Home > Rental Equipment Blog > Is There a Difference Between a Bobcat and a Skid Steer?

Is There a Difference Between a Bobcat and a Skid Steer?A skid loader, also known as a skid steer, is a compact piece of equipment used for excavating. It also has the ability to pull, push and lift materials. It is more maneuverable and lighter than a tractor front loader, and is typically used in landscaping and construction work.

Skid Steer- Skid steers come in various sizes. Load capacity increases as the size increases. A skid steer has a load capacity of anything from 800 pounds to over 2 tons.

Bobcat- Bobcat is a brand of skid steer, so the answer to the question posed at the beginning of this article is: There’s no difference between a Bobcat and a skid steer!

Attachments- Skid steers have many attachment options (Bobcats offer more than 70), including augers, brooms, hammers, forks, backhoes and buckets of various shapes and sizes. These allow the machine to perform a multitude of tasks.

Safety- Entrapment hazards can happen to operators when they try to maneuver levers and controls from outside the skid loader’s protective frame, or from misunderstandings in communication between the operator and helpers. Many arms, hands, legs and feet have had to be amputated because of a crushing injury occurring when the bucket or lift arms move unexpectedly. Always ensure the following:

  1. Never lift, swing or move a load over anyone’s head or body
  2. To park safely, lower the bucket
  3. Never exceed the operating capacity of a skid steer or Bobcat
  4. For mounting and dismounting, use the 3-point method (keep both hands and one foot or one hand and both feet in contact with the skid steer at all times)
  5. Use the restraint bar or wear the seatbelt
  6. Keep all protective structures in place

 

Need to rent a skid steer in Statesville NC? Contact us at Eagle Rentals. Whatever projects you are undertaking, Eagle Rentals has the needed equipment rentals available to make your job easier and more efficient. Give us a call today!