Buying the Right Skid-Steer Loader
Skid-steer loaders have any number of uses on construction sites, farms, and more. But as versatile as the average model is, there are a number of sizes, shapes, and types available on the market. We here at RECO Equipment want to help you get the tools you need, so we’ve put together some tips for buying the right skid-steer loader below. To learn more, or to see the skid-steer loaders we have for sale, contact any of our stores throughout Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, today!
Budget
Like with any large purchase, your first step is a budget. Remember that you’ll have to factor in more than the sticker price—maintenance costs, insurance, registration, storage, fuel, and any attachments will add to your expenses, and you should plan accordingly. If you’re going to have some trouble paying off the entire sticker price at once, consider financing your purchase instead. Talk to our expert finance department to learn how we can help make this process easy!
Size
With that out of the way, it’s time to look at the size of skid-steer loader you’ll be needing. The first question to ask is, how difficult would it be to navigate the machine through your work site? If there are a bunch of obstacles and narrow spaces, a large machine just isn’t feasible. Smaller machines will have a much easier time getting through these areas. However, the skid-steer also needs to be large and powerful enough to get the job done.
The machine’s lift height is another factor to keep in mind. The size and horsepower will determine that. You should also think about how you’ll be transporting the skid-steer to and from your work site and the equipment you’ll need to do it.
Comfort
Finally, operator comfort. That can sound like a luxury, but the more comfortable the operator is, the easier it will be for them to concentrate on what they’re doing—and to keep up the work a bit longer! There are a few features that can help make operating a skid-steer more comfortable, including adjustable seats to prevent operators from hunching over or stretching outside their reach. Climate-control options in an enclosed cab are also excellent for keeping the operator feeling fresh for longer, and they can even make the work safer.
We hope these tips help you find the perfect skid-steer loader for the job. If you have any questions, or you just want to see the skid-steers we have available, contact us at RECO Equipment. We proudly serve the people of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana—let us serve you today!