Skid-steer loaders are key machines for most onsite installers. Compact size and maneuverability let these workhorses operate in tight spaces. Some are light enough to be towed by a full-size pickup truck.
A seemingly endless number of accessories make skid-steers perhaps the most flexible tool in your yard, and a growing number of innovations increase operator comfort, safety and productivity. Not all features mentioned here are exclusive to the brand shown. Consider talking to local dealers about features that interest you.
Joystick Controls
John Deere has introduced electro-hydraulic (E-H) joystick controls for its large-frame skid-steers. Available for Models 325, 328 and 332 skid-steer loaders, the E-H control pattern is easy to use. Machine movement is controlled by the left hand while bucket and boom functions are controlled by the right hand. www.deere.com.
Two-speed Travel
Two-speed travel is available on medium-frame Bobcat skid-steers (Models S150 through S205) and large-frame models (S220 through S330). It lets operators travel faster and get more work done by boosting top travel speed by as much as 57 percent.
Travel speed for Models S150 through S185 is 7.5 mph in low range and 11.1 mph in high range. Travel speed for model S205 is 7.2 mph in low range and 10.7 mph in high range. A fingertip toggle switch on the loader control handles allows the operator to switch speeds on the fly. www.bobcat.com.
Pilot Controls
Case Construction Equipment offers pilot controls on its 430, 440, 450 and 465 skid-steers with H or ISO patterns. Factory-supplied accessory kits available through dealers let users permanently change the pattern from H to ISO or vice versa.
With the H pattern, the operator uses the left-hand control to operate the left drive motor and raise and lower the loader arms. The right-hand controller operates the right drive motor and the bucket curl and dump. The H pattern provides independent control of the ground drives to position the machine with precision. With the ISO pattern, the drive functions are on the left controller, and the loader arm/bucket functions are on the right controller. www.casece.com.
See-through Roof
New Holland Super Boom skid-steers (Models L150 through L190) offer a see-through area on a deluxe cab roof. The see-through panel gives a clear view to the bucket or attachment, even when it is at full height. Like the side windows, the cab-top window can be removed without tools for cleaning. http://construction.newholland.com.
Sealed, Pressurized Cab
The Cat C-Series skid-steer loader cab is sealed and pressurized to keep dirt and noise out for a cleaner, quieter operator station. Ventilation air is filtered to keep dust out and clean air in. Models include the 246C, 256C, 262C and 272C. www.cat.com.
Preheat Capabilities
The Mustang 2109 skid-steer’s 99-hp Cummins diesel engine has a grid-heater glow system that provides easy preheat, helping operators in cold environments get to work quickly, even on the coldest days. www.mustangmfg.com.
Three Control Options
Any one of three control-format options can be specified to an operator’s preference for greater comfort and productivity on the JCB 190/1110 Series II skid-steer. Full servo controls reduce lever effort to a minimum. Or choose either full servo hand or servo hand and manual foot controls. Both provide patterns well known and accepted by skid-steer buyers and operators. www.jcbamericas.com.
Comfortable Seat Options
On its B Series skid-steers (MC60B, MC70B, MC80B, MC90B and MC110B), Volvo offers seat options to fit operators and jobs of all types. Users can choose a deluxe high-back seat with adjustable backrest or a suspension seat with weight adjustment. An ergonomic seat bar has a comfortable armrest. www.volvo.com/construction equipment.
Narrow Wheel Package
The Gehl 4640E skid-steer has a new tire option that provides a narrow width of only 59.7 inches. This optional wheel package allows the skid-steer to easily fit on many sidewalks. www.gehl.com.
Automatic Power Control
The Komatsu Automatic Power Control hydrostatic travel system is featured on the SK815-5, SK820-5, SK1020-5 and SK1026-5 skid-steers. It allows full utilization of engine power. The operator can work with full engine power during tough jobsite applications without worrying about engine stalls. www.komatsuamerica.com.
