A skid steer loader, also known as a skid loader, is a small engine powered vehicle with a variety of uses. The first skid steer loader was invented in 1957 by Louis and Cyril Keller. A year later, Melroe Manufacturing Company purchased the rights to the machine and began to tweak the design for mass production.

These vehicles are equipped with either a track or wheels. Wheel powered skid steer loaders are the more popular of the two. Most of them are four wheel drive with a unique setup in which each side, left and ride, are independent. This setup is essential in allowing the operator to control both the direction of the vehicle and speed.

With zero radius turning, skid steer loaders are very easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Anytime a light loading vehicle is needed, and a tight space is given, a loader of some sort is usually called on.

The setup of a skid steer loader is simple. The pivoting mechanism is mounted behind the driver’s cockpit. In front are the lift arms with the attachment (usually a bucket) at the end.

With the ability to use attachments, skid steer loaders are very versatile. The main duty, with the bucket in place, is to move light loads from one area to the next with precision. To go along with this, they can also be used to push material around. A skid steer loader can even be used as an excavator for small jobs by driving into a hole and digging from the inside out.

The bucket is the most common attachment used on a skid steer loader. This can be replaced with other attachments including: pallet forks, sweeper, auger, angle broom, treed spade, trencher, stump grinder, grapple, ripper, snow pusher, and mower among others.

Skid steer loaders are often times sold under other names including: compact track loaders, all-wheel steer loaders, and mini track loaders.

There is no lack of companies selling skid steer loaders. Over the past 50 years, many manufacturers have entered the industry including big names such as John Deere, JLG, Case CE, Caterpillar Inc., and New Holland.

With a small size, great versatility, and easy operation, skid steer loaders have been popular vehicles in many industries since first being introduced in the late 1950’s.