Skid Steer Loaders Vs. Compact Tractor Loader Backhoes
There’s such a variety of farming equipment available that choosing the best machine for the job can get tricky. The skid steer loader and the compact tractor loader backhoe have a lot in common, so it can take some research to figure out the differences and decide which kind of equipment is right for you.
Why not let us do your legwork? First, read on for a guide comparing compact tractor loader backhoes with skid steer loaders. Then, consult our qualified staff at Magnum Power in Lawson, MO. We have great deals on new and used farming equipment, and we’re always happy to help you find the equipment with all the features you need.
Advantages of Compact Tractor Loader Backhoes
Often abbreviated TLB, the compact tractor loader backhoe is a machine capable of digging down to 12 feet, with a horsepower rating of 80 or less. The TLB is fast, maneuverable, and great for both covering large distances and navigating tight spaces. Being lightweight also makes them appropriate for use on delicate terrain.
The tractor loader backhoe can be used with various attachments for a wide range of applications. They’re a common feature of construction and demolition sites, they’re often used in landscaping, and even utility companies and city workers rely on TLBs for making quick work of a variety of tasks.
Does your work involve traveling frequently between multiple job sites? The TLB is a great choice wherever there’s a lot of ground to be covered. Whether you’re traversing a 2,000 acre farm or developing properties throughout a large subdivision, you’re going to want a fast-moving machine that can go the distance.
That’s not the only way the tractor loader backhoe can save you time on the job. With the TLB, you can switch between loading and dumping without having to change attachments, since you’ll have the front-end loader and backhoe built in. If speed is a priority in the work you’ll be doing, the TLB might be your best bet.
Advantages of Skid Steer Loaders
Much like the TLB, the skid steer loader’s compact size makes it highly maneuverable. Skid steers have the added benefit of synchronized wheels for easy handling on rough terrain. These machines come in a range of sizes, with smaller skid steers being favored in the landscaping industry. Larger loaders can do serious construction work, such as dozing and excavating, while maintaining a low profile.
The vast array of attachments available for the skid steer loader includes buckets, bale spears, graders, rollers, augers, root grapples, pallet forks, and many more. The skid steer is truly an all-purpose machine with even greater versatility than the TLB, and it’s fast and easy to swap out attachments.
If you’re doing a lot of complex work in a confined space, the skid steer loader is the perfect multi-tool—think of it as the Swiss army knife of heavy machinery. It’s also going to perform better in rugged areas than a tractor, and its lower center of gravity makes the skid steer less prone to rollover.
Summary
Both the compact tractor loader backhoe and the skid steer loader are highly adaptable and powerful machines that offer surprising versatility in a small package. If you anticipate traveling around between job sites performing the same task, we recommend the nimble, hardworking TLB. Meanwhile, we recommend the multitalented skid steer if you’re going to be performing a lot of different tasks within the same area.
Once you’ve figured out which kind of equipment is right for you, the next step is to find the model that best suits your needs. You’ll find a great selection of both compact tractor loader backhoes and skid steer loaders at Magnum Power in Lawson, MO. We’re proud to serve our community as well as our neighbors throughout Clay County and in Kansas City, MO.