If you work in construction, landscaping, or farming, it’s likely that at some point in your life you’ve searched for a skid steer for sale. Bellingham residents or businesses looking to invest in this piece of machinery should keep reading for some key facts.
Humble Origins
The first version of the skid steer was a three-wheeled front-end loader. It was invented by Cyril and Louis Keller in Minnesota in 1957. The Kellers designed and developed the loader the help a local farmer mechanize the process of removing manure from his barn. With its rear caster wheel, the machine was light and compact and able to turn around within its own length, while still performing the exact same tasks as normal front-end loaders. Melroe Manufacturing Company purchased the rights to the design in 1958 and continued to refine the design with the Kellers. By 1958, the machine was introduced to the market.
Companies That Make Them
If you’re looking for a skid steer for sale, you have a lot of options in terms of where to buy one from. Many manufacturers offer their own versions, including Bobcat, Caterpillar, John Deere, New Holland, Volvo, JCB, Case, Hyundai and more. Check with your local agriculture equipment dealer to see which models are offered. Depending on how much you plan to use your skid steer, or what you plan to use it for, you can also consider buying a used model.
Applications of a Skid Steer for Sale
These loaders are typically used to dig holes from the inside in the place of a large excavator. They’re particularly useful for digging under structures in the event that overhead clearance doesn’t allow for a large excavator’s boom, such as digging basements under existing houses. With a backhoe attachment, skid steers are also very effective at digging in a small area, and are used to assist in the rough grading process or transport raw material around a job site.
Attachments
You can replace the conventional bucket that comes with most skid loaders with dozens of specialty attachments, all powered by the machine’s hydraulic system. These include hydraulic breakers, sweepers, mowers, snow blowers, stump grinders, backhoes, tree spaces, cement mixers, wood chippers, and more.
