They’re called by such names as mini-loaders, mini skid-steers, and compact utility loaders — machines you operate while riding piggyback in a standing position or walking behind. Typically, they measure no more than about 6 or 7 feet long. Some can even slip through doors and gates less than 36 inches wide.But don’t let their size fool you. These backyard helpers offer the power, performance and ease of operation to let you take on jobs too big to handle with shovels and wheelbarrows in areas too small for skid-steers.Powered by gasoline or diesel engines, they provide 13 to 32 hp
