Skid Steer Buying Guide
Skid steers offer impressive power and versatility, making them a great asset for those in the construction or agricultural industry. But it can be tough knowing which model and features best suit your needs. We created the following buyer's guide to make the shopping process easier. If you have questions or want to shop skid steers for sale, chat with the experts at Arizona Tractor Sales. We proudly serve those throughout the Western United States.
Set A Price Limit
If you look up skid steers for sale, you'll see an overwhelming number of choices. An easy way to narrow the search is by setting a price limit.
Think about the maximum amount you want to spend. Then, eliminate any models outside that price range. You've now instantly made the model selection more manageable. Plus, knowing what your limit is helps you get the highest quality model that you can afford.
If you have a tighter budget, consider used skid steers. These models will be offered at drastically lower prices due to the impact of depreciation. They may only be a few years old and perfectly maintained, but they will still be sold at a reduced price.
Pick A Size
Skid steers come in a range of sizes. You want to avoid getting something that's too small and holds your productivity back. But you also want to avoid getting something that's too large and end up paying for performance potential you'll never use. You'll want to consider a few factors when picking the right skid steer size.
The Work Site
If the work area is small or full of obstacles, get a compact and agile skid steer. If the work site is large, focus on large and efficient skid steers.
The Lift Height
Larger skid steers can lift heavier loads and can offer higher lift capacity. For example, large skid steers are well-suited for putting heavy materials into dump trucks with high sideboards. If you'll be lifting heavy materials, get a model with a large engine and bigger frame that can rise to the occasion.
Factor In Fuel Type
The average skid steer relies on diesel fuel. Diesel engines offer fantastic power and efficiency, but they tend to see higher maintenance costs.
Some skid steers run off of gasoline. Gas engines are easier to start and better for the environment, but they tend to have lower performance potential.
Account For Operator Needs
Some skid steers are more operator-friendly than others. The more often you will use the skid steer, the more you will want to invest in operator comfort. A less-than-comfortable seat isn't a big deal for an hour or so, but it becomes an issue on a long work day!
One common operator comfort feature is an adjustable seat. This allows operators to adapt the workspace for their height and arm span. Research the various operator features and decide which ones suit your needs.
Think About Attachments
Many skid steers are compatible with attachments. These handy add-ons allow the heavy equipment to tackle a wider range of projects. It can even meet your needs so that you don't need to buy a second piece of equipment! Think about what attachments you'd want. Then make sure to get a skid steer that can work with those essential attachments.
Ready to shop skid steers for sale? Check out the selection offered at Arizona Tractor Sales. If you aren't sure which model to get, let our staff help. Tell us about your needs, then we can recommend the most compatible models. We are a skid steer dealer proudly serving those in the Western United States.