Skid Steer Types Explained – Attachments & Lift Paths

The right skid steer can accelerate jobsite productivity—while the wrong one drains fuel, labor, and uptime. From radial-lift compact models to vertical-lift heavy-duty units, each skid steer type serves distinct operational needs. Whether you’re grading, trenching, or hauling in tight quarters or uneven terrain, selecting the right machine depends on understanding lift geometry, hydraulic power, and attachment compatibility.

This expert guide breaks down key differences in skid steer types so you can align equipment investment with output, precision, and jobsite ROI—fast:

The main types of skid steers include radial lift skid steers, vertical lift skid steers, compact skid steers, and large-frame skid steers. Radial lift models excel at ground-level work. Vertical lift models handle higher loads. Compact skid steers fit tight spaces, while large-frame models offer more power and capacity.

What Makes a Skid Steer a Skid Steer?

Before we dive into the dating pool of skid steer options, let’s establish what we’re actually talking about.

A skid steer loader is essentially a compact machine with a rigid frame, lift arms, and a universal attachment plate that makes it the equipment world’s version of a smartphone – the base is great, but it’s the apps (or in this case, attachments) that really unlock its potential.

The “skid” in the name comes from its unique steering method. Unlike your pickup truck, a skid steer’s wheels or tracks on each side are mechanically linked and operated independently. To turn, you increase speed on one side relative to the other, causing the fixed wheels or tracks to literally skid across the ground. This gives you that magical zero-radius turn capability that lets you pivot within the machine’s own footprint.

This design was born from humble beginnings – the Keller brothers created the first one in 1957 to help clean turkey barns, of all things. From those practical farm roots, the skid steer has evolved into the tech-forward, hydraulic-powered multitasker we see today.

Types of Skid Steers

Not all skid steers are created equal. The main divisions come down to three key factors:

Lift Path: The Radial vs. Vertical Showdown

This is the fundamental choice that dictates how your machine handles loads, and it’s all about the geometry of those lift arms.

flowchart TD
    A[Skid Steer Lift Paths] --> B[Radial Lift]
    A --> C[Vertical Lift]
    
    B --> D["Single pivot point
    Arc motion path
    Maximum reach at mid-height"]
    
    C --> E["Multi-pivot linkage
    Nearly straight up/down path
    Maximum reach at full height"]
    
    D --> F["BEST FOR:
    • Digging/grading
    • Loading flatbeds
    • Ground-level work
    • Lower maintenance cost"]
    
    E --> G["BEST FOR:
    • Loading high trucks
    • Stacking at height
    • Material handling
    • Maximum stability at height"]
    
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style B fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    style C fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    style D fill:#ddf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    style E fill:#ddf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    style F fill:#efe,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    style G fill:#efe,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px

Radial Lift models use a simpler design with a single pivot point. As you raise the arms, the attachment follows an outward arc – moving up and away from the machine before curving back slightly at the top.

Think of radial lift as your ground-level specialist. It excels at:

• Tasks below eye level
• Digging and prying (more leverage at lower heights)
• Loading onto flatbed trucks (maximum reach at mid-range heights)
• Grading, dozing, and backfilling

The simpler linkage also means better visibility, fewer moving parts, and potentially less maintenance headaches. The trade-off? Your reach significantly decreases at full height.

Vertical Lift machines use a more complex linkage system with multiple pivot points. This creates a nearly straight up-and-down path that keeps loads closer to the machine throughout the lift cycle.

Vertical lift shines when you need to:

• Load high-sided dump trucks or feed mixers
• Stack pallets or materials at height
• Lift heavy loads to maximum height with stability
• Maximize your reach at full extension

The more complex design usually means a higher price tag and potentially more maintenance points, but the payoff is stability and reach where you need it most – at the top of the lift cycle.

Choosing between these isn’t about which is “better” – it’s about understanding where you need maximum reach and force in your specific applications.

Locomotion: Wheels vs. Tracks

Your second major decision involves how the machine moves across the ground, and this choice can make or break your productivity depending on your typical job sites.

Wheeled Skid Steers (SSL) run on four rubber tires and are the original skid steer design.

They’re in their element when:

• Operating on concrete, asphalt, or compacted surfaces
• You need faster travel speeds (up to 12 mph)
• Tight, quick maneuvering is essential
• Budget and maintenance costs are primary concerns
• Working on snow-covered pavement

The drawback? Their higher ground pressure makes them prone to sinking in soft conditions and potentially damaging sensitive turf.

Compact Track Loaders (CTL) use continuous rubber tracks mounted on an undercarriage system. While technically distinct, they share the same skid-steer steering principle and attachment versatility.

These tracked machines excel at:

• Working on soft, uneven, wet, muddy, or sandy terrain
• Operating on slopes or slippery surfaces
• Minimizing ground disturbance (perfect for landscapers)
• Providing superior flotation to prevent sinking
• Delivering higher pushing power and stability

The trade-offs include higher purchase and maintenance costs (those tracks and undercarriage components aren’t cheap), slower travel speeds, and accelerated wear when used extensively on hard or abrasive surfaces.

Size Classes: Small, Medium, and Large Frames

The third major classification comes down to size and capacity, which determines what you can actually lift and how much power you have at your disposal.

flowchart TD
    A[Size Classification by Frame and Power] --> B{What is the Rated Operating Capacity and Horsepower?}

    B -- "Under 1,750 lbs & Under 55 HP" --> C[Small Frame]
    C --> C1[Interior Demolition]
    C --> C2[Tight Residential Landscaping Jobs]
    C --> C3[Underground Construction]
    C --> C4[Navigating Narrow Pathways]
    C --> C5[Easy Transport Between Sites]

    B -- "1,750–2,200 lbs & 50–70 HP" --> D[Medium Frame]
    D --> D1[General Construction]
    D --> D2[Landscaping Work]
    D --> D3[Agricultural Tasks]

    B -- "Over 2,200 lbs & Over 70 HP" --> E[Large Frame]
    E --> E1[Large-Scale Excavation]
    E --> E2[Heavy Demolition]
    E --> E3[Road Construction]
    E --> E4[Power-Hungry Hydraulic Attachments]

Small Frame models (typically under 1,750 lbs Rated Operating Capacity and under 55 HP) are the nimble specialists. They’re perfect for:

• Interior demolition
• Tight residential landscaping jobs
• Underground construction
• Navigating narrow pathways
• Easy transport between sites

Medium Frame machines (generally 1,750-2,200 lbs ROC and 50-70 HP) are the flexible all-rounders that make up the most common size category. They offer a balanced mix of power, lift capacity, and maneuverability for general construction, landscaping, and agricultural work.

Large Frame beasts (exceeding 2,200 lbs ROC and over 70 HP) are built for heavy-duty applications. These powerhouses handle:

• Large-scale excavation
• Heavy demolition
• Road construction
• Power-hungry hydraulic attachments like large cold planers or mulchers

Key Features That Actually Matter

When comparing machines, these are the specifications that should influence your decision:

Rated Operating Capacity (ROC) & Tipping Load: This is the maximum weight the machine can safely lift without tipping over. For skid steers, ROC is typically calculated as 50% of the tipping load (35% for CTLs). Exceeding this isn’t just inefficient – it’s dangerous.

Lift Height & Reach: Consider both the maximum vertical distance (hinge pin height) and the horizontal distance the attachment can extend. Remember that vertical lift models typically offer greater maximum height and better reach at full extension, while radial lift machines provide superior forward reach at mid-range heights.

Maneuverability: While all skid steers offer zero-radius turning, wheeled models generally execute these tight turns more quickly on hard surfaces. CTLs share the same steering principle but may require wider, arcing turns to minimize track wear.

Ground Pressure: This measures how much the machine’s weight is concentrated on the ground. Wheeled SSLs have higher ground pressure (35-45 psi) which can cause them to sink or damage soft surfaces. CTLs distribute weight across the tracks, resulting in significantly lower ground pressure (4-6 psi).

Attachment Compatibility & Hydraulics: This is where many buyers make their biggest mistake. Your machine’s ability to power various attachments depends on its hydraulic system – specifically flow rate (gpm) and pressure (psi).

Standard flow systems (typically 11-30 gpm) handle basic attachments like buckets, forks, and grapples. High-flow systems (often 30-50+ gpm) are required for power-hungry attachments like cold planers, large mulchers, and heavy-duty brush cutters.

Mismatching attachment requirements with your machine’s hydraulic output is like buying a sports car with a lawnmower engine – technically functional but nowhere near optimal.

Why Skid Steers Earn Their Keep

What makes these machines such popular investments across multiple industries?

The most significant benefit is versatility. With the right attachments, a single skid steer can dig, grade, load, lift, sweep, auger, break concrete, remove snow, mow, mulch, and more. This versatility is only limited by your attachment selection and the machine’s hydraulic capacity to run them effectively.

Their compact size and zero-radius turning capability allow them to work in confined spaces where larger equipment simply can’t fit. This makes them invaluable for interior demolition, residential work, or tight urban job sites.

And compared to larger equipment, they offer lower purchase prices, reduced operating costs, and easier transport between jobs.

Real-World Skid Steer Applications: What’s Your Use Case?

The right skid steer depends entirely on your most common tasks:

Construction

Construction operations typically benefit from vertical lift models for loading trucks, large frames for demolition work, and SSLs for interior work on finished floors. Exterior sitework, especially in muddy conditions, often favors CTLs.

Landscaping

Landscaping professionals generally prefer radial lift for ground-level work and CTLs to minimize turf damage. Small or medium frames usually provide sufficient capacity while maintaining the maneuverability needed for residential properties.

Agriculture

Agriculture applications often favor vertical lift machines for stacking bales high or loading tall feeders/mixers, while CTLs provide essential traction in muddy farm environments.

Demolition

Demolition work typically requires large-frame models with high-flow hydraulics for breakers, with SSLs preferred for interior demolition and CTLs better suited for debris-covered ground.

Snow Removal

Snow removal contractors generally prefer the superior traction of CTLs, especially when paired with high-flow hydraulics for powerful snow blowers.

Before You Buy or Rent: The Decision Checklist

Answer these questions before making your final decision:

1. What are your primary tasks? This drives your choice between radial and vertical lift.
2. What weight and height do you typically need to lift? This determines your necessary size class.
3. What surfaces will you operate on most often? This guides the wheels vs. tracks decision.
4. What attachments will you use regularly? Make sure your machine has the hydraulic capacity to power them effectively.
5. What’s your total budget? Consider not just purchase price but fuel consumption, transportation, and expected maintenance costs (CTLs and vertical lift models generally cost more to maintain than SSLs and radial lift machines).
6. How experienced are your operators? Complex features may require additional training.

The selection process inevitably involves trade-offs. A contractor might need a CTL’s traction for muddy sites but must weigh that against higher purchase and maintenance costs. Similarly, choosing between radial and vertical lift requires prioritizing digging force versus loading height.

Safety First, Last, and Always

Operating a skid steer requires diligence. These machines are powerful but potentially dangerous if misused.

Essential safety guidelines include:

• Ensure proper training for all operators
• Perform thorough pre-operation inspections
• Enter and exit only with the attachment lowered to the ground
• Always wear the seatbelt and keep restraint bars in place
• Keep all body parts inside the cab during operation
• Never exceed the machine’s rated capacity
• Transport loads low to the ground
• Maintain awareness of surroundings and blind spots
• Never modify or bypass safety devices
• Follow proper maintenance procedures

The Valuation Perspective: How Your Skid Steer Choice Impacts Long-Term Equipment Value

Most equipment guides talk about purchase price, but nobody’s connecting the dots between your selection decisions and long-term equipment value like we can. After appraising thousands of skid steers across their lifecycle, we’ve noticed clear patterns in value retention that directly connect to the choices outlined in this guide:

• Lift path investment returns differ by industry – In construction, vertical lift models typically command 15-20% higher resale values than comparable radial units, while in agriculture, the premium shrinks to just 5-7% due to different usage patterns.
• The CTL vs. SSL value equation – Tracked models cost more upfront, but our appraisal data shows they typically retain 8-12% more value at the 5-year mark when operated on appropriate terrain. However, CTLs run primarily on concrete show accelerated undercarriage wear that can slash valuation by up to 25%.
• Size class market dynamics – Medium-frame machines consistently show the strongest ROI with 60-65% value retention at 3 years, compared to 45-50% for large frames and 55-60% for small frames – mainly due to their versatility and broader demand pool.

When you’re evaluating options, remember that your skid steer is both a productivity tool and a depreciating asset. The selection factors with the greatest impact on future appraisal values are hydraulic system specs, frame hours-to-component-replacement ratios, and attachment compatibility with current market demands.

The Bottom Line

Let’s face it – the “perfect skid steer” is like Bigfoot. Lots of people claim they’ve seen it, but it doesn’t actually exist. What does exist is the perfect skid steer for your specific operation.

Here’s the reality: that shiny vertical-lift CTL with all the bells and whistles might be completely wrong for your needs, while your competitor’s beat-up radial-lift SSL could be the ideal match for their work. The magic happens when you match the machine to your actual job requirements – not what the sales guy is pushing this month.

Your opportunity is in the details. Get the hydraulics right (because an underpowered system is the equipment equivalent of bringing a knife to a gunfight), be honest about your terrain conditions, and prioritize the lift path that matches what you actually do daily, not what you might do someday.

The path forward? Choose based on facts, not feelings. Run the numbers on total ownership costs, not just the sticker price. And remember – the attachment mounting plate is there for a reason. Budget for the right attachments from the start, operate like safety actually matters (because it does), and you’ll understand why these machines have become the Swiss Army knives of the equipment world.

FAQ