Skid Steer Attachments

Absolutely, there are important weight and size limits to consider when choosing skid steer attachments. This will help ensure safe operation and compatibility with your skid steer or skid loader.

Lifting Capacity
An individual skid steer's rated operating capacity usually referred to as “ROC” denotes the most weight it is capable of securely lifting. There may be risks if the skid steer is loaded above its ROC. The weight of the attachment and the load it is handling cannot be greater than the skid steer's ROC.

For small-frame skid steers, ROCs usually range from less than 1,500 lbs to no more than 3,000 lbs. Verify the skid steer's specifications at all times and select attachments that limit the overall load to what the machine can handle.

Size of Skid Steer
Small, medium, and large frame sizes are available for skid steers. For the skid steer to support the attachment's weight and dimensions, it must be sized appropriately. Small-frame skid steers are best for smaller, lighter-duty type attachments, while larger and heavier attachments require medium or large-frame models that have higher ROCs and a more powerful hydraulic system to support them. Putting a large, heavy attachment on an undersized skid steer can overload it and make the situation dangerous. Always ensure your attachment is compatible before you begin your hunt to purchase a new attachment.

Hydraulic Flow Requirements
The skid steer provides the hydraulic force needed for a wide variety of attachments. The auxiliary hydraulic system capacity of the skid steer must match up with the hydraulic flow needs of the attachment. While augers, grapples, and buckets might only require standard-flow hydraulics, high-flow attachments like cold planers, mulchers, and forestry cutters require high-flow hydraulics. Always make sure the skid steer and attachment are hydraulically compatible.

Attachment Size and Weight
The dimensions of the attachment must match the size of the skid steer. An attachment that is too large or too small for the skid steer might cause problems with stability, lifting capability, and balance.

It's best to choose attachments that are specifically approved and sized for your skid steer model by the manufacturer to ensure optimal fit and performance. Consult the operator's manual and attachment specifications to confirm compatibility. Reach out to one of our experts at Attachments King if you still aren’t sure.

Things to remember before you make your next attachment purchase
Always consider the skid steer's ROC, frame size, hydraulic capacities, and physical dimensions when selecting attachments. Proper sizing and compatibility are essential for safe and effective operation. Consult the skid steer and attachment specifications to ensure the combination does not exceed the skid steer's limits.

Below are 5 Tips on proper storage, lubrication, replacing worn parts, and other upkeep tasks. These tips will help owners keep their attachments in top shape and catch issues early. Remember, always be sure to follow the manual from the manufacturer of your attachment to ensure safety and longevity.

Follow the Operator's Manual
The most important step in maintaining skid steer attachments is to carefully read and follow the operator's manual provided by the manufacturer. The manual will have specific guidelines for each attachment’s maintenance, safety, and proper operation. Adhering to these instructions is crucial for both the longevity of the attachment and the safety of the operator.

Lubrication
Regular lubrication is essential for the smooth operation and long life of skid steer attachments. Grease points like pins, bushings, and pivot joints must be lubricated frequently, sometimes as often as daily for high-use attachments. Using the appropriate type of grease recommended by the manufacturer, such as multi-purpose, heavy-duty, or high-performance grease, will provide the best protection for your skid loader attachment.

Inspect and Replace Wear Parts
Skid steer attachments have various wear parts like cutting edges, teeth, and hydraulic hoses that need regular inspection and replacement as they wear out. Catching wear early can prevent further damage. Inspect the attachment before each use, looking for cracks, leaks, loose hardware, and other signs of damage or excessive wear. Replace worn parts promptly with high-quality components designed for the specific attachment.

Proper Storage
Storing skid steer attachments properly can extend their lifespan and keep them in good condition. When not in use, store attachments in a dry, protected area out of the elements if possible. Racks and stands designed for specific attachments like augers, pallet forks, and buckets can keep them organized and off the ground. If stored outside, cover the attachments and apply a coat of oil or grease to prevent rust.

Clean After Use
Keeping skid steer attachments clean and free of debris helps with maintenance and allows for easier inspection. After each use, remove dirt, mud, and debris from the attachment, especially from moving parts and hydraulic components. Cleaning also keeps the attachment in good condition for the next use.

Being diligent with regular maintenance is key to keeping your loader attachments working safely and efficiently. Always refer to the operator's manual for attachment-specific guidance. With proper lubrication, inspection, and replacement of worn parts, correct storage, and regular cleaning, you can maximize the service life of your skid steer attachments and catch any issues before they lead to downtime or costly repairs.

Below are five of the most popular and often-used attachments for your skid steer, bobcat, or track loader.

Bucket Attachment
One of the most common and multi-use skid steer attachments is the bucket. There are many varieties available of bucket attachments, such as loose material buckets, rock buckets, for really intense work, and tooth buckets, perfect for grading and digging. They can really take your skid steer to the next level to effectively move, lift, or scoop a vast variety of content.

Pallet Fork Attachment
Pallet forks are usually referred to as just “Forks.” They are quite popular and allow skid steers to do the types of work that are similar to those of forklifts. This is one of the major advantages of a skid steer. Pallets and lumber are typical examples of loads. They are used to lift, stack, and move. These pallet fork attachments are available in many sizes and can accommodate a wide range of load weight capabilities.

Auger Attachment
Auger attachments for skid steer are commonly used in agriculture, farming, gardening, and construction to drill and dig holes. Depending on the size, augers are made up of a helical screw blade that can drill into the earth and create holes that vary in diameter and depth. There are different types of augers that are perfect for drilling into soft soil, sand, and even rocky soil. It's important to learn what type of soil you will be drilling into prior to choosing your auger bit type.

Brush Cutter Attachment
Brush cutter attachments are usually used in landscaping and land management projects to remove small trees, shrubs, and overgrown vegetation. When compared with manual methods brush cutters are much more efficient at clearing land because they have a revolving blade or drum that slices through the dense growth. For really heavy jobs it’s best to use a mulcher attachment to cut through the heaviest of vegetation and trees.

Grapple Attachment
Grapple buckets and brush & root grapples are two of the grapple attachments that are made to grasp irregular objects like scraps, debris, large rocks, and boulders, and logs or trees. Their utility in construction, demolition, and forestry applications make them perfect for their ability to let skid steers move and sift debris, more effectively, than just having a standard bucket.

Other tools like trenchers, tillers, snow removal tools (such as snowblowers and snow pushers), and specialist tools (such as stump buckets and concrete breakers) are further noteworthy skid steer attachments. This is what makes skid steers one of the most highly valued vehicles in versatility across so many industries because of their extensive choice of compatible attachments.