When it comes to heavy machinery in construction and landscaping, two names often come up in discussions: the skid steer and the excavator (or digger). Both are powerful tools that serve different purposes on the job site, but understanding their differences and knowing when to use each can significantly impact efficiency and productivity. Let's delve into the comparison between these two machines to help you make an informed decision for your next project.
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An excavator, also known as a digger, is a type of heavy machinery with a hydraulic arm and dozer blade, designed for excavation, landscaping and general ground clearance projects. The hydraulic arm extends for improved digging and usually features rubber or steel tracks to maximise traction with the ground. Excavators are also available with wheels, which are more commonly known as rubber ducks. Wheeled excavators are usually favoured in urban environments where manoeuvring on roads is essential. The dozer blade adds additional stability when digging and can be used for simple ground levelling tasks.
A skid steer is a compact, heavy-duty machine with hydraulic arms, designed for bulk moving and to reduce manual labor. Also known as skid steer loaders or skid loaders, the skidsteer is commonly used across construction and landscaping projects for transporting loose or bulky material. Skid steers run on 4 wheels that can be controlled independently of each other, this allows the operator to manoeuvre in tight spaces with ease. A skid steer is also available with tracks, which is more commonly known as a track loader. The tracks increase ground contact, compared to the wheels, making it ideal for more challenging environments, like uneven or incline surfaces.
When considering versatility, the skid steer stands out for it's ability to handle a wide range of task, from land clearance to material handling, across a range of environments. The general purpose bucket usually seen on a skidsteer allows it to comfortably move large amounts of material with ease. Excavators features a 360-degree cab rotation capability, allowing it to effortlessly access and operate in all directions across the worksite but has limited capabilities when it comes to bulk loading jobs compared to the skid steer.
When comparing size and manoeuvrability, it's important to note that excavators can vary in size dramatically compared to skidsteers. Excavators range from 0.5 ton (1,000 lbs) compact mini diggers suitable for navigating tight spaces, to much larger 30 ton (60,000 lbs) excavators designed for extensive construction projects, and even 100 ton (200,000 lbs) excavators designed for excavating quarries. Skid steer loaders typically ranges from 1 ton up to 5 tons (2,000 lbs up to 10,000 lbs). The compact size of skid steers excel their manoeuvrability, enabling them to turn on a dime.
It's worth noting that skid steers equipped with wheels enable them to travel across asphalt and tarmac without causing damage to the surface. Wheeled excavators or compact mini digger with rubber tracks also have the ability to work on asphalt and tarmac, compared to steel tracked excavators or track loaders that experience limitations in this accessibility due to the risk of surface damage. When it comes to boggy sites, wheeled equipment have accessibility and manoeuvrability issues as the wheels provide less traction. Understanding your terrain and project requirements will help you determine whether the skid steer or excavator is better suited to you.
When comparing digging and lifting capabilities, both the digger and skid steer excel in their own rights. Excavators typically have greater reach and digging depth compared to skid steers, making them ideal for large-scale earthmoving projects. While not as powerful at digging, skid steers make up for it with their lifting capabilities. Equipped with a variety of attachments, including forks and buckets, skid steers can efficiently move heavy materials across sites. While excavators specialise in deep digging and precision work, skid steers offer agility and versatility in lifting tasks, catering to different project requirements.
Choosing between an excavator and skid steer is determined by several factors, including the nature of the project, site constraints, and specific requirements. Here's a summary to help you make the right decision:
Ultimately, the choice between a skid steer and an excavator depends on the specific requirements of your project, the nature of your industry and your budget constraints. Consulting with equipment experts and considering the factors mentioned above will help you make an informed decision that maximizes efficiency and productivity on the job site.
Rhinox offer a whole range of digger buckets, attachments and quick couplers for machines from 0.75 ton micro diggers up to 25 ton excavators. Our full range of products are handcrafted from heavy-duty steel and feature additional layers of steel in areas of high wear for extra protection. With over 20,000 products in stock at one time, you can have your order next working day so you can keep your downtime to a minimum. Shop our full range of products today.