Used Skid Steers

Below broad definitions of various loader types are outlined.
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rSome of these definitions are interchangeable and often just relate to the size loader you are talking about. For example “articulated loader” is the generic term for any articulated loader and can include – mini loader, mini digger, front end loader, wheel loader and can even include some backhoe loaders which are articulated.
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rARTICULATED LOADER
rAn articulated loader has an articulation joint in the middle. The loader is made from two chassis joined together, as opposed to a rigid bodied machine, like a car or skid steer. An articulated loader by definition has articulated steering, and covers all loaders with articulated steering from articulated mini loaders weighing in at just 1500kg, to the world’s largest wheel loaders.
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rArticulated loaders have a lot of benefits compared to rigid bodied machines and any operator will quickly tell you this.
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rMINI LOADER and MINI DIGGERS
rA mini loader is generally classified as a loader with a weight under 2000kg. The smallest mini loaders are stand on skid steer type loaders, although relatively recently some companies have released stand on mini articulated loaders. The stand on mini loaders are very limited in terms of capacity and size, as operators aren’t given a high comfort level as they have to stand up all day which isn’t conducive to a productive work life. The mini stand on loaders are suited to small jobs requiring the operator to jump on and off frequently.
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rThe next step up in mini skid steer loaders are mini “bobcat” style loaders which have a seated operating position. These mini skid steers allow the operator to perform tight access work, and the comfort level increases as at least the operator has a seat to sit on throughout the day.
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rThe biggest recent trend however is towards articulated mini loaders which are now rapidly becoming commonplace on construction sites across the world. They have a seat to operate from , great all round visibility as the operator sits on top of the machine and are able to handle more weight as the wheel base is significantly longer than a mini skid steer. An articulated loader of the same weight can outperform a mini skid steer in lift capacity as a longer wheel base gives more leverage at the tool frame.
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rThe articulated mini loaders are also very comfortable to drive if an oscillating articulation joint is incorporated between the two chassis. The oscillating articulation joint allows the loaders wheels to conform to the rough terrain so each bump isn’t going through to the operator’s seat, basically it acts a type of suspension. Articulated mini loaders are now highly maneuverable so give the advantages of a longer wheel base, but are still able to work in restrictive areas, the same as a mini skid steer. The articulated mini loader also has the massive advantage of low ground disturbance and very minimal tyre wear.
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rBeing able to run as many tools as possible is critical with any mini loader and hence all mini loaders – either articulated or skid steer, will have auxiliary output as standard. to be able to run tools.
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rFRONT END LOADER
rThe term front end loader can refer to any loader with a bucket attached at the front. However it is just about always referred to as an articulated loader and not a skid steer as front end loaders were traditionally used for the heavy duty front end work. The mast of a front end loader is fixed horizontally, as opposed to a telescopic loader, which can “telescope” out to gain more reach (described below). An articulated mini-loader, articulated loader and wheel loader are all a type of front end loader. What weight class actually contributes a front end loader category is quite arbitrary, but some manufacturers will designate articulated loaders in the operating weight 2 tonnes to 5 tonnes as front end loaders, however any size machine can often be called a front end loader.
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rThe term front end loader is also used for tractor style front end loaders. These are a separate mast and bucket attached to the front end of a tractor, often after purchase, to enable it to do some work at the front of the machine. Tractors however are built for towing as the main weight of the machine, the engine, is placed far forward to give traction when towing and so is not ideal for heavy duty front end loader work.
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rAll articulated front end loaders, articulated wheel loaders and all articulated mini loaders built by major manufactures have the seating position mounted on the rear chassis section. This is important as it allows much greater performance to be achieved quickly by the