Capital Equipment News September 2020

SKID STEERS

Manitou’s 1650 R Mustang fitted with a boom hook.

The enduring popularity of the skid steer in the African market A Grand View Research report valued the global skid steer market at US$2,15-billion in 2018. This was expected to show a 4% CAGR from 2019 to 2025. This feature examines why the skid steer remains a favourite in Africa; estimates the size of the local market; explores the numerous applications for these machines and takes a closer look at some of the key features of the units currently available. By Mark Botha

S kid steer loaders have, over the years, main- tained great popularity in the African market. In South Africa, for example, skid steers are the most sought-after machine range in a number of industries, together with the backhoe loader. Manitou sales manager Mark Webster ascribes this popularity of the skid steer to its versatility, safety and manoeuvrability on site. He says these compact machines are used mostly on construction, mining, farming and logistics sites to handle material productively and efficiently. “Skid steer machines provide excellent forward reach at the middle of the lift path,” he says. “This provides high performance for loading and offloading capacities.” He says radial-lift machines enhance performance in excavating, grading and digging below grade applications. “The simple pin design provides superior durability in loading applications and extended durability in the 114 mm lift arm, for added strength.” He also notes that these machines offer an extensive range of attachments “which are quick to master.” The quick-hitch attachment system ensures that changing attachments to suit

the application is effortless. “This means that one Manitou machine can fulfil an array of functions and eliminate the need for multiple capital outlays for a fleet of task-specific machinery.” Wacker Neuson sub-Saharan Africa MD Dennis Vietze says the skid-steer loader is a very compact and versatile machine whose strength lies in its ability to “turn on the spot” in confined spaces. “These machines can accommodate a wide variety of attachments, making them suitable for a host of applications, which is why some people even describe them as ‘motorised wheelbarrows.’” Bobcat Cape Town sales consultant Christo Swart says skid steers offer the customer superior mobility and versatility on site. He also refers to the “multiple attachments” which can be added “to complete many different applications with one machine”. Bobcat sales consultant Klinton Kane mentions that the skid loader is very powerful for its size and that industries as diverse as construction, plant hire, mining and farming can use it. “Skid steer loaders can be used in areas where space is limited, as well as in applications such as mining where

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