Skid steers are compact, versatile, engine-powered machines mainly used for digging. They’re lightweight and maneuverable, and their arms can connect to various tools designed for many different construction and landscaping projects. Their primary characteristics are:

Below, we’ll discuss the many uses of skid steers in construction, including the various skid steer capabilities you can take advantage of when you equip them with certain attachments.

On construction sites, you often need to move large amounts of heavy materials that would be dangerous, impractical and or even impossible to maneuver with manpower alone. Construction equipment like skid steers assist in transporting these materials by keeping the process safe and convenient. The skid steer’s relatively compact size also makes it preferable to larger vehicles like excavators and backhoes when working in more confined spaces. Common skid steer uses include:

Skid steers come in three different sizes: small, medium and large. The best size for you depends on several factors, including what your application is and how tight your space is. We’ll cover the best uses for each size below:

While all skid steer models are known for their maneuverability, small models are exceptionally easy to navigate. They can fit in tight places that other heavy construction vehicles cannot access, making them ideal choices for jobs such as interior demolition.

Small skid loader models are also useful for performing site development, landscaping an area and building smaller structures. For instance, they’re regularly used to build houses in neighborhoods because they can fit in-between homes and go through gates. Smaller models are also commonly used for underground construction.

Most skid steers are medium-sized and are used for general construction site applications. A construction team will usually upgrade from a small- to medium-sized skid steer when they require a larger bucket size and more power. Although a medium skid loader can’t fit into a tight space like a small one, it’s still very maneuverable and can accommodate a wide variety of jobs that bigger construction vehicles cannot accomplish.

Large models are generally reserved for large-scale construction projects. They’re also used for grading, road-building and excavating, and they are valued for how effortlessly they can lift and transport pallets of extremely heavy materials such as brick.

Large skid steers become much more versatile with attachments. Forestry cutters, wheel saws and planers are just a few examples of attachments that can expand the versatility of large models.

If you’re planning to use your skid steer for construction, you can perform a wide range of tasks with the help of our many attachments. The most commonly used  attachments for construction projects  include the following list.

This  popular skid steer attachment  makes digging precise holes much easier. Shaped like a corkscrew, augers can dig deep down into the dirt without damaging the surrounding soil. There are three options available — basic, heavy-duty and extreme duty. The one you choose should depend on factors such as the ground’s condition, the hole size and the hole’s depth. A direct drive, planetary drive or chain powers the rotation. The chain provides the least power, but it still works well for most digging jobs.

Trenchers are useful in the fields of construction, farming and landscaping. This balanced, powerful attachment is used to dig narrow, straight trenches at varying depths. All skid steer sizes support trenchers that can dig at least 3 feet deep, whereas larger options can dig trenches up to 5 feet deep. Trenchers are commonly used for drain pipes, utility lines, sprinkler systems and footing.

Bucket attachments perform various tasks and  handle large quantities of loose, light material , including:

Material bucket attachments feature a high back, which can push materials and pile them up for handling. Additionally, the bucket’s high sides can cut into large piles of material to make scooping more efficient. You can use a material bucket for many different industries and applications, including industrial work, ranching and hobby farming. With this attachment, you can complete tasks like mulching, planting, landscaping, transporting materials and digging trenches.

Rock bucket attachments are great for  picking up rocks and debris  as you sift out dust and dirt, which is possible due to the bucket’s sifting mechanism. You can use rock buckets in various ways on a construction site, including:

Grapple buckets feature  independent grappling to secure uneven loads , such as rock, brush, debris, scrap metal or logs. These attachments are also useful for construction and demolition projects. You can easily use one to clear demolished materials and rocks to prepare the site for your project. Grapple attachments are commonly used in various industries because of their many benefits, including their versatility and easy assembly.

Tooth buckets combine the  versatility of material buckets  with heavy-duty teeth and a structural build. These features make them great for:

By attaching a  concrete bucket  to your skid steer, you can get concrete into harder-to-reach places, which will save you time and money. You’ll also avoid the fatigue of using a wheelbarrow to pour concrete. This concrete bucket also doubles as a mixing bucket. Additionally, our concrete mixer can mix many materials other than concrete, including animal feed, fertilizer and mulch.

A pallet fork attachment allows you to move  bagged, bulky or palletized materials  easily and quickly. You can also use it for installing structures such as fences. When you set a fence up, the pallet fork can help you carry posts and, when combined with a post digger, you can install the fence quickly. The pallet fork’s lifting height also makes it excellent for performing work on roofing, signs and many other structures.

Land planes skim the very top layer off the ground, passing the material over their blades from front to back, which makes these tools  ideal for land preparation and clearing. The attachment makes the following activities much easier:

Also known as a sweeper attachment, brooms  are useful for clearing or cleaning  the ground. In construction, they’re great for scraping off caked mud from the driveway or road. You can also use them to spread materials across a site evenly.

There are two kinds of brooms available for skid steers — angle and pickup brooms:

When you purchase an attachment for your skid steer, you’re investing in your future. At Stinger Attachments, we want to be a part of your future by helping your business prosper. When you buy from Stinger, you will enjoy the following unique benefits:

If you have any questions about the attachments we offer or would like some guidance for your next skid steer project, feel free to reach out to us by calling 507-273-7497 or  filling out our contact form.

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