ALL ABOUT JOHN DEERE SKID STEER TRACTORS AND ATTACHMENTS
SMALL, MIGHTY, MULTIPURPOSE.
They're strong. They're versatile. They're easy to maneuver. It's no wonder John Deere Skid Steer tractors have become so popular in construction applications. What exactly are they good for — and which one is best for you? Your John Deere team is here with the answers.
From highways and farms to construction sites and even backyards, it seems like skid machines are everywhere. They're little machines with big possibilities, compact and incredibly useful for so many tasks. Let's take a closer look.
What is a skid steer tractor?
These vehicles sometimes go by multiple names including skid steers, skid machine loaders or compact track loaders, depending on the features of the vehicle. They're a relatively small type of heavy construction equipment with hydraulic lifting arms on each side. One of the things that makes this piece of equipment so useful in construction is its versatility. This comes largely from the different compact equipment attachments that can expand a skid steer's functionality. More on that later.
How do skid tractors operate?
Skid steer tractors can have two tracks (track loaders) or four wheels (wheel loaders). The term "skid" comes from their ability to turn on a dime or "skid" around corners. Yet a skid steer's wheels don't actually turn. Instead, the left and right side wheels work off separate motors, so you can control them independently to make turns.
To turn a skid steer, the operator increases the speed on one side of the machine while turning to the opposite side (e.g., speed up right side wheels to begin a left turn). The wheels on the "turn side" stay at a slower speed, acting like a pivot point. Then the opposite wheels will swing around, or skid, to execute the turn.
What are the advantages of skid steers?
John Deere skid steers are small machines that deliver big results. Here are some key features:
-
- Radial or vertical lift - both designs are optimized to keep the load close for better stability
- Power / torque - for exceptional performance and lifting capacity up to 4200 kg (9,250 lb.) bucket breakout force
- Compact / small - easily maneuver in tight quarters
- Hydraulic boost - higher auxiliary flow rates help you make the most of even more attachments
- Easy to transport - lighter weight plus front & rear tie-downs make it easier to get them to/from job sites
- Longer run times - fuel-efficient diesels and large tanks help you get more done in a day
Compact equipment attachments create the skid steer tractor's incredible versatility
John Deere offers over 100 different compact equipment attachments that make skid steer tractors useful for an extensive range of tasks, including:
-
- Earthmoving / leveling
- Snow removal
- Trenching & pipelaying
- Land maintenance and clearing
- Underground construction
- Road construction
- Demolition and debris removal
- Site & property development
- Landscaping
- Moving mulch, rock and dirt
- Dozing, grinding, excavating
Here are some of the most popular skid steer attachments:
-
- Plate Compactors - for trench-, slope- and excavation-compaction applications
- Bale spears - for loading, carrying, and stacking organic materials for livestock and agriculture
- Rollers - for asphalt patch, foundation, trench and flatwork compaction
- Scrapers - for pushing/scraping mud, light snow or other wet material
- Hydraulic Hammers - for breaking concrete or rock; concrete flatwork; preparing dirt for concrete pads and fencing
- Augers - for compacted soil, heavy clay, asphalt, frozen ground and fractal rock
- Construction Buckets - for moving dirt, gravel, mulch, manure, brush; loosening soil; dirt leveling
How do you choose the right skid steer tractor for the job?
You’ll want to size your skid steer tractor according to the scope of the project. This will help get the work done quickly and cost-effectively. Some factors to consider:
-
- Size of the work space
- Task(s):, such as the amount of weight you need to lift, and how high
- Terrain: wheels are best for harder surfaces
Whether you’re acquiring your first machine or adding to a fleet, there’s a John Deere skid steer tractor that’s perfect for you. Weights range from the smallest skid machine at 2806 kg (6,180 lb.) to our largest model weighing 4660 kg (10,264 lb.). Even our compact skid machine loaders are built to bring the power 48.5 – 88 kW (65 - 118 hp) and performance you need to your jobsite.
Here’s a look at our skid steer models:
| MODEL | RATED OPERATING CAPACITY | GROSS HORSEPOWER | NET HORSEPOWER | OPERATING WEIGHT | LIFT HEIGHT | BUCKET BREAKOUT FORCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
795 kg (1,750 lb.) |
48.5 kW (65 hp) |
45.6 kW (61 hp) |
2806 kg (6,180 lb.) |
2.92 m (115.1 in.)(9 ft. 7 in.) |
1816 kg (4,000 lb.) |
|
|
883 kg (1,945 lb.) |
48.5 kW (65 hp) |
45.6 kW (61 hp) |
2970 kg (6,542 lb.) |
3.07 m (121.0 in.) (10 ft. 1 in.) |
1930 kg (4,250 lb.) |
|
|
994 kg (2,190 lb.) |
51.7 kW (69 hp) |
49.4 kW (66 hp) |
3246 kg (7,150 lb.) |
3.10 m (122.2 in.) (10 ft. 2 in.) |
1905 kg (4,200 lb.) |
|
|
1221 kg (2,690 lb.) |
55.0 kW (74 hp) |
52.5 kW (70 hp) |
3496 kg (7,700 lb.) |
3.20 m (126.0 in.) (10 ft. 6 in.) |
2724 kg (6,000 lb.) |
|
|
1362 kg (3,000 lb.) |
68.0 kW (91.2 hp) |
66 kW (88.5 hp) |
4495 kg (9,900 lb.) |
3.35 m (132.0 in.)(11 ft.0 in.) |
3450 kg (7,600 lb.) |
|
|
1816 kg (4,000 lb.) |
88.0 kW (118.0 hp) |
85.5 kW (114.7 hp) |
4660 kg (10,264 lb.) |
3.35 m (132.0 in.) (11 ft. 0 in.) |
6265 kg (13,800 lb.) |
Every John Deere Skid machines comes with a level of comfort through our full machine standard warranty. We promise to fix any defects in materials or workmanship on our compact equipment for two years after delivery or 2,000 hours. See your local John Deere dealer for complete details.
Ready to add John Deere skid steers to your fleet? Start by contacting your local John Deere dealer for details today or order select models online
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* As of June 1, 2018, applies to purchases of new John Deere skid steers, compact track loaders, compact excavators, and compact wheel loaders from John Deere or authorized John Deere dealers. Warranty expires two years after the delivery receipt date or after 2,000 machine hours, whichever occurs first. Offer valid at participating dealers only. Some restrictions may apply. See your dealer for complete details.
Features and specifications are based on published information at the time of publication. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.