Wheel Loaders vs. Skid Steers
Wheel Loaders vs. Skid Steers. Which Piece of Compact Equipment Is Right for Your Operations?
Bobcat Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders don’t look like our new line of Bobcat Compact Wheel Loaders — or move like them. One type of machine skids its tires to change direction or rumbles around on tracks, whereas wheel loaders have traditional steerable wheels and usually articulated steering. But each of the machines often has a bucket up front, giving it the traditional moniker of “loader.” So how is a person in the market for a small loader supposed to choose among them?
Size matters, as well as available space in which to operate the machines. Skid steers generally are shorter and have the unique ability to turn around in their own length. In confined areas where backing room is minimal, a pirouetting skid steer may be the only choice. In slightly roomier areas, a four-wheel-steerable compact wheel loader might more efficiently perform a repetitive scoop-and-load function.
Defining “compact” might be helpful for shoppers. Skid steer loaders started out small and many models still are, but the units seem to be growing bigger and heavier. Wheel loaders, conversely, seem to be growing smaller to increase their versatility. Just what constitutes a “compact” wheel loader is not standardized.
Other manufacturing reps say the delineation point for a compact wheel loader is when the bucket holds 1 yd or less. Still others say any wheel loader under 100 hp is compact. Finally, it is argued that 100 hp or less plus a bucket holding less than 2.35 yds of wmaterial divides compact and regular wheel loaders. Shoppers might be better off just forgetting the “compact” tag and see what works best for them.
Cost can definitely be a factor in selecting one machine over another. Generally speaking, a compact wheel loader will have a higher showroom price tag than a skid steer of comparable capacity. The difference isn’t huge, but can be significant enough to induce a mild version of sticker shock.
On the other hand, operating costs often are less in a compact wheel loader. Its more flexible range of operating speeds compared to a skid steer can produce fuel savings that over the lifetime of a machine will more than offset the higher initial cost. Also, a skid steer skids on its tires and that can mean more tire-buying than is the case of a wheel loader.
Ultimately, features and brand loyalty will sway buyers to prefer one model over another. Without taking anything away from staying with a familiar brand, the fact is that features do differ among the machines; how those differences affect performance and profitability should be a top consideration for a shopper. High visibility might seem like a given, for example, but until a buyer actually crawls in a cab — or, if he is comparison shopping, in several cabs — he can’t fully see the difference.
Sometimes the biggest thing is creature comforts, and comfort in running and operating a machine is high on the list of wanted features. Bobcat's new line of Wheel Loaders are designed with the operator in mind, making it this machine easily adaptable and a great addition to any fleet.
Ready to learn more? Contact a Bobcat Central dealer rep for more info today at 844 741-1185 or click on the links below: