Skid steers are a very practical and handy type of equipment to have on hand for your project. However, purchasing one of your own isn’t typically a practical solution if you only have a short-term project you need to complete. Skid steer rental is often the way to go. Let’s look at a few things you should know before renting a skid steer.

Types of Skid Steers

Skid steers come in two different track types; tracked and wheeled. A tracked skid steer is best for wet or muddy surfaces. It can even be used effectively in snowy conditions. The weight distribution transfers to the ground which allows the vehicle to stay stable despite slippery conditions. These types of skid steers are also ideal for working on a slope or incline. The low center of gravity helps to minimize the chance of a rollover. A skid steer will also come with many built-in safety features as well to avoid accidents. According to the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 20% of skid steer accidents, including fatalities, occur because an operator bypassed the safety features. Keep in mind that they are there for your protection, and never try to get around them.

The other option we mentioned is wheeled skid steers. These vehicles are intended to be used on finished surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, or compacted soil. The tires on this type of equipment are designed to move faster and cover more ground. These should not be used in muddy or underdeveloped areas because there is a risk of sinking. The tires are not made for that type of surface.

Types of Lifts

The arm that operates on a skid steer is called the lift. It can operate in two different ways, radial or vertical. The radial lift arm will operate in a circular motion. A vertical lift skid steer arm will simply raise up and down and not on an angle.

Radial lifts are intended for reaching farther forward and used for dumping materials over something, such as a barrier, backfilling land, or loading and unloading. These also work well on flat groundwork.

The vertical lifts are better at reaching full height without losing performance. This type doesn’t extend reach like a radial lift. The vertical lift also is better at lifting heavier materials.

If you are interested in skid steer rental, please contact Ferri Equipment today. We are here for your heavy equipment rental needs.