What Does a Skid Steer Weigh?

A skid steer, also called a skid loader or skid steer loader, features four fixed wheels. The wheels have separate transmissions on the left and right sides which drivers operate at different speeds to make the loader turn. This creates the skidding motion that inspired the term “skid steer.”

Compact track loaders, also called tracked skid steers, do work that’s similar to skid steers but have tracks (or treads) instead of wheels. Tracked skid steers are preferable for muddy or snowy conditions or uneven terrain, while “wheeled skid steers” are better for flatter, paved or hard surfaces.

Skid steers are used for the following jobs:

• Grading and leveling
• Excavation and trenching
• Landscaping and property improvements
• Construction and light demolition
• Snow and debris removal
• Farming

Skid steers are designed to be used with different attachments, including buckets, augers, pallet forks and trenchers.

Consider these additional factors when choosing a skid steer:

• Choose skid steers with high hydraulic flow if you plan to use multiple attachments.
• Choose large skid steers with high horsepower and torque for moving rocks and other heavy loads.
• Vertical lift skid steers are better for loading trucks and lifting heavy loads over the height of the skid steer.
• Radial lift skid steers are better for digging, grading and other ground-level tasks.

Pro Tip: Use our skid steer rental services and choose different sizes and models from our fleet.

When renting a skid steer, knowing the weight will help you determine the size of the truck and trailer you need for transportation. Different types of skid steers have different weights based on their make, model and size. How much a skid steer weighs can also vary if it is designed with rollover protection structures (ROPS).

Most common skid steers have average weight of 7,500 lb., but can weigh within a range of 1,500 and 12,000 lb.

When determining the weight of your skid steer, be sure to include the weight of any attachments you’ll need, which can increase the total by hundreds if not thousands of pounds.

When choosing a vehicle for towing a skid steer, determine its towing capacity. Half-ton trucks with matching trailers have capacity for smaller and mid-size skid steers. Three-quarter ton trucks will be better-suited for large-frame skid steers.

Skid steers are designed with counterweights that allow them to lift up to one-third the machine’s own weight. This keeps them balanced when doing heavy work like lifting dirt, gravel or debris with the bucket.

All units have a rated operating capacity (ROC), which indicates the recommended weight the skid steer can safely lift. The ROC is usually a fraction of the machine’s tipping load, or the point at which the loader will lose balance when lifting a heavy object.

There are different ROCs and recommended uses of the skid steers based on the size of their frames:

• Small-frame skid steers have ROC of up to 1,750 lb. and are less than 50 horsepower. Lighter and more maneuverable, these are best for landscaping and residential jobs.
• Medium-frame skid steers have ROC between 1,750-2,200 lb. and are 50-70 horsepower. These are effective for mid-size digging and construction, especially at locations unsuitable for standard backhoes.
• Large-frame skid steers have ROC of more than 2,200 lb. and are more than 70 horsepower. They are best suited for larger jobs, including commercial demolition and excavation.

Follow these tips for safely using a skid steer.

• Observe all safety precautions when operating a skid steer. Do not operate a skid steer on unstable ground.
• Avoid turning, loading or unloading the skid steer on uneven ground to prevent tipping.
• Drive the skid steer vertically up and down slopes. Driving horizontally across a slope can risk tipping the skid steer over.
• Keep the bucket at the lowest possible position when turning or traveling.

Be more competitive and boost your bottom line with Pro Xtra, The Home Depot’s free loyalty program built for Pros. Sign up today to access the enhanced Pro Online Experience, built with the online business tools and time-saving features Pros need.