Capital Equipment News September 2017

SKID STEERS

“These machines are equipped with a quick coupler for changing attachments quickly,” he says. The tools required for an application often have an influence on the machine configuration. “For example, if a customer wants a solution to cut concrete along a road for laying cables, a hydraulically-powered wheel saw would best work with a loader which has higher hydraulic flow and pressure to deliver the desired productivity,” says Rengaraju, adding that, therefore the machine will have to be configured with high-flow hydraulics. The use of heavier tools, according to Rengaraju, such as powered wheel saws, may require additional rear counterweights. On the other hand, if a skid steer is used to dig and grade with a general purpose bucket and occasionally with a broom for street cleaning, then standard flow hydraulics will suffice. “Other external factors, such as the temperature and dust may lead to selecting an enclosed cab,” adds Rengaraju. Other considerations In addition to the basic configuration (width, height, weight, lift height and rated operating capacity), Rengaraju reasons that safety is a key consideration on any site and a rear view mirror and a rear view camera can provide added visibility to improve awareness to working surroundings. The same view is shared by Stansfield, who further reiterates that site specific safety requirements are an important consideration in any buying decision. “These include the need for a closed cab and air- conditioner, stop blocks, fire extinguisher and in some applications fire suppression systems as well,” says Stansfield. Rengaraju says productivity is also a key parameter and factors such as operator specific machine settings, ride control and return to dig/work tool positioner, may also dictate the choice of a skid steer loader unit one has to buy. Comfort, especially where long working hours are the order of the day, may also point towards the need “Are you considering lifting at maximum height with forward reach as a key component? If so, then the vertical lift arm configuration will be the ultimate choice.”

A vertical lift design delivers higher lifting heights and extended reach at the top portion of the lift cycle.

A radial lift machine has a lower weight and lower cost than a vertical lift model of a similar configuration.

Stansfield says when selecting a skid steer loader and whenever the two loader arm configurations are in question, there are two issues to look at. “Are you considering lifting at maximum height with forward reach as a key component? If so, then the vertical lift arm configuration will be the ultimate choice,” says Stansfield. “If one is predominantly digging and lifting material at 50% of the maximum lift height, then the radial lift loader would be the ideal solution. Stansfield also adds that the attachment to be used also plays a crucial role in the choice of the correct loader arm design. “For example, pallet forks work effectively with vertical lift loaders when placing pal- lets or objects at maximum lift height due

to the reach advantages of the vertical lift path arm design,” he adds. Ultimate tool carrier One of the key attributes of a skid steer loader is its versatility, and this machine has simply been designed as the ultimate tool carrier. But, how does the type of attachments influence the unit one has to buy? According to Stansfield, the flow rate required to operate the attachment, as well as the physical attachment’s operating weight, will dictate the loader platform size and whether high-flow or standard flow auxiliary hydraulics are required on the particular loader. Rengaraju agrees that skid steer loaders are indeed preferred for their versatility.

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