For a basic grade, you can simply use a quality skid steer bucket, however there are a range of attachments that are specifically designed for grading with skid steers.
", "excerpt_or_content": "<meta charset="utf-8"> <p>For a basic grade, you can simply use a quality skid steer bucket, however there are a range of attachments that are specifically designed for grading with skid steers.</p>", "handle": "the-himac-herald/what-s-the-best-skid-steer-attachment-for-grading", "id": "559305916598", "image": { "alt": "What’s the Best Skid Steer Attachment for Grading?", "src": "//himac.com.au/cdn/shop/articles/himac-attachments-blog-best-skid-steer-attachment-for-grading_1x1.jpg?v=1666742445" }, "moderated": "", "published_at": "2022-07-28 09:30:00 +0800", "tags": [ "construction", "earthworks", "grading", "landscaping", "skid steer" ], "title": "What’s the Best Skid Steer Attachment for Grading?", "url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/what-s-the-best-skid-steer-attachment-for-grading", "user": "UserDrop" }, { "author": "Simon Blackburn", "comments": "", "comments_count": "0", "comments_enabled": "", "comment_post_url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/what-is-the-life-expectancy-of-a-skid-steer/comments", "content": "<p class="mt-0">If you’re looking for a short answer, some say a skid steer should last, on average, around 5,000 hours. But unfortunately, when discussing skid steers, it’s never really a short answer!</p> <p>There are a few factors that may impact how long a skid steer lasts…</p> <ul> <li>The type of work you are using the skid steer for, including the difficulty of the work</li> <li>The operator of the machine</li> <li>How often you’re using the skid steer</li> <li>What you’re doing to maintain the skid steer</li> <li>Whether you purchased it new or used, you may not know what it was getting up to before you purchased it!</li> </ul> <p>When we spoke about purchasing skid steers second hand, we mentioned that a skid steer that is ‘young’ but has a high number of hours on it isn’t always the best option. The same is true here. If you can avoid pushing it to the limit in the first few years of life, you’ll be able to extend the life of your skid steer.</p> <p>Regarding maintenance, this one should be relatively obvious. The better you take care of it, the longer it’s going to take care of you!</p> <h4>So… how can I extend the life of my Skid Steer?</h4> <p>The first and potentially most important factor in improving your skid steers life is maintenance. Commit to a schedule of services, complete daily checks to ensure there’s no wear and tear damaging the machine and adjust elements to the season and job. This includes checking wheels and tracks, fluid levels, cooling systems, and oils.</p> <p>Another element is operation. Ensure the operator of your skid steer, whether that be yourself or an employee, is trained and knows what to do in every situation. This includes how to take care of the machine in winter, how to warm up and cool down the machine properly, and what attachment is appropriate for the job and skid steer, amongst so much more! A well-trained and experienced operator will be able to maintain the machine at an optimal working condition so that no further damage is caused.</p> <p>Don’t over-think it. Do your best to take care of your skid steer, don’t completely thrash it, and you’ll get the most out of it! </p> <h5 class="hr-2">Sources</h5> <p><a href="https://stingerattachments.com/tips-for-purchasing-a-skid-steer/#:~:text=Some%20experts%20say%20the%20average,using%20the%20skid%20steer%20for" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://stingerattachments.com/tips-for-purchasing-a-skid-steer/#:~:text=Some%20experts%20say%20the%20average,using%20the%20skid%20steer%20for</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.felix.net/project-news/7-steps-to-maintain-your-skid-steer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.felix.net/project-news/7-steps-to-maintain-your-skid-steer</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.aceventura-ind.com/10-ways-to-extend-the-life-of-your-skid-steer-tires/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.aceventura-ind.com/10-ways-to-extend-the-life-of-your-skid-steer-tires/</a></p>", "created_at": "2022-10-24 14:46:11 +0800", "excerpt": "If you’re looking for a short answer, some say a skid steer should last around 5,000 hours. But unfortunately, when discussing skid steers, it’s never really a short answer!", "excerpt_or_content": "<meta charset="utf-8"><span>If you’re looking for a short answer, some say a skid steer should last around 5,000 hours. But unfortunately, when discussing skid steers, it’s never really a short answer!</span>", "handle": "the-himac-herald/what-is-the-life-expectancy-of-a-skid-steer", "id": "559305785526", "image": { "alt": "What Is the Life Expectancy of a Skid Steer?", "src": "//himac.com.au/cdn/shop/articles/himac-attachments-blog-what-is-the-life-expectancy-of-a-skid-steer_1x1.jpg?v=1666748615" }, "moderated": "", "published_at": "2022-06-22 15:30:00 +0800", "tags": [ "maintenance", "management", "operation", "skid steer" ], "title": "What Is the Life Expectancy of a Skid Steer?", "url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/what-is-the-life-expectancy-of-a-skid-steer", "user": "UserDrop" }, { "author": "Simon Blackburn", "comments": "", "comments_count": "0", "comments_enabled": "", "comment_post_url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/what-are-the-ownership-costs-of-a-skid-steer/comments", "content": "<h4 class="mt-0">What is a Skid Steer?</h4> <p>Just so we are all on the same page, let's double-check what we call a skid steer. A skid steer is a piece of machinery often used in landscaping, construction and agriculture for a wide range of jobs. They are light and small, making them easy to manoeuvre except when trying to turn. Their name originates from their difficulty in turning as the only way it can is to increase speed on one side so the wheels or tracks skid and turn the machine, hence the name skid steer!</p> <p>Many ask… is a skid steer and a bobcat the same thing? A bobcat is actually just a brand of skid steers, so yes!</p> <h4>What does a Skid Steer cost upfront?</h4> <p>This entirely depends on the size, specs and features of the skid steer you're looking at, but on average, they can be priced from $25,000 to $65,000 new. Second-hand skid steers average around $5,000 to $30,000. Considering these large ranges, it's important to do your research and get the right skid steer for you at a reasonable price.</p> <h4>What does a Skid Steer cost in the long run? </h4> <p>Whilst we can list all that goes into owning a skid steer, many variables will impact ownership costs, so we always encourage you to get professional advice before purchasing to ensure your budget is set and ready to go! Particularly if you're a small contractor or new to the industry, it can be very difficult to gauge your equipment's owning and operating costs. </p> <p>The important elements to consider are:</p> <ul> <li>Interest rates</li> <li>Labour costs</li> <li>Fuel costs</li> <li>Maintenance costs; which depend on:</li> <ul> <li>The machine chosen</li> <li>The application and usage of the machine</li> <li>How long do you intend to keep the machine?</li> </ul> </ul> <p>If you take good care of the machine and minimise wear and tear as much as possible, some owners can sell their machines and receive 70% of their original price! This may be a little optimistic, but there is something to say for a machine that has been maintained and cared for.</p> <h4>How to minimise Skid Steer operating costs? </h4> <p>These tips may seem pretty self-explanatory, but they are important in keeping operating costs down and increasing the life span of your machinery. </p> <h5>Routine maintenance and clean and daily checks</h5> <ul> <li>This means creating a routine of when you will perform regular maintenance on your machine and sticking to it!</li> <li>A simple daily walk around of your machine is essential to ensure everything is safe and in working order so that if there are any issues, they won't cause any further damage (don't forget about the undercarriage).</li> <li>Don't forget to clean the machine regularly so dirt and grime don't build up and impact your machine and so you can actually see if there's any damage.</li> </ul> <h5>Tire checks</h5> <ul> <li>It is important to check the tread, pressure, rims, and overall condition of your tires (or tracks) weekly to ensure there is no damage, as this can cause serious issues down the line if not fixed quickly.</li> </ul> <h5>Drive to the conditions</h5> <ul> <li>Be sure you are confident in managing slopes, rugged terrain, and challenging temperatures. A well-trained operator will be able to keep operating costs down simply by driving these conditions well!</li> <li>Counter-rotating turns are essential in this, and if you can make your turns without counter-rotating, it will reduce the wear and tear on the undercarriage.</li> </ul> <h5>Counterweights, filters and lubricants</h5> <ul> <li>When counterweights are not needed, take them off! Don't cause unnecessary and excessive wear.</li> <li>Speak to the manufacturer and utilise filters and lubricants as directed. </li> </ul> <p>In summary, regardless of the machine you purchase, taking good care of it will extend its lifetime and value as well as reduce its overall costs in the long run. </p> <h5 class="hr-2">References</h5> <p><a href="https://www.kompareit.com/business/constuction-equipment-skid-steer-compare-bobcat-cost.html">https://www.kompareit.com/business/constuction-equipment-skid-steer-compare-bobcat-cost.html</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.totallandscapecare.com/business/article/15036361/how-to-calculate-skid-steer-owning-operating-costs">https://www.totallandscapecare.com/business/article/15036361/how-to-calculate-skid-steer-owning-operating-costs</a></p> <p><a href="https://info.texasfinaldrive.com/shop-talk-blog/18-tips-to-help-minimize-operating-costs-for-skid-steers">https://info.texasfinaldrive.com/shop-talk-blog/18-tips-to-help-minimize-operating-costs-for-skid-steers</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.equipmentworld.com/equipment/article/15065388/determining-skid-steer-owning-operator-costs#:~:text=Such%20variables%20include%20machine%20options,your%20skid%20steer%20O%26O%20costs">https://www.equipmentworld.com/equipment/article/15065388/determining-skid-steer-owning-operator-costs#:~:text=Such%20variables%20include%20machine%20options,your%20skid%20steer%20O%26O%20costs</a></p>", "created_at": "2022-10-24 12:18:37 +0800", "excerpt": "Whilst we can list all that goes into owning a skid steer, many variables will impact ownership costs. Dig into this article for the need-to-know information.", "excerpt_or_content": "<meta charset="utf-8"><span>Whilst we can list all that goes into owning a skid steer, many variables will impact ownership costs. Dig into this article for the need-to-know information.</span>", "handle": "the-himac-herald/what-are-the-ownership-costs-of-a-skid-steer", "id": "559305490614", "image": { "alt": "What Are the Ownership Costs of a Skid Steer?", "src": "//himac.com.au/cdn/shop/articles/himac-attachments-blog-what-are-the-ownership-costs-of-a-skid-steer_1x1.jpg?v=1666833187" }, "moderated": "", "published_at": "2022-05-30 12:30:00 +0800", "tags": [ "maintenance", "purchasing equipment", "running costs", "skid steer" ], "title": "What Are the Ownership Costs of a Skid Steer?", "url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/what-are-the-ownership-costs-of-a-skid-steer", "user": "UserDrop" }, { "author": "Simon Blackburn", "comments": "", "comments_count": "0", "comments_enabled": "", "comment_post_url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/what-is-considered-high-hours-for-a-skid-steer/comments", "content": "<p>Just to refresh your memories or if you missed our other blogs, let’s quickly confirm exactly what we’re talking about here. A skid steer is a piece of machinery utilised often in construction, landscaping and agriculture for digging. They’re easy to manoeuvre as they’re light and small - however, their name is due to their difficulty to turn.</p> <p>Whether the machine has wheels or tracks, it just won’t turn. The only way to turn the machine is to increase speed on one side so the wheels or tracks skid, hence skid steer. Note: many know skid steers as bobcats, but bobcat is just a brand name!</p> <h4><strong>What are Skid Steers used for? </strong></h4> <p>There is a lot you can do with a skid steer! As mentioned earlier, the common use of skid steers is digging, but it’s great for all earthmoving tasks, including excavating and trenching. With the right attachments, skid steers can be useful for a whole list of activities, including;</p> <ul> <li>Roadwork</li> <li>Mowing</li> <li>Loading</li> <li>Grading </li> <li>Debris removal</li> <li>Demolition</li> </ul> <h4><strong>Do the hours on a Skid Steer matter?</strong></h4> <p>Simply put, yes, they do. It’s important to consider how many hours a skid steer has when purchasing or trading. The best way to explain this is to compare it to kilometres on a car. If you’re buying a second-hand car, you’ll assess how many kilometres the cars done. A car with 200,000 kilometres is less appealing than a car with 10,000 kilometres as the first car has been used more and therefore may have higher levels of wear and tear. However, it’s important to consider a few factors when looking at the kilometre’s on a car, or the hours on a skid steer to figure out how many hours is too many, so let’s get into the details a little more.</p> <h4>What is considered high hours on a Skid Steer?</h4> <p>It’d be fabulous if I could give you just one number, and anything above that is considered too high, but unfortunately, it’s a little more complicated than that.</p> <p>Firstly, it depends on the upkeep and maintenance the owner has performed on the machine and the size of the skid steer. You can assume that most small machines over 2,000 hours are getting up there. At the same time, you can extend that to 3,500 hours for larger machines. That’s not to say that skid steers with these kinds of hours are to be completely avoided, as you need to assess the specific machine itself! There is a rule of thumb for machines needing engine overhauls:</p> <ul> <li>80 horsepower machines won’t need an engine overhaul until passed 8,000 hours</li> <li>40 horsepower machines will need an overhaul around 4,000 hours</li> </ul> <p>So, you can feel safe under these numbers, depending on the condition of the machine that it’ll have some life still in it!</p> <p>A good thing to note when comparing machines is that older machines with fewer hours are normally better than newer machines with more hours. This is because the newer skid steers were worked a lot in a short period of time compared to the older machines meaning the wear and tear on the newer machines will be greater than the latter.</p> <h5 class="hr-2"><strong>Sources</strong></h5> <p><a href="http://info.texasfinaldrive.com/shop-talk-blog/tips-for-purchasing-a-used-skid-steer-plus-6-walkaround-tips">http://info.texasfinaldrive.com/shop-talk-blog/tips-for-purchasing-a-used-skid-steer-plus-6-walkaround-tips</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.hopenn.com/blog/things-you-can-do-with-a-skid-steer-skid-steer-applications/#what-can-you-do">https://www.hopenn.com/blog/things-you-can-do-with-a-skid-steer-skid-steer-applications/#what-can-you-do</a></p>", "created_at": "2022-10-14 14:23:40 +0800", "excerpt": "It’d be fabulous if I could give you just one number, and anything above that is considered too high, but unfortunately, it’s a little more complicated than that.", "excerpt_or_content": "<meta charset="utf-8"><span>It’d be fabulous if I could give you just one number, and anything above that is considered too high, but unfortunately, it’s a little more complicated than that.</span>", "handle": "the-himac-herald/what-is-considered-high-hours-for-a-skid-steer", "id": "559248933046", "image": { "alt": "What Is Considered High Hours for a Skid Steer?", "src": "//himac.com.au/cdn/shop/articles/himac-attachments-blog-what-is-considered-high-hours-for-a-skid-steer_1x1.jpg?v=1666749852" }, "moderated": "", "published_at": "2022-01-28 14:30:00 +0800", "tags": [ "construction equipment", "earthmoving equipment", "maintenance", "purchasing equipment", "skid steer" ], "title": "What Is Considered High Hours for a Skid Steer?", "url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/what-is-considered-high-hours-for-a-skid-steer", "user": "UserDrop" }, { "author": "Simon Blackburn", "comments": "", "comments_count": "0", "comments_enabled": "", "comment_post_url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/do-i-need-to-register-my-skid-steer/comments", "content": "<h4 class="mt-0">What is a Skid Steer?</h4> <p>This may sound silly, but let’s define skid steers before we dive into the legal details.</p> <p>A skid steer is a small piece of machinery (in comparison to larger machines), used typically in construction, particularly for digging. Skid steers are light and easy to manoeuvre and are used in not only building but landscaping also.</p> <p>These machines wheels or tracks (dependant on the machine) cannot be turned, and therefore the only way to turn the machine is to increase the speed of the wheels on one side, meaning they will skid, turning the machine, hence the name, skid steer. They are often referred to as bobcats. However, this is just a brand name!</p> <h4 class="hr-2">Do I need to register my Skid Steer?</h4> <p>Yes. All off-road vehicles (which skid steers fall under) need to be registered with your State.</p> <p>However, you may only need to licence it if you are utilising any public roads.</p> <p>Typically, this is a strict rule. Even if you are only ever crossing a public road and not actually “driving on it”, you still need to have it licenced.</p> <h4>Registering off-road vehicles</h4> <p>Registering your skid steer is quite simple.</p> <p>You need to be 18 years of age and submit all required forms in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services Centre or regional agent. The forms requiring submission are;</p> <ul> <li>Off-road vehicle registration form including the make, year of manufacture, engine number and colour</li> <li>Proof of identity</li> <li>Payment of fees and charges</li> </ul> <p>There is also a process for renewing off-road vehicle registrations and when there is a transfer of ownership.</p> <h4>Licensing off-road vehicles</h4> <p>If you need to use any public roads with your skid steer, you must license the vehicle.</p> <p>There are four steps involved in this process:</p> <ul> <li>1 ) Have a roadworthiness inspection completed</li> <li>2 ) Complete the application</li> <li>3 ) Provide proof of identity</li> <li>4 ) Submit the application in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services Centre or regional agent</li> </ul> <p>Whilst we all know these processes can be inconvenient, it’s important that your machines are registered and/or licensed so that you protect yourself in the case of an accident or incident (insurance won’t cover vehicles not registered or licensed)!</p> <h4 class="hr-2">Important Links</h4> <p>To find out the exact guidelines for your State, select the relevant link below:</p> <ul> <li>Western Australia:<br><a href="https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/license-an-off-road-vehicle.asp">transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/license-an-off-road-vehicle</a> </li> <li>Northern Territory:<br><a href="https://nt.gov.au/driving/heavy/apply-to-register-your-heavy-vehicle">nt.gov.au/driving/heavy/apply-to-register-your-heavy-vehicle</a> </li> <li>Queensland:<br><a href="https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/registration/register/conditional/construction">qld.gov.au/transport/registration/register/conditional/construction</a> </li> <li>South Australia:<br><a href="https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/registration/conditional-registration/special-purpose-vehicles">sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/special-purpose-vehicles</a> </li> <li>New South Wales:<br><a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/topics/vehicle-registration/conditional-and-seasonal/vehicle-sheets/all-terrain-loader-skid-steer">nsw.gov.au/topics/vehicle-registration/all-terrain-loader-skid-steer</a> </li> <li>Victoria:<br><a href="https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/registration/new-registration/register-non-compliant-vehicles/construction-vehicles">vicroads.vic.gov.au/register-non-compliant-vehicles</a> </li> <li>Tasmania:<br><a href="https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/registration/register_a_vehicle">transport.tas.gov.au/registration/register_a_vehicle</a> </li> </ul> <h5 class="hr-2"><strong>Sources</strong></h5> <p><a href="https://www.esmres.com.au/bobcat-vs-skid-steer/">esmres.com.au/bobcat-vs-skid-steer</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/register-an-off-road-vehicle.asp">transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/register-an-off-road-vehicle</a></p>", "created_at": "2021-12-15 13:51:09 +0800", "excerpt": "All off-road vehicles (which skid steers fall under) need to be registered with your State. Read the complete article for details on documentation required and direct links for your area.", "excerpt_or_content": "All off-road vehicles (which skid steers fall under) need to be registered with your State. Read the complete article for details on documentation required and direct links for your area.", "handle": "the-himac-herald/do-i-need-to-register-my-skid-steer", "id": "557740261558", "image": { "alt": "Do I Need to Register My Skid Steer?", "src": "//himac.com.au/cdn/shop/articles/himac-attachments-blog-do-i-need-to-register-my-skid-steer_1x1.jpg?v=1639554096" }, "moderated": "", "published_at": "2021-11-25 14:30:00 +0800", "tags": [ "license", "purchasing equipment", "registration", "skid steer" ], "title": "Do I Need to Register My Skid Steer?", "url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/do-i-need-to-register-my-skid-steer", "user": "UserDrop" }, { "author": "Simon Blackburn", "comments": "", "comments_count": "0", "comments_enabled": "", "comment_post_url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/what-is-breakout-force-on-a-skid-steer/comments", "content": "<p>If you work on a construction or agricultural site, you’ll be well aware of the technical terminology surrounding earthmoving machinery, attachments, power, and capabilities.</p> <p>One mentioned a lot is breakout force. Breakout force has nothing to do with a mass exodus from a jail!</p> <p>Skid steer loaders are designed to make light work of any project and are renowned for manoeuvrability and versatility. They are compact, hardwearing, and safe but can give you all the power you need.</p> <p>Breakout force is the maximum amount of weight supported by your machine to curl and lift a load. It’s the kilogram-force (kgf) or kilo newtons (kN) of power exerted by a machine as that movement happens - the maximum amount of upward force using its hydraulic circuits combined.</p> <h4 class="hr-2">Why is it important?</h4> <p>Breakout force is significant for earthwork projects and digging into soil, rock, or concrete because it’s the power a skid steer machine generates as the boom lifts and the bucket curls towards the cab.</p> <p>It is the force that the tip / edge of the bucket exerts on the material you are loading. It is affected by geometry, bucket size, applied hydraulic pressure and the linkage tilting the bucket. The degree of tilt and rollback on the bucket will raise or lower the breakout force as the lever length will change – either decreasing or increasing.</p> <p>A higher breakout force number on a skid steer indicates better performance, digging and lifting capabilities. It usually applies to a powerful machine.</p> <h4>How is breakout force established?</h4> <p>The manufacturer of the machine calculates the breakout force of the skid steer using mathematics and geometry principles. Breakout force by a manufacturer is calculated using a general-purpose bucket attached to the skid steer machine.</p> <p>There are many factors influencing breakout force - such as the size of a hydraulic cylinder, where it connects, its angle, hydraulic pressure applied to the cylinder, and distance between pins.</p> <p>A machine with a higher breakout will perform better in tougher terrain with digging jobs and are generally larger bulkier machines. If you apply too much breakout force, there’s the potential to damage the machine and your hydraulic houses, buckets, arm boom and rams.</p> <h4>Breakout force and directional loads</h4> <p>Breakout force is unrelated to the boom lift system but is similar to a radial skid steer loader or a vertical skid steer one.</p> <p>Radial lifts are ideal for excavating, grading and digging, whereas vertical lift systems are better for warehouse work and lifting pallets.</p> <h4 class="hr-2">Talk to the experts</h4> <p>At Himac, we know skid steer attachments, particularly their capabilities to shift rocks, debris, and other heavy loads. They’re the hard grafters when it comes to your earthmoving needs.</p> <p>For all your <a href="/pages/skid-steer-attachments" title="Skid Steer attachments by Himac">skid steer attachment</a> queries, contact Himac Attachments. A family owned and operated company based in Albany and established in 2005, our stock is manufactured in WA. Look at our customer reviews, and you’ll understand why we’re the first choice for your earthmoving machine attachments.</p> <p><a href="/pages/contact" title="Contact Himac Attachments">Contact us online</a> or call us today on <a href="tel:1800888114" title="Talk to the team at Himac Attachments">1800 888 114</a>.</p>", "created_at": "2021-12-15 09:32:45 +0800", "excerpt": "You may be well aware of the terminology surrounding earthmoving machinery. One mentioned a lot is breakout force - read this article for a detailed explanation.", "excerpt_or_content": "You may be well aware of the terminology surrounding earthmoving machinery. One mentioned a lot is breakout force - read this article for a detailed explanation.", "handle": "the-himac-herald/what-is-breakout-force-on-a-skid-steer", "id": "557739770038", "image": { "alt": "What Is Breakout Force on a Skid Steer?", "src": "//himac.com.au/cdn/shop/articles/himac-attachments-blog-skid-steer-breakout-force_1x1.jpg?v=1643787259" }, "moderated": "", "published_at": "2021-10-13 10:00:00 +0800", "tags": [ "breakout force", "capacity", "construction equipment", "earthmoving equipment", "earthworks", "operation", "skid steer" ], "title": "What Is Breakout Force on a Skid Steer?", "url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/what-is-breakout-force-on-a-skid-steer", "user": "UserDrop" }, { "author": "Simon Blackburn", "comments": "", "comments_count": "0", "comments_enabled": "", "comment_post_url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/skid-steer-lift-capacity-explained/comments", "content": "<p>It’s been nearly sixty years since the invention of the skid steer. Today's machines have higher capacity, faster speeds, and longer wheelbases. Skid steers now have improved lifting capabilities, as well as being able to travel up to 16 km/h.</p> <p>Skid steers are workhorses with the power to lift heavy loads – even the average compact skid steer can lift an impressive 860 kg.</p> <p>But with any machine, there is a safe limit to what skid steers can lift. Manufacturers are obliged to offer lift capacity information on each machine.</p> <h4 class="hr-2">Calculating rated capacity</h4> <p>Rated operating capacity (ROC) is the maximum weight the skid steer can lift when the machine is at its weakest possible configuration.</p> <p>It’s a stability measurement and defined is what is considered safe in normal conditions. A tipping load is the amount of weight that would lift the rear tires or tread to a hazardous state - the machine's maximum reach-point in the lift cycle. The tipping weight is generally twice the weight of the rated operating capacity and will vary whether it’s wheeled or tracked.</p> <p>When buying a skid steer, it’s best to buy more lift capacity than the heaviest load you need to shift. A big skid steer can safely lift 2045 kilograms at 50% tipping load and a smaller model might have a rated operating capacity of around 590 kilograms at 50% tipping load.</p> <p>Of course, there’s a higher risk of tipping on uneven ground and lifting shouldn’t take place on slopes.</p> <h4>Lift configurations</h4> <p>There are two different lift configurations for skid steers – radial and vertical - each with its own operating capacity.</p> <p>Vertical lifts are perfect for higher or taller load movements and can access other equipment can’t get to. The vertical lift machine raises straight up. If you are manoeuvring pallets or loading on high-sided trucks, then vertical should be your skid steer of choice. They offer better stability and operating capacity but are more expensive than a radial lift – by up to 15%.</p> <p>Radial lift skid steers are ideal for load movement at lower ground such as moving earth, shifting rocks, unloading a low-lying truck, or doing some site preparation.</p> <p>You can get small, medium, and large framed skid steers with each one. If you are undertaking work at or below eye level, a radial machine is best. For high level work, select a vertical lift skid steer.</p> <h4 class="hr-2">WA owned and operated</h4> <p>Himac Attachments is a leading specialist in quality skid steer machinery attachments. We have an extensive range of models including buckets, grapples, forks, augers, trenchers, rakes, slashers and more. We focus on in-house manufacturing to bring you only the best attachments.</p> <p>Call <a href="tel:1800888114" title="Call Himac Attachments">1800 888 114</a> to discuss your requirements with an experienced team member today.</p>", "created_at": "2021-12-15 09:23:12 +0800", "excerpt": "Skid steers are workhorses with the power to lift heavy loads – even the average compact skid steer can lift 860 kg. But with any machine, there is a safe limit to what they can lift.", "excerpt_or_content": "Skid steers are workhorses with the power to lift heavy loads – even the average compact skid steer can lift 860 kg. But with any machine, there is a safe limit to what they can lift.", "handle": "the-himac-herald/skid-steer-lift-capacity-explained", "id": "557739737270", "image": { "alt": "Skid Steer Lift Capacity Explained", "src": "//himac.com.au/cdn/shop/articles/himac-attachments-blog-skid-steer-lift-capacity-explained_1x1.jpg?v=1643180134" }, "moderated": "", "published_at": "2021-09-08 09:30:00 +0800", "tags": [ "capacity", "earthmoving equipment", "rated operating", "safety", "skid steer" ], "title": "Skid Steer Lift Capacity Explained", "url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/skid-steer-lift-capacity-explained", "user": "UserDrop" } ] }