Skid steers and wheel loaders of various types pick up where tractor manure loaders leave off. Whether the job involves moving huge amounts of a bulk commodity, scraping down lots and pens until they’re free of manure, or hooking to attachments to take on grinding up brush or sizing mulch, these tools have found a home on many farms. Many of those farms have livestock operations, but skid steers and wheel loaders have also proven useful in other types of farming operations as well.
One of the big names in skid-steer loaders and construction equipment is Caterpillar. The company introduces a new skid-steer model for 2020. If you need a rugged machine but desire creature comforts, versatility and flexibility, check out this new offering from Caterpillar.
Wheel loaders are featured in this gallery. More and more farms are finding a fit for these unique machines. If you think one might fit your operation, check out these two new models before deciding on which one you wish to buy. They feature some of the latest, most innovative features for this type of machine.
The neat thing about skid steers is that companies have become creative at offering attachments that allow you to do all kinds of tasks with them, besides scraping or hauling manure or moving dirt. Loftness introduces a unit just for skid-steer machines that will prove handy to anyone who has lots of mulch to chop up and turn into a usable form. Like all Loftness equipment, it’s well-built to work for a long time.
Bobcat, another well-recognized name in skid-steer technology, introduces attachments to do specific jobs. Check those out as well. Use the contact information provided to learn more about an individual product that seems like it might hold promise for your operation.
Remember safety when working with skid steers, wheel loaders and skid-steer attachments. The tools offered here are built to the strictest safety standards, but operating this equipment still requires attention to details to keep both the operator and those working with him or her safe.
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<p>Altorfer Cat has refreshed its lineup of skid-steer loaders and compact track loaders with new models. Previously, D3 specifications were only available in the largest 299 models. Now they’re available in every size, with new features like undercarriage improvements for improved stability, increased door opening for ease of entrance, and more legroom. List prices start at $100,000. For more information, contact Altorfer Cat, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at 800-333-5993 or visit <a href="http://cat.com" target="_blank">cat.com</a><em>.</em></p>
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<p>Specifically designed for skid steers, the Battle Ax attachment by Loftness aims to keep the rotor consistently at the right depth, so that operators can quickly forward and reverse mulch. The primary shear bar is adjustable, and it feeds wood into a secondary cutting chamber that discharges remnants on the ground. The 61-inch model is $30,000, and the 71-inch is $32,000. Contact Loftness, Hector, Minn., at 800-828-7624 or visit <a href="http://loftness.com" target="_blank">loftness.com</a><em>.</em></p>
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<p>The RT185 Compact Track Loader from Gehl has a rated operating capacity of 1,850 pounds at 35% tipping load, and 2,643 pounds at 50% tipping load. The machine features an air suspension seat for a smoother ride, and the IdealTrax automatic track tensioning system to keep your machine rolling. The suggested list price is $57,212, with bucket prices starting at $886. Contact Gehl, West Bend, Wis., at 262-334-9461 or visit <a href="http://gehl.com" target="_blank">gehl.com</a><em>.</em></p>
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<p>The Mustang 1050RT is one of the most compact track loaders on the market. Designed to work in smaller spaces, it still has a 1,050-pound-rated operating capacity and features a 109-inch lift height. Power comes from a Yanmar 35-horsepower diesel. This unit also features the IdealTrax automatic track tensioning system. The suggested list price is $38,625, with bucket prices starting at $708. Contact Mustang, West Bend, Wis., at 262-334-9461 or visit <a href="http://mustangmfg.com" target="_blank">mustangmfg.com</a><em>.</em></p>
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<p>The Bob-Dock Attachment Mounting System by Bobcat is designed to provide easy hookup to hydraulic attachments — without having to get off the equipment to move the hoses. Once the operator pulls up to the attachment, there’s a guide pin, which then locks down and makes the hydraulics operational. The system starts at $5,000. Contact Bobcat at 701-361-1182 or visit <a href="http://bobcat.com" target="_blank">bobcat.com</a>.</p>
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<p>The Bobcat Nitrogen Breaker Line, NB150, hits hard surfaces harder to break them up faster, and it is easier to maintain than Bobcat’s old nitrogen breaker. The new line also has a better price point and works well in a rental market. There is a large range of sizes available in this new lineup. The price for the Bobcat nitrogen breakers ranges from $3,000 to $12,000. Contact Bobcat at 701-361-1182 or visit <a href="http://bobcat.com" target="_blank">bobcat.com</a>.</p>