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Skid steer loaders are versatile machines known for their ability to tackle a wide range of tasks, and the right attachments can transform them into indispensable tools for tree-related projects.Whether you're involved in tree removal, installation, or transplanting, selecting the appropriate attachments can make your work more efficient and effective. This guide explores the various skid steer attachments specifically designed for these tasks, highlighting their uses, benefits, and considerations.Tree PullersSkid steer tree pullers are essential attachments for removing small to medium-sized trees, shrubs, and stumps. These attachments feature powerful jaws that grip the tree trunk and pull it out of the ground, roots and all.Key Features:Heavy-duty jaws for gripping trunks and stumps.Serrated edges for a firm hold.Compact design for maneuverability in tight spaces.Ideal For:Clearing invasive trees and brush.Removing unwanted saplings.Prepping areas for landscaping or construction.Benefits:Minimal ground disturbance compared to traditional excavation methods.Efficient removal of roots to prevent regrowth.Stump GrindersStump grinders are designed to remove tree stumps by grinding them down to ground level or below. They are a must-have for anyone tackling tree removal on a larger scale.                 Key Features:Rotating cutting wheel with carbide teeth.Adjustable depth control.Side-to-side pivot for grinding large stumps.Ideal For:Clearing tree stumps after removal.Preparing land for new installations or landscaping.Benefits:Eliminates the need for chemical stump removal.Leaves the ground level and ready for planting or construction.Tree ShearsTree shears are attachments with hydraulic blades that can cut through tree trunks and branches efficiently. They are perfect for controlled removal of trees and pruning operations.Key Features:Hydraulic-powered cutting blades.Pivoting heads for angled cuts.High weight capacity … read more

Everyone knows you can use a skid steer bucket for excavation, which makes them ubiquitous on construction sites and among road crews. Likewise, it’s common knowledge that you can use bucket attachments for skid steers to load, move and handle loose materials. They’re also commonly used to clear snow and ice, making them popular attachments for snow removal crews.But what else can you use a skid steer bucket for? Well, let’s take a closer look at some of these somewhat less than conventional uses.Uses for Skid Steer BucketsIf you’re wondering about other ways your crew’s bucket attachments can pull their weight, here are some of the best of them.GradingLandscaping crews, take note. Bucket attachments aren’t just good for digging holes. They can also be used for grading and profiling that land, which makes them useful for re-working the lay of the land, for constructing earthworks and for re-doing the appearance of an outdoor setting.BackfillingWhile a dedicated trench backfiller attachment can be beneficial, especially if all your crews do is dig trenches and fill in old ones, a bucket can handle the job in a pinch. Working forward to push spoil back into the trench or dragging the bucket backwards to help backfill can both get the job done. A backfiller is faster, but a bucket will work in a pinch.CompactingGranted, with a bucket you can’t compact to the level needed to stabilize the soil prior to pouring footings or anything like that, but you can still get a lot of loose air out of the dirt and help it settle so you won’t have soupy mud the next time it rains. Just bringing the bucket down on earth can help compact it, just like a tamper. If you don’t have a vibratory compactor, a bucket is better than nothing.Transporting Root BallsJust as a bucket excels in materials handling, so too does it excel at transporting fairly large, heavy loads, and that makes it perfect for transporting root balls. As in nearly every other case here, there are better, more specializ … read more

Mini skid steers are versatile, powerful, and compact pieces of equipment that are essential for a range of construction projects. Their smaller size and diverse attachment options make them ideal for projects that require maneuverability in tight spaces, precision, and a wide array of functional tasks.In this article, we’ll dive into different construction projects where a mini skid steer becomes indispensable, explore the key mini skid steer attachments for each job, and explain why this equipment stands out as a valuable asset on the job site.Residential Landscaping and GradingMini skid steers are widely used in residential landscaping projects, particularly those that involve grading, soil preparation, and tree planting. In confined spaces, such as backyards or between structures, the mini skid steer can perform tasks like leveling soil, creating contours, and preparing surfaces for sod or seeding with ease.Key Attachments:Bucket Attachment: For hauling soil, rocks, or debris, making it easier to prepare the ground.Grading Blade: Ideal for leveling and creating smooth surfaces for turf or other landscaping features.Soil Conditioner or Harley Rake: Helps prepare the soil by breaking up clumps, removing rocks, and creating an ideal seedbed.Tree Spade: For relocating small trees or large shrubs, minimizing root disturbance and ensuring a more efficient planting process.Utility Installation and TrenchingUtility work often requires creating trenches for water, electrical lines, or irrigation systems. Mini skid steers equipped with the right attachments are perfect for these narrow, precision-focused tasks.Key Attachments:Trencher: Cuts narrow trenches for installing pipes or cables with efficiency and accuracy.Vibratory Plow: Helps install utility cables or irrigation pipes without leaving a deep trench.Backhoe: A versatile attachment for digging tasks that require slightly larger trenches or more precision than a bucket can provide.Auger: Great for drilling holes in … read more

Previously, we published a post on the most versatile skid steer attachments. This time around, we’re doing the exact opposite.We’re going to take a look at some of the most specialized skid steer attachments - which, though they might lose a little in versatility, gain a bit in terms of efficiency at dispatching the jobs for which they are designed.So with no further ado let’s put the spotlight on the following ten highly specialized and still highly useful skid steer attachments.Log Splitters                            As skid steer attachments go, log splitters are highly specialized. They’re really good for one thing and one thing only: splitting logs.Which, for tree farm and orchard workers, is a big deal, as it can be for tree crews, landscapers and others in that vertical.All the same, there are some things that make our log splitters a bit different (and favorably so) from the rest.The main thing is that our log splitter attachments feature an inverted design so operators can make quick work of a ton of rounds without even leaving the comfort of the cab.Tree ShearsOur tree shear attachments are pretty much good for one thing: cutting through thick trees. Sure you can cut through posts and pilings too but that’s basically the same application.Anyway, our tree shear attachments are capable of cutting through trees (depending on model) between 12” and 14” thick. There are no better attachments in the industry for that.Tree SpadesIf you work on a tree farm or an orchard, then chances are the single best skid steer attachment for you is one of our tree spades.These make digging up and transplanting root balls effortless, and the attachment itself features a short, low design that eliminates the need for counterweights and stabilizers. Fingertip controls make it even easier to operate these.They completely revolutionize old manual processes and eliminate the backbreaking work of digging up … read more

Your skid loader may just be the most versatile, capable piece of equipment you own, whether you work on a farm, a construction site, or something in between the two.Armed with appropriate skid steer attachments, there’s very little these machines can’t do, and then can often replace larger, dedicated machines like excavators and trenchers, just by equipping them with the right attachments.With that said, your skid loader will go the distance most favorably when you give it the appropriate care and attention it deserves. With that said, here’s a quick overview of basic maintenance and inspections you can perform to catch issues before they become bigger than they need to be.Daily Maintenance (Before Each Use)Before you use your skid steer loader, you should always perform a “pre-flight” inspection, if you will. Here are some things to inspect: Take a quick look at the machine’s service chart and make sure you’re not overdue for any scheduled maintenance. Doing this every time you use the machine will keep you up to date.Check the oil level via the dipstick and add oil if necessary.Check the fuel-water separator and drain if needed.Check the coolant level via the sight gauge and add coolant if you need to.Check the cabin air filter and inspect the seals for damage; replace the filter if necessary.For a compact track loader, check the track tension.For skid steer loaders, check the tires (more details below).Check the lift arms at the front of the machine and inspect hydraulic hoses for any signs of damage.Check the hydraulic oil level via the sight gauge and add if necessary.Check to make sure your engine has enough DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) and fill if needed.Remove any debris or dirt between the attachment and coupler plate.Check all grease fittings and pack with grease if needed.Inspecting FluidsThe fluids in your skid loader, such as engine oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid, all play vital functions in ensuring smooth operation.Inspect as advised in above, and … read more