will amaze you again with a set of attachments that can be used for a large number of valuable applications.

The Land Plane is one of these attachments. As with most attachments for skid steer loaders, it connects quickly and easily to your machine, and uses the boom in the lowest position to drag its formidable steel grate across the ground surface.

Land Planes also come with a set of scarifying teeth that drop down with the unit attached to the skid steer loader boom. When it's pulled in reverse, the teeth tear up the material you're re-surfacing.

Putting Land Planes on skid steer loaders are an excellent choice for re-dressing gravel drive or path, as well as cleaning and then preparing a field to receive grass seed. Because of its flat construction, Land Planes do not dig too deeply into the surface material and leave gouges; rather they pull just enough road material (when using the smooth-edged version) to fill pot holes and level the bumps. When processing a field, they create a nicely grooved surface that is just deep enough to accept grass seed (when using the serrated type).

At 78 inches wide, Land Planes work a very wide swath of land with each pass. As a result, after a couple of hours, you feel like you’ve gotten a lot of work done. Constructed of high quality steel, Land Planes are skid steer loaders' attachments that are sure to serve you well in the field and on the lane for many years to come.

Imagine being able to quickly and easily re-dress ares of your property that need to be freshened up by the presence of grass in the Spring, or prepping all the yards in an entire neighborhood development with skid steer loaders and Land Planes. Imagine helping out a neighbor with a weather- and drainage-worn driveway.

All of this and more can be accomplished with the Land Plane. It is a simple and elegant attachment for skid steer loaders that will take damaged soil and give it a fresh start.

Skid Steer Attachment Review: Norco Rock Crusher

2011-02-14T13:00:00.000-05:00

The latest skid steer attachment finding its way into the demolition and mining industries is the Norco rock crusher. If you have rocks, stones and construction debris such as bricks, blocks, and other material that needs pulverizing, consider the Norco Rock Crusher. This is a formidable skid steer attachment, created by a mining engineer with experience breaking up some very large rocks.

The rock crusher has a gaping 24-inch chute to accept large pieces of crushable material, but the unique thing about it is that this crusher does not use teeth to break up the material that it swallows. It simply makes use of a heavy duty drum system, and as such, cuts down drastically on the amount of moving parts it requires to operate.

Though the rock crusher’s chute is wide, it is limited, but not by much. This skid steer attachment can accept and pulverize material up to 23 by 6 inches, and it will reduce crushable material down to a maximum 2 inches in diameter. That makes recycling, reusing, or disposing of work yard debris a viable set of options. This new rock crusher is an elegant, efficient, and uncomplicated skid steer attachment that has proven extremely useful in the field.

The roller used to crush material once it is inside the skid steer attachment is 12 inches in diameter, and its jaws are made of a high-tensile 4130 Chrome-Molybdenum Steel alloy that is extremely strong. And although this heavy-duty skid steer attachment can crush with compression up to 60,000 PSI, it weighs in at only 850 pounds. That means that when it is attached to your skid steer loader, it's as mobile as it is virile.

As with almost all skid steer loader attachments, you can hook this animal to your skid steer and take the Norco crusher directly to the scene and start working. Other rock and debris demolishers are stand-alone, and material must be brought to them. The Norco is incredibly convenient.

It's light on power needs as well. The Norco skid steer attachment is so efficient at its job, the hydraulic lines used to operate it are not even required to be high-flow. The design works so efficiently, it reduces strain and wear on the skid steer's hydraulic system.

It's quite exciting to see the Norco rock crusher used on the boom of the trusty skid steer, as it acts like a traditional bucket to scoop up the rocks and debris that need to be pulverized. There is no need to load this skid steer attachment. Just treat it like a regular earth mover and let the skid steer loader do the work of loading itself up.

Skid Steer Tracks Keep You Off "Skid Row"

2011-01-31T13:00:00.000-05:00

Skid steer tracks make the skid steer loader the go-anywhere, do-anything, all-purpose landscaping and construction machine.

Otherwise it isn't.

It has been hailed as the supremely agile, all-terrain workhorse. But it isn’t.

Well, it is, but it isn’t. Not without being fitted with a set of Terra Traxx skid steer tracks.

The four-wheeled skid steer loader is unbelievably strong and dependable, turns on a dime, and with all of its available attachments, gives the operator the opportunity to offer a virtually unlimited menu of contracting services to potential customers. But the four-wheeled machine has some limitations.

When it is taken into wet, sloppy conditions, or when it is driven into mushy and soft terrain, those four wheels can begin to lose traction, especially when the skid steer is being used in a hilly area. The Terra Traxx are a great example of double-barred, add-on skid steer tracks. This type of skid steer track is incredibly easy to install (only takes one person about ten minutes per side), and the results are instant and undeniably positive, especially if the tires they are covering have been well worn.

With the skid steer tracks installed, the skid steer loader can now approach the sticky, gooey construction lot with confidence. A skid steer operator can save time by charging right up that soggy hill instead of going around. And in soft sand and pea-gravel, the skid steer tracks restore the machine’s agility and nimbleness, even when working with a cumbersome attachment.

Skid steer tracks like the Terra Traxx product are made super-tough. They are constructed of a high-strength manganese alloy, and come in a variety of sizes to accommodate a great number of skid steer loaders. The caveat is that with these skid steer tracks, there needs to be sufficient (at least three inches) clearance between the wheels and the skid steer’s frame to accommodate the tracks in tight turns, and there needs to be at least two inches of clearance between the wheels and the boom when it is fully lowered. If these conditions aren’t met, spacers are available for the wheels, and stops are available for the boom.

Even if there needs to be a bit of finagling to get skid steer tracks to fit onto a machine, it is well worth the time, effort, and money, to make the skid steer the absolute go-anywhere, do-anything machine.

Mini Skid Steer Loaders Take to the Turf

2011-01-24T16:00:00.001-05:00

Skid steer loaders have created something of a revolution. It really wasn’t too long ago that landscapers and construction crews could only use machinery that was made specifically for their type of job. Concrete work demanded a dedicated mixer. Earth moving meant bulldozers. Breaking up an old sidewalk brought out the stand-alone jackhammer.

Then skid steer loaders came along, and they changed the way things were done, even before their arsenal of attachments started multiplying in the pole barn. Out of nowhere came this scrappy little scamp, every bit as bullet-proof, and five times as nimble, as the old-school machines they would replace.

To add insult to insurrection, people started developing all kinds of ingenious attachments. In no time, skid steer loaders were indispensable on the landscaping and construction scene, as well as on the farm and the ranch.

The scene has welcomed another newcomer, and it could prove to make as big an impact as skid steer loaders. Even if it is kind of small.

Mini skid steer loaders are proving to be one of the most useful machines on work sites these days. It is agile and compact, inexpensive, and best of all, comes with its own array of mini skid steer loader attachments. It is essentially a tiny skid loader, but without a cab for the driver. The operator stands to the rear of the machine and operates the controls while looking up and over the compact unit and walking with it when it moves. Mini skid steer loaders uses wheels or tracks, just like the bigger original.

Since the larger skid steer loaders have been around quite a few years longer than the mini, the list of attachments is significantly longer. But there are quite a few for the little guy too. There are forks (32- and 42-inch widths), a mini tree shovel or tree fork, a rock bucket (42- and 48-inches) or the amazing Tilt-Tach.

Also available for mini skid steer loaders are 48-inch backhoe attachments, scarifiers, scrap grapples (36-or 42-inches), mini sod rollers, and four different sizes of brush grapples. There are two different sizes for the “4-in-1” bucket attachment, two roto-tillers, a rotating grapple, a stump grinder, and a tree shear to boot.

So you can see the mini skid steer loader has quite an attachment arsenal of its own. So, move over skid steer loader, move over dozer, there’s a brawny little brother on site, just waiting to creep into the tight spaces and get to work.

Bite Me: The Demolition Jaw Skid Steer Attachment

2011-01-17T16:00:00.001-05:00

When is a skid steer attachment like a fiddler crab? Okay, there's really no answer to that. But we thought about this after watching a show about fiddler crabs. They have that one giant claw. They mostly use it to protect themselves from predators, but scientists were surprised to learn they also like to make "vroom, vroom" noises and pretend they're skid steer loaders.

Alright, we made that up, to see if you were paying attention. But when you think about the fiddler crab and what it can do with that claw, you get the idea of the different skid steer attachment options available to skid steer loader owners.

There is a specialized skid steer attachment for almost any construction — or destruction — need. There are the Demolition Jaws, Shears, and Concrete Crusher, which can make short work of any demolition project you might need to handle. They make up part of the Skid Steer Solutions Demolition Tool attachments.

Most attachments either come with, or attach to, a connecting plate, which serves as a broad, sturdy, steel support for the skid steer attachment. It has become something of a universal system. Any Demolition Tool skid steer attachment, however, requires a special connector, called the Rotating Demolition Tool Base.

The Rotating Demolition Tool Base has a body of incredibly strong steel to begin with, fully harnessed wiring, and a quick-change slot to accept a variety of Demolition Tools attachments. But the differentiator is that this base allows the skid steer operator to rotate the tool 360º on its axis like a robotic arm, not 110º or even 180º. The skid steer attachment can be controlled from within the skid steer cab, just like other conventional attachments.

The Grapple attachment for the “VP” Base, as it's called, consists of a set of smooth steel claws that are ideal for handling barrels, clearing land of rocks and logs, concrete recycling, and of course, demolition.

The Concrete Pulverizer attachment makes quick work of busting up concrete, stone and block, with its 14.5-inch toothed jaw opening, and 120 tons of biting force. Ouch!

The Shear jaw attachment is the scrap metal yard dream machine. With its amazing torque and biting force, this skid steer attachment is the right tool for gnawing through tons of steel, aluminum and copper scrap metal without thinking twice.

The skid steer attachment has come a long way. From a basic attachment that could only go up and down, now to the attachments that can rotate a full 360 degrees, the skid steer loader is becoming more versatile all the time, thanks to the imagination and design capabilities of attachment manufacturers who are always thinking of something new for these machines to do.

Springtime Skid Steer Attachments

2011-01-03T19:01:00.000-05:00

Need skid steer attachments for the upcoming spring season? With warmer weather just a few months away, it's time for landscaping contractors and farm/ranch owners to start thinking about what skid steer attachments they're going to need to start their warm weather work. Here are a few springtime attachments to consider.

Heavy Duty Brush Cutter

One of the toughest, most rugged of the attachments, the heavy duty brush cutter is great for handling all the brush and overgrowth. The brush cutter is also great for taking down sizable saplings. It works by pushing the overgrowth or trees over, and then mulching them up. The brush deck from Skid Steer Solutions ships with a rotary disk instead of a blade, so it won't get hung up on stumps. It's one of the most useful skid steer attachments for landscape contractors.

Brush Rake

Of all the skid steer attachments, this one looks the most intimidating. The eTerra Series II 72" brush rake has tines made from 5/8" T1 plate steel. Think of it as a giant comb: it slides under even the most stubborn brush, and then pulls it out. Whether you're pushing, lifting, or pulling, the brush rake is useful for brush clearing, scrap cleanup, rock grubbing, and even tree removal.

Brush Grapples

The skid steer brush grapple is one of the best skid steer attachments for pulling out deep-rooted brush. It looks a lot like the brush rake, but with an upper jaw. While the brush rake has more of a combing action (comb and lift), the brush grapple can get the teeth under the roots, grab the brush, and rip it up. The brush grapple is actually built so the upper grapple is part of the upper boom. This makes it possible to tilt the unit forward and rake backward into the brush. This lets the operator work up to the side of a building or fence line and pull material into the grip. This makes it one of the most useful skid steer attachments in the spring skid steer attachments arsenal.

Whether you're clearing out a new field, or just taming the growth of an old lot, these attachments can help any skid steer loader manage the workload with speed and efficiency.

Low Flow Skid Steer Snow Blower

2011-01-03T16:00:00.000-05:00

A skid steer snow blower attachment for your winter skid steer snow removal work can make the difference between making money and making a mess. A skid steer snow professional can use the awesome skid steer loader to create a better, safer environment for customers and neighbors, but really needs to choose between the high- and the normal-flow tool. There are many sizes to choose from, so choose the best one for your snow removal job.

Some people say that the smaller skid steer snow blowing machine with a lower hydraulic flow-rate and a simpler set of options would be inadequate in the harshest winter conditions. But the normal-flow machines still have the potential to overcome even the heaviest weather and can still eject snow up to 45 feet in any direction you choose.

The smallest skid steer snow blower is 48 inches wide, and it operates at a flow rate of 8 to 13 gallons of hydraulic fluid per minute, and if you want to cut a wider path through the white stuff, consider that “normal-flow” skid steer snow blowers come in myriad sizes. You can buy one 48-, 60-, 72-, 78-, and 84 inches wide.

Snow plows are the standby tool of choice in wide-open spaces, but a snowblower will have more versatility when it comes to the smaller, tighter spaces. And because they throw the snow in the direction that you choose, snowblowers can operate with a bit more precision. If you’re thinking of clearing small walkways, or if you need to remove snow that has drifted close to a home or business, a snowblower attachment will get the job done. And it’s also the right toll for situations where you need to avoid obstacles and things that break.

The smaller snow blowers are less expensive and can be used on smaller skid steer loaders. Lower-flow, single motor models do a great job, and require a little more time than their bigger brothers. So choose a skid steer snow blower based on size and price that fit your skid steer, your work style, and your budget constraints. And consider just how much time you will be putting in to battling winter storms.

Plow It or Bucket? Skid Steer Snow Plow vs. Snow Buckets

2010-12-20T16:00:00.000-05:00

Skid steer snow plow or snow bucket? With winter, and the chilly white powder it produces, now upon us, the question for the skid steer operator is “How can I use my skid steer loader to earn money during the off-season?” The answer is that the winter months don't really need to be the “off-season.” The entrepreneurial skid steer loader owner will be out there finding a way to serve customers by clearing snow.

Business owners, homeowners, and neighborhood associations are out there just waiting for someone with a trusty skid steer loader to come with snow removal equipment. Before hitting the pavement to find jobs, it is a good idea to assess what might be the best tool for clearing. And for the purposes of this post, we need to look at the traditional skid steer snow plow versus the snow bucket.

Both the skid steer snow plow and the snow bucket are effective for snow removal, and both come in a variety of sizes. Both mount directly onto the skid steer, and both are constructed of sturdy steel. But each does have its unique features, and with those come unique advantages and disadvantages.

The skid steer snow plow is excellent for clearing all sorts of surfaces: from parking lots and other wide-open paved areas to driveways, sidewalks, and asphalt paths. The snow bucket is simply a different animal. It can push snow in a similar fashion to the skid steer snow plow. And it may even reduce the amount of “spoil,” or snow that is lost to the sides of a plow blade, thus cutting down on the time spent on the job.

But unfortunately the snow bucket is somewhat inefficient when it comes to negotiating obstacles. The bucket excels in handling lots of the white stuff at a time, but when just two or three inches need to be cleared, the flat bucket lip doesn’t compare to the skid steer snow plow blade scraping the surface clean.

So what should you choose? It depends on the job. If you need to clear and scrape and push snow off a surface, choose the skid steer snow plow. It will also be your best bet if you need to negotiate sidewalks and other tricky paths. But if you need to shovel up and haul big drifts and piles, the snow bucket is right for you.

Product Review: Skid Steer Snow Cleats

2010-11-29T16:00:00.000-05:00

Another skid steer snow season is upon us, and the end of the year usually makes us reflective about the history of the skid steer loader. When the skid loader was first conceived, owners began to think of new ways of using it, which has lead to all kinds of innovations.

One of the most dramatic changes involved the advent of tracks, when operators started to apply tank-like tracks to the four-wheeled standard machine. There were certain conditions and terrains in which the four wheels, in their normal configuration, would begin to slip and lose traction, especially if the tread had experienced significant wear. Not long after, a fully proprietary-tracked skid loader was developed.

The problem still remains that, even if a skid steer loader is decked out with tracks, there are certain conditions when the machine, dependent upon its weight and the tenacity of its task, will slide on the ground. Enter Terra-Bytes, the true skid steer snow cleats. These 18-inch-wide, high-strength steel mechanisms come in sets of 36, 48, and 54. Once applied to the tracks of the skid steer loader, embankments, hills, and inclines that were once impassable are not a problem. And icy, slick conditions that would once have kept the skid steer loader tracks from really biting in under load are not an object.

The Terra-Bytes skid steer snow cleats are clamped onto the tracks at even intervals. On the outer section are ice bolt-spikes that drastically improve grip in frozen winter conditions. And also on each cleat is a deeply-recessed center channel that not only provides traction in thick muddy terrain, but provides a softer, flexible ride over hard surfaces.

Skid steer snow cleats require that the tread on the skid steer loader’s tracks be equipped with an opposing tread pattern, so that the skid steer snow cleats have a way to grip onto the track. This means the skid steer snow cleats are easy to install and remove, simply by removing the side bolts and tightening the cleat onto the tread with an impact wrench.

The skid steer loader is constantly evolving. It was a great machine to begin with, but with each innovation, it just keeps getting better and better. Terra-Bytes skid steer snow cleats are a great example of how a great invention has been made even better.

The Till-less Skid Loader Attachment

2010-11-29T11:47:00.000-05:00

For a skid loader attachment, the only thing better than an attachment that works is using an attachment that works and doesn’t break down. There have been literally hundreds of amazing innovations in the skid steer loader attachment industry. Skid steer loader owners are about the most inventive of tradesmen, and are without a doubt at this very moment either using an existing attachment in a new way, or dreaming up a new, incredibly useful tool.

One such tool is the Till-Less skid loader attachment, an open-ended, rear-facing, toothed blade system that attaches to the skid steer loader boom via a heavy steel frame. The Till-Less skid loader attachment is only used when the vehicle is in reverse, and when lowered, the tool churns and loosens compacted soils down to a maximum depth of approximately 12 inches. It is truly an elegant and brilliant design, compact and strong, obviously avoiding some inherent stresses and the use of moving parts by being a rearward-facing tool.

The Till-Less skid loader attachment is perfect for addressing new soil management requirements in some areas of the U. S.. In regions where the maintenance of soil quality has come under scrutiny, the Till-Less skid loader attachment can be used to turn, break up and soften heavily compacted earth. Once the machine does its job, soils are are able to absorb water and nutrients more readily, and hopefully return to a state of health that will support an environmental system with a variety of plant life.

Where soil management is required, the Till-Less skid loader attachment is able to condition the soil perfectly, right to the prescribed depth for appropriate water absorption. And because it is a heavy-duty attachment, you can be sure that the Till-Less attachment will be able to withstand many successive seasons of tilling chores without a complaint. And as with all good skid steer loader attachments, this one is easy to mount and unmount when you have another job to do.

The Till-Less skid loader attachment is another excellent example of ingenuity coupled with versatility that leads to a more sustainable earth, and anyone who works with the soil — landscaper, farmer, or soil remediater — needs to consider this one to make their job much easier.

Five Crucial Fencing Skid Steer Attachments

2010-11-22T16:00:00.000-05:00

What skid steer attachments are necessary for setting or repairing fences this Spring? Most ranchers, farmers, and landscaping contractors spend more than a little amount of time setting and repairing fences, and need some attachments to make their jobs faster and easier. Here are five fencing skid steer attachments to consider when looking at fencing needs when warmer weather hits.

1. Augers

This is one of the most necessary skid steer attachments for any fencing jobs. It works like a giant drill bit. The auger spins as it drills straight down into the earth. As it turns, the screw-like surface brings the dirt to the surface. There are many different sizes and types available. These skid steer attachments can run anywhere from four inches across to 48 inches across. They're sturdy enough they can dig 1,000 fence post holes on a farm or ranch, or strong enough to bite through an asphalt driveway or concrete pad.

2. Concrete Breakers

For busting up big pads of concrete, these skid steer attachments are giant jackhammers with skid steer loaders doing all the work. Use these skid steer attachments instead of augers when you have to remove large pieces of concrete, rather than drilling through and leaving it otherwise intact. Concrete breakers use a boltless mounting system, and have a vibro-silencing feature to reduce vibration exposure to the operator and the skid steer loader.

3. Cement Mixers

The eTerra Mix-N-Place cement mixers are two-in-one skid steer attachments. You have both a concrete mixer and a placer in one. Mix the concrete in the Mix-N-Place, and then dump it into the auger hole you dug, or the form for concrete footers. This is great for when you don't need full truckloads of concrete from the ready-mix plant. The Mix-N-Place can hold six cubic feet, and is designed for the bearing to carry the load, rather than the hydraulic motor and seals.

4. EZ SPOT UR

The EZ SPOT-UR skid steer attachments were originally designed as a pole setter, but has transformed into a rotating base and series of attachments. For fencers, they're great for placing anything from small fence posts to 48 foot telephone poles. The EZ-SPOT-UR Heavy Duty Pole Claw can not only pick up a telephone pole, it can rotate the pole and place it in the hole. No other skid steer attachments can do all that. You either have to do it by hand, or use an attachment that can "sort of" get you there.

5. Post Drivers

There are some cases where driving fence posts are going to be much faster and easier than digging, lifting, and placing. These post drivers are based on the same technology as the concrete breakers, but have a specially-adapted mount and cup to protect the post. The chisel has been replaced with a cup that pounds the post without shattering or crushing it.

Anyone who wants to put up a fence will do well to incorporate any combination of these tools to save themselves time, improve turnaround time, and increase profits.

Your Skid Steer Cab Heater Can Keep You Warm This Winter

2010-11-11T16:00:00.000-05:00

A skid steer cab heater can make your work in the snow and icy conditions fun this winter. (okay, we didn't think so either). But as long as you’re warm and dry, it will be at least a comfortable winter. As soon as you get a blast of cold wind on you, it can chill you to the bone and stop you in your tracks. When operating a skid steer loader, there are a few things that can keep you doing your job in comfort. But none of them compares to the skid steer cab heater.

The Maradyne skid steer cab heater fits in every model of skid steer loader and uses your existing cooling system to make a cozy environment inside your cab. If you do the installation yourself, it could take up to five hours, and is not a job for beginners. But the result is well worth the effort. You won’t have to rely on your Carhartts to keep you warm this winter, you’ll have 12,500 BTUs of heat keeping you toasty while you plow, blow snow, clear brush, or whatever you do.

The skid steer cab heater weighs just about 20 pounds, and is a high efficiency seven inch cube, with a lifetime warranty on the coil. The skid steer cab heater installation package is sold with a five-way switch kit. If you need the hoses and fittings that connect to your cooling system, you can order a separate installation kit.

The skid steer loader is such an unusual machine in the current line-up of construction and landscape machinery. It is so versatile and useful and has hundreds of attachments that allow it to be used in almost any work scenario. And now, with the installation of an enclosed cab and the Maradyne skid steer cab heater, the skid steer loader comfortably crosses the seasonal barriers without blinking an eye.

You may have big plans to use your skid steer loader for many a tough job this year. But isn’t it nice to know that, in the winter, just because it gets cold, you don’t have to stop? So go ahead and plow! Blow the snow away! Keep on doing what you and your skid steer do best! Because even though it will be chilly outside, you'll be quite comfortable in a machine with a built-in skid steer cab heater.

How Now, Low Flow Snowblowers

2010-10-25T16:00:00.000-04:00

Snowblowers will make short work of your winter skid steer snow removal work, maybe more than any other snow attachment you can get. Your toughest decision will be figuring out which one is right for you. There are many sizes to choose from, so you will have to choose the best one for your snow removal job.

Snow plows offer a lot of tough snow-moving power in wide-open spaces, but snowblowers will have more versatility when it comes to smaller, tighter spaces. And because they throw the snow in the direction that you choose, snowblowers can operate with a bit more precision. If you anticipate clearing small walkways, or need to remove snow that has drifted close to a building, snowblowers can get the job done. A snowblower is also perfect for situations where you need to avoid obstacles and breakables, like cars and windows.

Some might be worried that a smaller machine, with a lower hydraulic flow-rate and fewer options would be completely out of luck in heavy conditions. But all of these normal-flow snowblowers have the potential to overcome even the heaviest weather, ejecting the snow up to 45 feet.

The smallest among them is a 48-inch wide unit, and it will cycle between 8 and 13 gallons of hydraulic fluid per minute to tackle a formidable amount of snow. To cut a wider path with each pass, consider that Skid Steer Solutions offers normal-flow snowblowers in every conceivable width. You can purchase widths of 48-, 60-, 72-, 78-, and 84 inches.

Even the 48 inch models are powerful enough to clear tall snow banks. The small sizes are less expensive and accommodate smaller skid steer loaders. Lower-flow, single motor models do a great job, and require a little more time than their bigger brothers, but at the prices offered by Skid Steer Solutions, they can’t be beat.

So choose your skid steer snowblowers based on a size and price that are appropriate to your skid steer, your work style, and your budget constraints. But balance that decision with the value of the time you will be putting in to battling winter storms.

Get Your Skid Steer Snow Blower Before Winter Comes

2010-10-17T16:00:00.000-04:00

Is your skid steer snow blower ready? You know Old Man Winter isn't going to be waiting around for you. When the winter months bring cold weather and snowfall, it can make for a beautiful scene. But when it’s time to dig out, there are a few reasonable options for clearing a path through all the white stuff. And, if you happen to operate a skid steer loader, one of the best options is to invest in a skid steer snow blower attachment from Skid Steer Solutions.

We offer a wide variety winter-tough, high-quality snow blowers, that come in different sizes and capacities for virtually every conceivable application. Each skid steer snow blower is all specifically designed to attach quickly and easily to any skid steer loader.

Ranging in width from 48 inches to twice that, it is easy to find a skid steer snow blower that suits your snow removal needs as well as your budget. The 48-inch model, which is ideal for tight paved areas near buildings and sidewalks, shares many features with its bigger siblings. They are all equipped with a two-stage hydraulic blower, capable of throwing the snow up to 45 feet in any direction, have adjustable skid shoes for protecting the skid steer snow blower as well a the ground underneath it, and each comes with a high volume shroud.

The larger sizes obviously equate to a wider path, but what might not be obvious are the greater capacities that each skid steer snow blower can handle, and the increased flow rates of some of the bigger models. There is also an option with some models of the skid steer snow blower to have a dual motor design.

All tolled, there are currently twenty different combinations on the Skid Steer Solutions website to choose from. The largest and most powerful would be appropriate for large areas like parking lots, loading docks and wide streets without a lot of obstacles to steer around. The high-flow blowers can move a lot of snow very quickly.

It’s important to know what kinds of areas you will be clearing with your skid steer snow blower, in order to make a wise choice. And it would help to have an understanding of the kind and frequency of snowfall that your region encounters. But with the high quality machines that weoffers, even if winter sneaks up with a surprise attack, you’ll be ready.

Get a Load of the Skid Steer Tire Studs

2010-09-27T16:00:00.000-04:00

Skid steer tire studs users may never know the slap-jingle sound of snow chains on a moving car or truck, especially as the vehicle finds patches of clear asphalt. When the weather gets cold, and snow and ice move into a region and stick to the earth for the winter months, otherwise dependable vehicles, like cars, trucks, tractors and skid steer loaders, start to lose their footing. But even construction and landscaping equipment, as gnarly as those machines can be, frequently find themselves in need of some enhanced grip.

Snow chains have been around for many decades. Chains come in myriad designs and configurations, and are designed to be wrapped tightly around each individual wheel. The chain links themselves do double-duty, holding the mechanism to each wheel, as well as providing external grip on the icy road surface.

But chains have limitations when it comes to more specialized equipment like skid steer loaders and forklifts. As tightly as they are designed to fit the wheels, the chains require clearance and tolerances that might just not be there with some machines. And if you operate a skid steer loader with permanent tracks, chains are not an option at all.

That’s where skid steer tire studs come into the picture. Screw-in steel studs, such as the eTerra Grip skid steer tire studs, are specially designed for heavy duty equipment use. These are not the screws that some people have fashioned on their own, nor are they ice racing skid steer tire studs one might find at slick winter racing events. Screws inevitably wear out, and can work their way deep into the tread and burst the tire. Racing-type skid steer tire studs are designed with much less carbide than is necessary to support a skid steer loader for a reasonable amount of operational hours, so they wear out sooner.

The eTerra Grip skid steer tire studs utilize a hexagonal head design that surrounds the carbide grip tip. That way, each stud can be installed and removed with the provided tool, even if the carbide (after as much as 600 hours of work) has worn out. As a result, a skid steer operator may find that eTerra Grip skid steer tire studs can be used for multiple seasons.

The eTerra Grip skid steer tire studs can be used with rubber skid steer tracks as well as traditional tires. Where chains only scratch the surface, eTerra Grip Studs from SkidSteerSolutions.com really dig in. Season after icy season.

Taking Out The Trash With a Skid Steer Loader

2010-09-20T16:00:00.000-04:00

Your skid steer loader is always in demand, even after a new home has been built. If you’ve ever moved into a newly built home, you know how exciting it can be. There’s more room, there aren’t any stains on the carpet, everything has that new appliance smell, the whole experience is awesome.

OK, not everything is perfect. There are always a few calls to the warranty department. But a faulty light switch or two is nothing compared to the condition of the topsoil on a new "lawn." Over the next year, wherever the property hasn’t been sodded, it will seem like the earth vomits up every rock, stick, Dr. Pepper can and styrofoam cup hiding just below the surface.

If you want a decent chance at having a decent lawn, or if you just want to salvage the good soil from your property, it’s time to consider a skid steer attachment like the Vibratory Soil Processor for your skid steer loader. This monstrous sifter will virtually eliminate rocks, sticks, trash and debris from your worksite and leave you with yards and yards of usable topsoil.

Which is getting quite expensive these days, by the way. At twenty to thirty dollars per cubic yard, it is well worth it to "take out the garbage" with your skid steer loader and the Vibratory Soil Processor attachment.

The Soil Processor is a formidable machine. It comes in two sizes, but both are basically large dirt receptacles that look like small dumpsters with screen doors. Debris-laden dirt is dumped into the top of the unit using a skid steer loader and a bucket attachment. It's equipped with a powerful Honda motor that makes it all shake.

What is produced, shaken free at a rate of up to 80 yards per hour, is nothing but the usable topsoil from each skid steer load. Screen sizes are variable, so the topsoil product can be coarse or fine. And the Soil Processor attachment can also be used for other materials, like sand and gravel.

The best feature, though, has got to be the portability of this thing. It is great, first of all, to have all of your soil conditioning done onsite, but whether you use pallet forks or a smooth-lipped bucket attachment on your skid steer loader, there are ample lifting points on the Soil Processor so that you can pick it up and take it anywhere you wish!

It’s time to take out the trash. Didn’t think there was a skid steer loader attachment for that, did you?

Skidsteer Solutions Tips on Winterizing Your Skidsteer Loader

2010-09-13T16:00:00.000-04:00

At Skidsteer Solutions, we get a lot of calls from skidsteer owners who want to know about winterizing their skidsteer loader. And as we start heading into fall, it's not too early to have a winterizing plan.

Depending on where you live, they won’t stay that way for long. Here at the Skidsteer Solutions offices in Bellingham, WA, we're lucky because our average lows for winter are around the mid-30s, so we don't have the same issues. But many of our Skidsteer Solutions customers are in climates that suffer brutal winters.

Five Winterizing Tips from Skidsteer Solutions

Winterizing your skidsteer loader focuses on a few, easy maintenance factors.

1. Tire pressures decrease with falling temperatures, so make sure your skidsteer tires have the right pressure. And a slow leak will turn into a fast leak in colder weather. So make sure nails and screws or bent rims are remedied. (Of course, Skidsteer Solutions' flatproof tires would have prevented those. I'm just sayin'.)

2. Winter weather will also require up to twice as much initial cranking power from a skidsteer battery on start-up. So a load test is in order for anything less than a brand-new battery. Unfortunately, Skidsteer Solutions doesn't sell batteries, so you'll have to contact a local battery shop or skidsteer dealer.

3. Just as with your car, all the fluids in your skidsteer loader need to be checked on before it gets cold outside. Your owner’s manual will give you the specs for your machine, but be prepared to use lighter-weight oil in the motor. Don't overlook your hydraulics either. Hydraulics take a beating throughout the year, and cold, dry weather can increase the likelihood of cracked seals, higher viscosity and leaks. And check your filters too. Most engine coolants double as anti-freeze fluid as well, so it is crucial that your skidsteer loader be topped up.

4. If your region is especially cold, you may need to consider mixing your normal #2 diesel fuel with a lighter version that resists gelling. At around 30º Fahrenheit, #2 diesel fuel begins to gel, so if you regular operate your skidsteer loader in the cold, a mix of 90% #2 and 10% arctic fuel could help. Check with your manufacturer to make sure you use the best fuel mixture. (Visit the Skidsteer Solutions website for their information.)

5. Your machine may be mechanically ready to go tackle the drifts, but don’t forget about your own safety and comfort when the temperatures get low. A quick check of your skidsteer loader’s heating, defrosting, and defogging equipment could save you from dangerously reduced visibility, and a miserably cold ride. Also, consider a cab heater from Skidsteer Solutions if yours isn't working properly.

Skid Steer Brush Cutters Clear Overgrown Properties

2010-08-30T16:00:00.000-04:00

Skid steer brush cutters are the workhorse of the landscaping industry. Think of a tank, if a tank had high speed blades instead of a gun. And chopped up bushes and small trees. And sat on the front of a skid steer loader.

Okay, maybe they're not like tanks, but these things are massive. Skid Steer Solutions' QA-60 skid steer brush cutters are made from T-1 high strength steel construction, which means it can stand up to the most overgrown fields you can dish out.

And it's frightening how powerfully these things cut. As a way to provide more momentum and power to the existing mower, the high flow QA-60 skid steer brush cutters ship with a rotary mowing disk, rather than a blade bar. This prevents the mower from getting hung up on stumps, but still provides it with the same raw cutting power.

QA-60 skid steer brush cutters come in models for both high flow and low flow hydraulics. We're always amazed by the fact that the QA-60 brush cutters couldn't even exist a few years ago, because the flow rates on skid steer loaders were too low. But now that modern skid loaders have 40 GPM and 4,000 PSI flow rates, the QA-60s can handle the increased flow and extra power.

The cutter width on the QA-60 skid steer brush cutters is 60" wide, so it can handle large-scale operations. It has a high-rise front intake bumper that will push small trees and bushes over so they can be cut down to size and mulched up. The QA-60 brush cutters weigh about 1,500 pounds though, so they're not for the faint of heart or faint of motor. Make sure your skid steer loader can handle the weight and power needed to run this brush cutter.

There is also a low flow version of the QA-60 skid steer brush cutters. They come with smaller motors, so they will work on low flow skid steers. It works almost the same as the high flow QA-60 skid steer brush cutters, but the material cuts are smaller. The low flow model ships with a blade bar, rather than a mowing disk, which means the mower reaches operating speed much faster, and it can mulch smaller material much better.

Understanding Skid Steer Tire Studs

2010-08-23T16:00:00.000-04:00

Skid steer tire studs are extremely useful for any contractors who use their skid steer loader in winter weather. That's why the eTerra skid steer tire studs are designed specifically for heavy equipment. Previously, people would use screws or ice racing studs as skid steer tire studs, but the results could only charitably be described as "mixed."

The eTerra skid steer tire studs, also called Grip Studs, use a screw-in design with a hex head that extends down past the carbide. This means when carbide begins to wear out, you can still remove the studs easily.

This solves the problem with using screws as tire studs. The screws aren't hard enough to last, and when the head wears off, they're stuck in the tire with no way to remove them. With no head on them, the screw works its way into the tire and pop it.

But the eTerra skid steer tire studs can last for several seasons, because of all the carbide they're made with. So even as the carbide begins to wear down, there is still a hex head remaining, which allows for easy removal at the end of the season. In fact, some Grip Studs have racked up 600 hours of use, and can still be removed and used again.

Ice racing studs have short carbide inserts that don't last as long as the eTerra skid steer tire studs. They cost just as much as the eTerra Grip Studs, but don't last nearly as long.

All you need to install the eTerra skid steer tire studs is a powered screw driver, or a cordless drill set to the slow setting, and the supplied installation tool. Removing the studs is just as easy as putting them in. And they're completely reusable, so make sure you keep them somewhere you can find them again for next winter.

A stud should have 3 mm of the stud above the tire surface for optimal traction, and the installation tool can be adjusted to provide the 3 mm projection, so be sure to measure your tread depth correctly. You should also make sure you count the number of contact patches on your tire and plan out the number of studs and where you're going to place them.

The standard length of the eTerra skid steer tire studs is 30 mm (1.18 inches), which gives you 1 inch of tread penetration. So you need to make sure you have enough tread to accept tire studs this long.

A Skid Steer Heater Can Make Winter Work Bearable

2010-08-16T16:00:00.000-04:00

A skid steer heater is necessary for anyone who drives a skid steer loader during the cold winter months. While we're used to the regular uniform of the contractor — thermal underwear, pants, Carhartt coveralls — to keep us warm, that doesn't mean you have to sit in a cold cab. A skid steer heater can keep you toasty warm, while your coworkers are wondering why you're always so eager to drive the skid steer.

The Maradyne cab skid steer heater sold by Skid Steer Solutions uses the existing cooling system to draw heat. It doesn't need its own coils or heat source, just the normal use of your engine. The kit includes the heater and shut-off kit, but does not include the hoses or hardware kit to install the skid steer heater. It does include the clamps, shut-off valve, return coupling, and reducers, however.

The Maradyne cab heater has a 12,500 BTU output, a multi-speed fan control, and a 5-blade aluminum fan blade. It's more than enough to handle the heat load for the cab of a skid steer loader.

You will need to have some mechanical expertise to install your heater, however; it will take you approximately five hours to install it. You'll need an open space on the floor to place the heater, and will also need to have the tools to tap into the cooling system. If you don't have the expertise yourself, check with your local skid steer dealer to see if they have the ability to install your skid steer heater.

We have been asked if there is an easier way to install a heater in your cab. We were actually going to sell the electric version of the skid steer heater, but it has one-tenth of the output, and we haven't heard good things about the ability to keep up in cold weather. So rather than sell an inferior product, we think it's better to give you a skid steer heater that actually works.

How Skidsteer Solutions Created the Post-Driver

2010-07-26T16:00:00.000-04:00

Skidsteer Solutions' gas charged post-driver was actually inspired by one of our customers several years ago.

The jackhammer, or concrete breaker, is probably the most unwieldy, bone-rattling tasmanian devil of a tool ever devised. Nobody likes using it, which is probably why it was finally made into an attachment for the skid steer loader. The next time you see a construction crew breaking up a road, it's usually a rookie who's struggling with the jackhammer.

A concrete breaker is basically a pointed steel shaft that is rapidly struck downward by a powerful internal gas charged piston. The pointed tip is driven into the hardest substances, like stone and concrete, breaking them into pieces that can be cleared away. Although Skidsteer Solutions offers other concrete breakers, this is one tool that sees a lot of use by skid steer loader users.

After prolonged use, the pointed tip of the concrete breaker attachment gets dull. These tips are replaceable because the steel they are made from, no matter how strong, eventually succumbs to the constant beating and becomes too rounded over to grab into the hard stuff. This happened to a Skidsteer Solutions customer a few years ago, and instead of throwing out the old tip, he looked at it and got an idea.

The driver mechanism of the concrete breaker still worked fine. And the tip wasn’t bent or cracked, it was just too dull. So, removing the steel shaft, he machined the worn tip into a kind of cup shape. Then, he reinstalled the tip and reconnected the whole attachment to his trusty skid steer loader. Raising the boom up high, he now had what he describes as one of the most powerful and efficient post drivers he’s ever used.

He showed it to us here at Skidsteer Solutions, and with a few modifications, we turned his idea into an incredibly efficient new tool that we're proud to offer on the Skidsteer Solutions website.

Skidsteer Solutions' post driver attachment is now available for anyone with a skid steer loader and a lot of posts to install. The post driver has been a favorite of Skidsteer Solutions' fence building customers as a result.

Skid Steer Attachment Review: The Skid Steer Backhoe

2010-07-19T16:00:00.000-04:00

The skid steer backhoe is everywhere. It is hard to visit any construction site or any major landscaping operation without seeing a skid steer backhoe. It's an incredibly useful tool, it gives the operator the unique ability to dig in a focused and defined area with precision. There are many digging tools out there, but the narrow bucket is perfect for ditches, trenches and culverts of all kinds.

There is virtually no need to purchase a full-sized backhoe, if you happen to own a skid steer loader. That is because the skid steer backhoe attachments can handle 95% of your typical backhoe workload. Like most other skid steer loader attachments, the skid steer backhoe connects directly to the boom. It is basically an extension arm with a rear-facing bucket, manipulated by controls inside the cab.

There are essentially two kinds of skid steer backhoe attachment available: small and large. They are definitely not the same, and while a skid steer loader owner might be tempted to invest $8,000 - $14,000 for the larger version, when the two are compared, the smaller comes out the winner.

Here’s why:

First, the smaller skid steer backhoe attachment is much less expensive. It is a quality attachment that is able to do 95% of the jobs that a full backhoe can do at roughly one-fifth the price. It is an economical choice for general contractors, landscapers, farmers as well as homeowners.

Secondly, the larger of the skid steer backhoe attachments, though equipped with a bit more functionality, has some inherent draw-backs. As stated, it is pricey, but two other issues are worth mentioning:

To operate the attachment, the skid steer loader operator must be outside of the machine’s cab, and thus outside of the protection of the skid steer loader’s roll-cage. There is no rollover protection whatsoever for the operator while controlling the boom, arm and bucket.

Second, because of the way it is constructed, the large backhoe attachment requires that the skid steer loader itself remain stationary when digging and dumping loads. The operator does not have the option to transport material that is removed to another location. Moving the material is limited to the reach of the extension arm.

While both attachments are killer apps for the skid steer loader, and highly useful tools, the smaller skid steer backhoe attachment is the better bet; with the operator safely tucked into the protective roll-cage, ditches, trenches and culverts can be dug anywhere, loads can be taken anywhere the machine can go, and for a lot less money.

Benefits of Flat Proof Skid Steer Tires

2010-07-12T16:00:00.000-04:00

Regular skid steer tires may not be all their cracked up to be, when you spend a lot of time waiting for repairs or replacements because of flats. But eTerra flat proof skid steer tires eliminate your downtime for one simple reason: they never go flat.

These skid steer tires were created to be an improvement over other flat proof skid steer tires on the market. They were improved by adding rubber to the base of the tread, and spacing out the holes wider so the tread would be better supported. This helps reduce cracking between the holes, and between the holes and the tread.

The base on these tires has also been extended under the tread, which means less weight per square inch is being absorbed by the tread. This means you won't tear the edge of lugging off your tires when you're running them on skid steer tire tracks.

These flat proof skid steer tires have been used with all sorts of tire track systems, but often had problems with side-to-side slippage. The eTerra skid steer tires have had the side wall thickness increased so that the track only had a small amount of side-to-side slippage. This protects the side of the tread from being torn off by the track.

The eTerra wheels are also similar in size to standard pneumatic skid steer wheels. This means the skid steer tires have added cushioning, which meeds a smoother ride, much like an air tire. But by using a flat proof skid steer tire, you don't have to worry about downtime because of flats, sidewall cuts, or deflation. No more lost wages because of downtime either.

The eTerra honeycomb design is also lighter than foam-filled skid steer tires, which means you use less horsepower, which means greater fuel savings. Plus, they also have a higher load capacity than regular pneumatic tires.

eTerra flat proof skid steer tires are a great way for skid steer loader users to carry heavy loads, avoid flats, and reduce downtime.

What Can a DUMPZIT Skid Steer Attachment Do For Me?

2010-06-28T16:00:00.000-04:00

Imagine a skid steer attachment that can take a two cubic-yard load of concrete right onto your construction surface without needing a pumping company. Imagine driving your skid steer along a mulch bed, and side-loading mulch into the bed instead of hiring ten guys with wheelbarrows. Imagine side-dumping silage two yards at a time into the long feed bins for livestock without ever getting out of your skid steer loader.

The DUMPZIT is an amazing skid steer loader attachment that can do all of this and much more. It is essentially a (you guessed it) two cubic yard capacity, extremely durable, material-transporting-and-dumping deck. The precision conical delivery system can dump your load off to the side, which means the DUMPZIT attachment can do a static dump like any truck, or it can be delivering its payload while the skid steer loader is moving along its path.

That all allows for quite a precision operation, with the potential for saving many hours of labor. It's also a lawn saver, because you can drive on lawns with the right kind of tracks without leaving any marks. You can't do that with a dump truck.

The DUMPZIT attachment can easily be used with many different sizes of gravel, multiple aggregates, sand, topsoil, masonry mortar, and even has special liners available for hazardous materials. The DUMPZIT is perfect for safely transporting all kinds of demolition and construction debris, as well. And speaking of safety, the DUMPZIT skid loader attachment has an available wireless remote control system for controlling your work without proximity hazards.

So with all of these options available, the rest is left up to your imagination. Imagine how easy it would be to add sand, bark, or rubber mulch to a playground installation. Or how quickly you could backfill a retaining wall with soil, or fill a drainage area with a continuous flow of material as you drive the skid steer loader along the ditch. Imagine using your skid steer loader to pour two cubic yards of concrete exactly where you need it, without a wheel barrow, or the cost of a pumping service.

The DUMPZIT is an attachment worth its weight in every cubic yard of material you clean up, carry, and dump with it.

Tilt Tach Two Skid Steer Loader Attachments

2010-06-21T16:00:00.000-04:00

Not all skid steer loader attachments are created equal. Take our Power Tilt Tach skid loader attachment. The Power Tilt Tach is a rotatable plate that allows the skid loader operator to pivot a bucket, grader, or other attachment 15 degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise. This gives added flexibility and movement to the attachment, by allowing it to cut into or grade dirt at odd angles.

More often than not, other Tilt Tach tools will succumb to one or both of its worst enemies, dirt and stress, which is rather ironic when you think about it: a skid loader is made to be used to lift heavy loads in the dirt and grime. What part of a skid steer loader is not subjected to dirt and stress? If you're going to subject your skid loaders to these kinds of conditions, you need to make sure your attachments can handle it well.

That's why a Skid Steer Solutions Tilt Tach is built to be more rugged than any other tilting attachment plate on the market. It is a durable unit to be sure, but their Tilt Tach also has some innovations built into its design that give it extra longevity.

First, the top of the unit is completely sealed. Other tilting attachments on the market are open on top and allow spillage from the bucket to fall right into the mechanism, causing it to jam. The top of the Tilt Tach tool is completely sealed, so that will never happen.

After using any Tilt Tach with a skid loader for a given amount of time, the sliders will begin to wear, even if they are made of thick steel. But Skid Steer Solutions’ idea was to give their Tilt Tach a set of adjustable shims. So even after the unit loosens up with regular wear, the shims can be slid into place to provide as tight a fit as when the Tilt Tach was new.

So while all skid steer loader attachments are not created equal, Skid Steer Solutions have tried to build a Tilt Tach skid steer attachment that stands far above the rest.

Four Skid Steer Attachments You Need to Install a Driveway or Horse Path

2010-06-14T16:00:00.000-04:00

Skid steer attachments can help you make fast work of building a driveway or horse path. With a single machine and four different skid steer attachments, you can create a nice new driveway for your home: all you need is a tooth bucket, smooth-edge bucket, box grader, and the Tilt Tach. With a skid steer loader and its skid steer attachments, you save yourself the cost and hassle of using 2 – 4 different machines to accomplish the same job.

To begin the process on undisturbed turf, a tooth bucket is your first choice of the many skid steer attachments available. The large teeth along its front edge are designed to bite through sod and topsoil, and the bucket is tough enough to move large rocks and get you to the grade you need on level ground.

But in many cases, the route chosen for a driveway or path is perpendicular to the slope of a hill, and the path needs to be carved into the hill and leveled. This is where the Tilt Tach is one of your indispensable skid steer attachments.

The Tilt Tach is a rotatable plate that allows the operator to pivot a bucket or other skid steer attachments side-to-side with respect to the machine. In other words, the skid steer loader wheels can be at the same angle as the hill, but the bucket can be rotated to cut into the grade and make your driveway or path perfectly level.

Once the road is cut and level and the liner is applied, attach the smooth-edge bucket to your skid steer loader. This versatile attachment is used to carry and spread an even layer of rough gravel for the road bed. The smooth-edged bucket is then used to transport and level the finish gravel layer.

But final grading, spreading and smoothing are the specialties of the box grader. With its forward- and rear-facing four-blade configuration, the box grader attachment is simultaneously cutting and spreading for an ideal grade. Also, the box that holds those blades is designed to be in constant contact with the ground, keeping the skid steer loader from bouncing or pitching during the process, and scarring the surface.

When installing a driveway, horse-path, or walking path, the tooth bucket, smooth-edge bucket, box grader, and the ingenious Tilt Tach are the perfect skid steer attachments to get the job done right.

Consider a Sickle Bar Mower and Case Skid Steer for Handling Tall Grass

2010-06-01T16:00:00.000-04:00

A Case skid steer loader and a sickle bar may be all you need to handle tall grass, young saplings, and even overhead trees along highways or in ditches. Skid Steer Solutions offers a sickle bar mower that you can attach to any skid steer loader, whether it's a Case skid steer or some other model, and take care of overgrowth problems you've spent hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars trying to fight.

Many of our highway department and municipal government customers are concerned about tackling high overgrown grass along roadsides and highways, especially when new trees are also growing. They can't use a regular rotary deck mower on their Case skid steer, because there is too much risk of throwing rocks out of the side chutes. You can stick a sickle bar mower attachment on the front of a tractor, but how many highway departments own one of those? And a dedicated sickle bar mowing machine is an unnecessary expense when budgets are being cut. But a Case skid steer and a series of mowing attachments can provide extra value for your department, while reducing budget expenditures.

A sickle bar mower attachment on a Case skid steer acts just like a sickle. It slices through the grass and saplings, and they drop as the machine moves forward. Because of the side-to-side sickle action, nothing gets thrown at cars or people, which makes it safe to use alongside a highway or road, as well as useful for cutting prairie grasses in an open field.

The sickle bar mower can handle up to 2" saplings, which can often sprout up in an overly grassy area. These can be especially troublesome if you haven't mowed the area for several months, and the grass towers as high as your Case skid steer. But rather than breaking the sickle bar on an unexpected, unseen tree or rock, our sickle bar mower attachment has a break-away bar that keeps you from damaging the unit if you catch it on a rock, fence post, or larger sapling.

But this attachment is not just limited to cutting on the ground. When you attach it to a Case skid steer, you can trim low-hanging tree branches that have been scratching the roof of your car, or along a horse trail. With a 7 foot length of the sickle, plus the reach of the Case skid steer, you can get up to a 17 foot reach.

Skid Steer Loader Attachments Review: Heavy Duty Rotary Mowers

2010-05-24T16:00:00.000-04:00

A John Deere skid steer doesn't look like the rest of the stuff John Deere sells. That's because a John Deere skid steer is yellow, not green. But it still carries the John Deere name and the same John Deere quality. That's why a lot of our heavy duty rotary mower attachment customers love their John Deeres.

The heavy duty mowing deck makes fast work of some of the toughest terrain. Think of it as a chainsaw that trims underbrush too. That's because the heavy duty mower can cut down an 8" – 10" sapling in the blink of an eye.

The heavy duty rotary attachment on your John Deere skid steer might not do the prettiest work. It doesn't mulch, chop, or bag, it just cuts things down. A lot of our customers are governments and municipalities that need to clear undergrowth and grass under power lines. They just want something that makes fast work of the scraggly underbrush.

If you put one of these attachments on your John Deere skid steer, you can get the job done so much faster than a dedicated mower and a chainsaw ever could. That's because these heavy duty attachments are designed specifically to cut down trees and stumps. You'll be hard-pressed to find a dedicated mower built do do that.

Of course, these attachments are not intended for regular mowing, like along the highway, in residential areas, or anywhere people or animals are around. The heavy duty rotary mower doesn't have a front cover, which is why they're able to tackle large saplings, rocks, and other debris. There are other mower decks, like a flail mower, which you can stick on your John Deere skid steer and drive along the highway, or cut the fields at your local school.

The heavy duty rotary mower attachment is a great tool if you need to clear a large piece of land quickly and efficiently. Stick one on your John Deere skid steer, and use it to cut down trees, heavy brush, and other growth. Then use one of our other skid steer attachments for your John Deere skid steer, like a brush rake, to pile up the debris and burn it all.

Unique uses for the EZ Spot-UR Skid Steer Loader Attachments

2010-05-17T16:00:00.000-04:00

The EZ Spot-UR skid steer loader attachment is one that I have been pretty impressed by, because it can do so many things our customers need.

The EZ Spot-UR skid steer loader attachment was originally designed as a pole setter. It can place small fence posts, as well as 48 foot telephone poles. It has a universal rotating plate, which can not only pick up a telephone pole from the ground or the bed of a truck, it can rotate the pole so it is vertical, and place it in the hole. No other skid steer loader attachment can do all that. You either have to do it by hand, or use a skid steer loader attachment that can "sort of" get you there.

This little skid steer loader attachment made a believer out of South Dakota contractor Ken Griffith, who placed 800 poles in 20 days with only 8 contractors. Compare that to the local electrical co-op that used a crew of 100 men and replaced only 500 poles in the same amount of time.

In other words, the small contractor was able to place an average 40 poles per day, 5 poles per man each day. The electrical co-op placed an average 25 poles per day, .25 poles per man each day. Clearly, the EZ Spot-UR skid steer loader attachment can improve your profit margins as well. But the averages do not tell all the story.

“The best they got done was 12 poles in a day,” Griffith said. “Our best was 51 in a day. We never had one problem during the entire job. The (EZ Spot UR) pole setters are bullet proof.” Officials from the power cooperative eventually pulled six of their crews off the job, realizing that Griffith’s approach was much faster and cost effective.

Griffith said he bought five more EZ-Spot-URs and resold them to the local power cooperative and another utility company. “With the skid steers and EZ-Spot-UR’s attachments, we made believers out of a lot of people,” Griffith said.

The EZ Spot-UR skid steer loader attachment is not just for pole setting either. Because it has the universal rotating plate, other attachments can be used and rotated as well. Contractors can put a fork on the skid steer loader and easily get under dumpsters to unload them. They just get under the dumpster with the fork, lift it up and rotate to dump the contents out.

Brush attachments and grapple skid steer loader attachments can also use the universal rotating plate so they can rotate for whatever job is needed. The rock handler has been a godsend to landscapers. They can pick up the rocks and move them whichever way they need to fit nicely into the rock wall they are building.

Landscapers also love the pot handler for trees with large root pots on them. The pot handler has a release valve which lowers the grip pressure down to 250 psi which ensures a gentle clamp on the root ball.

The barrel handler makes easy work out of lifting huge barrels in and out of pick ups and trailers. Because the EZ Spot-UR rotates 300 degrees, you can pick up both liquids and solids with your skid steer loader. The barrel handle can pick up 30 gallon drums and will not scrape or damage either metal or plastic drums. Plastic barrels will not slip either because of the lift support.

And it is so easy to switch out attachments with the universal rotating plate. Just pull the pin, drop the implement, put a new one on, and you are on your way. You can go from pole setting to landscaping, waste hauling and removal to just about anything you can think of with a single skid steer loader.

It is amazing how many different uses there are for the EZ Spot-UR and your skid steer loader. Contractors can do it all with this little baby. This powerful tool is a must-have in the trades, regardless of which one you are in. The practical uses of the EZ-Spot-UR skid steer loader attachment are only limited to the imagination of the person using them.

Differences Between Wheeled Skid Loader Tracks

2010-04-19T16:00:00.001-04:00

Skid Loader Over The Tire Tracks come in three different styles for use on a Bobcat skid steer loader. The different tracks are used with tired, or wheeled, machines as opposed to the compact track loaders which have no wheels. The track is placed over the wheel to give the skid steer loader better traction and floatation capabilities. Which one you choose to use is dependent on the kind of terrain you are working and riding on.

Rubber Skid Loader Tracks

If you were going to do work on a yard or driveway but you didn't want to tear either of them up and ruin them with track marks, you would use the rubber skid loader tracks. The rubber tracks are mainly used for landscaping. These are the least aggressive tracks, but they give a good amount of traction on wet terrain. The skid loader tracks are made of rubber or urethane so they won't damage newly-laid sod, won't scratch up brick pathways, and won't scuff up the driveway. Landscapers love these tracks because they are not aggressive, but still provide good traction. These rubber skid loader tracks are able to turn the machine without causing any damage. Turning a skid steer loader can generate a lot of wear and tear on a lawn or driveway, so the rubber tracks are best used in smaller areas where the landscaping can't be damaged.

Moderately Aggressive Steel Skid Loader Tracks

Then there are the steel skid loader tracks. There are two different sets of steel skid loader tracks. First is the moderately aggressive track with high flotation, and less aggressive cleats. These steel tracks enable you to go across somebody's yard without tearing it up too much.

Now, if you turn or try to spin it will tear up the yard but if you just drive across the lawn it won't cause any damage. However, if you are in really steep conditions like a ravine or really muddy conditions you won't have as much traction to get in and out of that area. These tracks are used in areas where there is more acreage, where maneuvering isn't as challenging because there is more space to work in.

Very Aggressive Steel Skid Loader Tracks

Beyond the moderately aggressive track is the 2 bar style track which is very aggressive. These skid loader tracks will chew up a yard instantly and will absolutely destroy a driveway. However, you can go up and down steep, muddy areas and you won't get stuck. These tracks are perfect for working on hills during all kinds of weather conditions. If you want to clear brush away to create a snowmobile path, these skid loader tracks are the ones that can help get the job done.

The machine can easily maneuver up and down the hills of the path and you don't have to worry about getting stuck. These skid loader tracks can rip up anything that might be in the way. When you need to clear brush or logs from land these tracks can handle everything the earth dishes out. You won't get stuck using these tracks.

Regardless of the kind of work you have to do, be it delivering edging stone or removing a stump so you can landscape, there is a skid loader track for your job. If you don't know what kind of track you need we can help you figure that out. Our professional staff know exactly what kind of track to use in any kind of conditions and terrain. You have more important things to worry about, Let us help you determine the kind of skid loader tracks that will work for your job.

What is the Economy Doing to Sales of Skid Steer Attachments?

2010-04-19T16:00:00.000-04:00

Sales of skid steer attachments have not been good for a lot of companies, due mainly to the economy. As people have quit building houses, cut back on landscaping, and put their new projects on hold for a while. This has put skid steer attachments sales on hold too. The last few years have been slower for us as well, but this past winter, everything kicked into gear for us. We took a gamble and brought in a lot of skid steer attachments and accessories for snow removal.

We brought in snow blowers, snow plows, and pushers. We brought in snow studs, snow chains and everything we thought we might need for snow emergencies. Our customers had a rough, snowy winter this year, and it paid off. We sold everything out and could have sold 20% more if we had the skid steer attachments on hand. This gave us a really good jump-start coming into the Spring.

It seems as if people are beginning to loosen their belts a little bit. There has been a lot more oil exploration going on, we have sold many post drivers and other skid steer attachments for that purpose.

Backhoes are selling again as well as augers. The fact that the post drivers are selling is a really good sign that the economy is on an upswing. Post drivers are expensive attachments and we are the only ones who a gas charged version of a skid steer post driver. We are selling a lot of them so that tells us people are willing to take a risk again and buy these larger attachments that they might have put off until they felt more secure about the economy.

The work is available, and so are the skid steer attachments

The work is out there. Years ago there were a lot of guys doing the kind of work these skid steer attachments were built to do. When the economy tanked a lot of these guys found other careers or simply folded because no one was hiring them. Now there are a lot of people who are doing their own work and because there are fewer people who do this kind of work the demand is higher again.

We have also seen that handymen are getting a lot of work with their skid steer loaders. Since they are a jack of all trades, they need a lot of different skid steer attachments. They may be asked to help with some landscaping, pull a stump, build a fence, grade a driveway, or anything that might require different skid steer attachments — a backhoe, a stump puller, an auger, or a box grader.

Commercial landscapers are starting to get busy again. They are mowing, grading, mulching, and taking care of the companies who had put off general landscape maintenance last year. We are seeing an upswing in sales of landscaping skid steer attachments again too.

While house construction has not picked up to its same levels as a few years ago, the housing tax credit has seen some new homes being built. We are seeing a lot of construction companies picking up skid steer attachments, like forks, graders, and earth movers, all of which are needed to prep a new construction site.

Things are picking up and the work still has to get done. There might be fewer companies who use these skid steer attachments and machines, but the jobs are still there. Stumps still need to be dug out, logs still need to be moved, and posts still need to be driven. People can only put off this kind of work for so long. And thankfully no one can put off snow removal. We were lucky to have such a brutal winter, because it will give us a nice spring and fall.

Five Common Uses for a Bobcat Skid Steer Loader

2010-04-12T16:00:00.000-04:00

Bobcat skid steer loaders have as many jobs as there are owners. But when you start looking at their different applications and industries, you start seeing some common uses. These are the five most common ones we have seen over the years.

Landscapers use the Bobcat skid steer loader to move the earth and grading soil. Putting in a new driveway? You can make sure the area is graded properly before you put down that asphalt, concrete or class five. Got a lawn riddled with weeds. Get rid of it and put down some new sod. What about moving around all those landscaping trees? Some of them are pretty big. If you need to move them the Bobcat skid steer loader will get the job done.

General Contractors are all over the bobcat. Material needs to get from the truck to the job site, and once it's there, it needs to be moved around. Trusses need to be set, refuse needs to be cleared out of the way, and at the end of the job, someone has to clean to it all up.

Farmers have found more hours in the day, because they are using all the different applications of their Bobcat. From digging ditches, feeding animals, removing their waste, to moving bales of hay from one part of the field to the other: it's easy for just about any farm worker to operate, and saves a lot of time and energy.

People who have large acreage and hobby farmers have found many uses for the bobcat. So many uses that they don't need to call in specialists. They do their own landscaping, plow their driveway, cut their grass and grind their own stumps.

The handyman or Mr. Jack of all Trades can keep himself working year round with his Bobcat. There is nothing he can't do with all the different attachments. He can maneuver around electrical and telephone poles to cut the grass that can't be cut with one of those big rigs. He can plow snow in the winter and cut grass in the summer. He can shear trees and grind stumps. With so many applications for their skid steer loader, it's no wonder guys are jump starting the economy by going out and making their own jobs.

Suck-It-Up

2010-02-12T16:43:00.001-05:00

Have an oil spill after removing your attachments from your machine? Fret no longer; Suck-It-Up from Skid Steer Solutions can clean up that oil spill without leaving a mark on the floor. Follow the link for more info!

http://bit.ly/asAByf

GRX Extreme Grapples

2010-02-03T17:47:00.001-05:00

Did you know Skid Steer Solutions carries large industrial strength grapples? Follow the link to get yours today!
http://bit.ly/9hXmDe

Thomas Skid Steer Loaders

2010-02-01T11:43:00.000-05:00

Looking for a new Skid Steer loader? Buy brand new Thomas Skid Steer Loaders from the Internet's Largest Attachment Superstore! www.SkidSteerSolutions.com

http://bit.ly/clELzq

Komac Shears

2010-01-29T17:49:00.001-05:00

If you are looking to do some heavy duty steel cutting you have come to the right place. Check out Komac Steel Shears at SkidSteerSolutions.com!
http://bit.ly/acsmOC

Hot Deals!

2010-01-28T20:26:00.001-05:00

More Hot Deals on great Skid Steer products! Check out the Hot Deals section for more info!
http://bit.ly/6qyz3S

QA-60

2010-01-25T12:41:00.000-05:00

Need to do some heavy brush cutting or mowing? The QA-60 Brush Cutter from Skid Steer Solutions will get the job done for you!
http://bit.ly/6kS9M0

QA-60 Heavy Duty Brush Mower from Skid Steer Solutions on Vimeo.

Box Grader

2010-01-21T15:01:00.000-05:00

The best way to grade your gravel road is with a Box Grader from Skid Steer Solutions. Pick up one today from SkidSteerSolutions.com! http://bit.ly/5xVvNg

Skid Steer Grader Box from Skid Steer Solutions on Vimeo.

Post Drivers

2010-01-19T14:11:00.000-05:00

Check out how we drive posts here at Skid Steer Solutions! Buy one today at SkidSteerSolutions.com!
http://bit.ly/5Cqt5a

eTerra PD-550A Post Driver from Skid Steer Solutions on Vimeo.

Mowers

2010-01-18T11:11:00.001-05:00

Although it may not feel like it, spring is on the way. If you're thinking about a new mower now's the time to buy before the rush! http://bit.ly/8cU3tg

Flat Proof Tires

2010-01-15T15:02:00.000-05:00

Tired of getting flats. Maybe it's time for some Flat Proof tires from Skid Steer Solutions. Follow the link for more info! http://bit.ly/6yG9BL

Skidsteer Forks

2010-01-14T14:51:00.000-05:00

Have pallets you need to move, but no forklift? Use your Skid Steer as a forklift with a set of pallet forks from SkidSteerSolutions.com. Check them out today! http://bit.ly/91GZH7

Harley Rake

2010-01-12T19:03:00.001-05:00

Raking dirt has just gotten a lot easier and so has repairing gravel or dirt roads. Use a Harley Rake and get the job done 1000 times faster! http://bit.ly/5Fndc2

Harley Rake from Skid Steer Solutions on Vimeo.

Snow Plows

2010-01-11T12:19:00.001-05:00

Have snow in your area? What better way to clear it than with your Skid Steer? Check out our assortment of snow plows ranging in size from 7-10ft!
http://bit.ly/5781mn

Backhoes

2010-01-08T14:05:00.000-05:00

Do you have some trenches you need to dig? Whether its laying down some culvert or digging a ditch Skid Steer Solutions has a backhoe for you! http://bit.ly/5ZdlbU

E70 Demo from Skid Steer Solutions on Vimeo.

BM-20 Boom Mower

2010-01-07T11:06:00.000-05:00

Have some ditches to clear up this summer? Check out our Boom Mower to see how it's right for the job! http://bit.ly/8aicuL

BM-20 Skid Steer Boom Mower - Flail from Skid Steer Solutions on Vimeo.

Snow Pushers

2010-01-06T12:08:00.000-05:00

Have you seen all the snow we can move!? Check out our awesome snow pushers and they're on sale too! http://bit.ly/6c2eyC

Snow Pusher 1 from Skid Steer Solutions on Vimeo.

3-Point Adapters

2010-01-05T12:42:00.000-05:00

Did you know Skid Steers can run a variety of tractor implements? Check out our assortment of motorized and non-motorized 3-Point adapters today! http://bit.ly/4JGr0t

Happy New Year

2010-01-04T12:33:00.001-05:00

We have some great deals for you to make your January sizzle. Check out this link.
http://www.skidsteersolutions.com/Internet_Specials_s/99.htm

Check back daily as we add lots and lots of close-out items.

Winter 2009 at Skid Steer Solutions

2009-10-29T23:37:00.000-04:00

Winter has definitely kicked into high gear here at Skid Steer Solutions. The new products are moving fast. People love our new tire & track studs. As fast as we can import them, they are gone. Just another advantage of buying from a company that shops the world, we are not stuck within our borders. We are everywhere!
Just like our customer base, we are worldwide. Our studs originate in Sweden. If we would have been stuck on the current Made in the USA sentiment that our competitors like to tout, this product would not be available and what solution does that provide? We want what is best for our customers. A product that works the first time and a product that leaves you feeling that you have received great value for your hard earned dollars.
New winter products include a 100% vinyl cab. A great product at an exceptional price. eTerra Track cleats for your CTL loader tracks. An all new snow pusher that will knock your socks off.
As always, we buy from the world so that we can sell to the world. Anything that you see available in the USA can be shipped anywhere in the world at a great price. You can count on Skid Steer Solutions to be your only online source for skid steer attachments.

Skid Steer Solutions Fun Fact

2009-08-30T15:09:00.000-04:00

Did you know that Skid Steer Solutions started as a garage operation in 1994 as Bobcattracks.com?
We only made chain tracks for small skid steer loaders. In 1998 we renamed ourselves as Loadertracks.com and started making larger track systems, splitters, tree spades and augers. In 2003 we became Skid Steer Solutions due to the growing product lines that we were introducing and adding.
It now seems hard to believe that other companies look to us for leadership in this market. We understand where we came from and try to help our customers out from a novice standpoint because we understand what it is like starting out with a new loaders and no attachments.
We make it easy for you to shop online for attachments. From our shipping algorithms that make shipping costs fair to our vast array of products for both large and small skid steer loards, we have you covered.
Check us out often to discover our growing array of products and our world class service.

Our New Site - Navigation

2009-08-17T13:56:00.001-04:00

You should see some new exciting changes on our site being turned on recently. The main site has changed from the original look. The look and feel went all the way back to the original loadertracks.com site which we no longer operate. Since we noticed our competitors trying so hard to look like us we knew it was time for a change.
Our product line has increased so mush that it was hard to navigate our site so the new look and feel was born. You can now quickly click on the tabs on top of the template to get to the section quickly. From there you can select the product that you want to view. In each sub-category there is a Java viewer that allows you to see all of the media avalable for that item in one place. No more need to click all over the place trying to find information. We call this a real solution for customers looking for skid steer attachments. We know that your time is worth money and we try to provide you with as much detail as quickly as possible.
We really hope that you like our new site and appreciate any feedback.

Winter In August Sale

2009-07-25T17:45:00.000-04:00

As the summer heats up our thoughts turn to snow. If you are like a lot of our customers, you were very frustrated last winter. When the weather hit, it hit hard. By then many vendors were out of equipment. Because of the economy many manufacturers did not have enough parts in stock so things like snow blowers went out to 8 weeks. We ordered a lot of stock and we were just barely able to keep ahead of the rush, but we had issues if the customers wanted something outside of our stock.

The biggest problem is that many people wait until there is snow on the ground before they think about their equipment needs. To entice you into thinking ahead we are offering a 10% discount on all snow equipment ordered in August. By doing so, we are able to take advantage of the summer lows and obtain discounts on winter gear. We pass these savings right along to you. This is a win win situation for everyone involved.

Please use the code AUGUST09 when ordering on the site to recieve this discount on all winter products including Plows, Cabs, Heaters, Snow Blowers, Chains, Trak Bites, Studs or Pushers.

Will the Real Skid Steer Solutions Please Stand Up?

2009-07-23T23:29:00.000-04:00

Boy, it is really tough being one of the most popular attachment web sites on the net. The competition is really heating up. First they copied our web site, then they created web sites with our name in the domain. These sites are set up to make you think they have something to do with Skid Steer Solutions. Well, they are not.

We are a Washington State based company. We are not located anywhere near North Carolina. If you get diverted to any sites that originate from this state, you should probably run. These are not legitimate Skid Steer Solutions sites. You will see the site address change as you click through and that will tell you that you have bee duped. If they can boldly copy our content and business name, who knows what other tricky business practices they are up to. You work far to hard to earn your $$. Why take a risk on companies that are out to deceive rather than create.

Since 1994 Skid Steer Solutions and our predicessors have been in the business of bringing you unique attachments for your skid steer loaders. We do not try to trick you into buying from us. We teach you what you need and let you decide. Then we back up your purchase with the best customer support there is. Now that is a Skid Steer Solution!

Visit us at www.skidsteersolutions.com and discover what real people selling real products can accomplish.

What a Summer! What a great web site!

2009-07-02T02:13:00.001-04:00

Have you checked out the new web site yet? Well many others certainly have. It cost a lot to set up, but was well worth it. The customer feedback has been tremendous and many new customers have gone through a great learning experience.

I spent countless hours designing the new concept and then having it implemented. I am still adding all of the new content so keep checking back. We have done 360 degree imaging on dozens of products and are just getting them up on the site.

I noticed my original site design being blatantly copied by a competitor. Rather than create their own ideas, they stole mine. My lawyers wanted to make them pay. I looked at it as a sign. Our web site had become dated and too hard to navigate. It was time for a change. When you are so plain that your competitors need to copy it to gain any recognition, it is time to move on.

The original site was created when we only had 5 products. We now have about 300 products so the old design was far too difficult to navigate. I am sure you will notice a huge difference between the old site that the others have copied and our new design. I am sure that you can tell the original from the copies. Our customers are the greatest. If you have any suggestions, please leave them with us. We have always listened to our customers. How do you think we got to manufacture so many cool attachments. Customer feedback!

Don't forget to visit the new site. www.skidsteersolutions.com

New Products

2009-04-29T02:06:00.001-04:00

We are having a blast looking at the new products, testing them and finally adding them to the site.

New products for this week are:

Bradco 511 Backhoes - http://www.skidsteersolutions.com/Bradco_511_Backhoe_p/bradco-511.htm

Engines - http://www.skidsteersolutions.com/Engines_For_Skid_Steers_Excavators_s/9275.htm

Dumpzit Side Dump Buckets - http://www.skidsteersolutions.com/Skid_Steer_DUMPZIT_p/dumpzit-01.htm

More to come. Keep on checking back. We have a lot in store for you.

Boom Mowers

2009-04-11T14:01:00.000-04:00

Our Boom Mower project has been going on for a few years now. With each run we have made crucial improvements. As the parts are now arriving for our latest iteration, we encourage you to have a look at what a real attachment manufacturer is capable of. This is a really cool attachment that will have many uses as we roll out of new line of attachments that will quick connect to our boom. Keep watching the site for updates.

http://www.skidsteersolutions.com/Skid_Steer_Boom_Mower_s/83.htm

Can a Bobcat A300 Run Tracks

2009-04-08T19:41:00.000-04:00

That has been a question on my mind for years. I always wanted an A300 but resisted because I need to run tracks during the 10 months of the year that it rains in the Pacific Northwest. My buddies that are Bobcat dealers always warned me not to do it, but they never gave me a good reason. They said I may hit the all wheel steer button by accident and wreck my steering. Not a chance. I ain't no dummy!
I figured my steering would actually be lighter if I used a high flotation track because I would have the weight of my machine over a larger surface area. With the addition of Rite Tracks to our product line, I finally had my chance to try. I installed the tracks and started running. My first run up was out in my water soaked clay field. It looks dry, but as soon as you drive onto it, you sink. The Rite Tracks worked like a champ.
Next was working on my grass to fill in low spots. The grass had standing water on it and again the Rite Tracks gave me just enough traction without tearing up the grass so I would have to say. I AM IMPRESSED! I cannot recommend that you can run tracks on an A300 because dealers have told me not to. I can say that my personal machine does not to appear to have suffered any consequences.
Check with me if you have any questions.

My First Blog - Welcome to all!

2009-04-08T01:45:00.000-04:00

My name is Robert Leib. I am the founder of Skid Steer Solutions. I started this company in 1994 to market a skid steer track that I had developed. We have come a long way since our inception. It is funny how things go. When you are struggling to get started, few people notice you except for your customers. Then as you get bigger, people start copying your products, then finally your web site and claim it as their own. Next, those same people start making it look like you are the phonies. Very strange!
I want to use this blog as a great way to transfer information on a daily basis. Many customers have spoken about wanting to do the same thing that I do. I can tell you it is a lot of work and always a struggle. I will use this to give you some insight as to what we do around here. So here goes.

Day 1: New product testing and design. Working on the PD-1000 post driver testing. Having difficulty controlling the down pressure in relation to the driver action. The down pressure on solid posts is too much. Today, we successfully drove 5 inch steel casings like butter. It was awesome. New video will be posted soon.
http://www.skidsteersolutions.com/PD_1000_Post_Driver_p/pd-1000.htm

Worked on eTerra Rite Track installation. We shot a video and are now editing it. It went great.
http://www.skidsteersolutions.com/eTerra_Rite_Track_System_s/9132.htm
Dropped off our first run of Boom mowers at our powder coating facility and checked on the color schemes. These are going to be the best mowers ever.
http://www.skidsteersolutions.com/Skid_Steer_Boom_Mower_s/83.htm