Skid Steer Shootout for 2012

According to Jon Comrie, competency manager for utility products with Volvo Construction Equipment, a single-arm skid steer or compact track loader delivers the loading performance and durability of the traditional design, while improving operator safety, visibility and serviceability. Side-entry/exit of the cab — even with the loader arm lifted — eliminates the need for the operator to climb over a muddy or slippery bucket or attachment, he notes, and once in the cab, there's also no need to make an uncomfortable 180-degree turn in order to sit down.

Visibility is improved around the entire machine, especially to the rear because there’s no torque tube across the rear towers. All service and maintenance points on single-arm loaders are easy and safe to access through a forward-tilting cab and large rear compartment service door.

Comrie says single-arm Volvo skid steers are available with radial and vertical lift options. In either case, the single-arm loader design delivers strength and high-quality performance with a wide range of attachments such as buckets, pallet forks, dozer blades, rakes and more — providing more opportunity for year-round operation.

FAST FACTS:

• Single loader tower arm design makes cab access easier and safer
• Entire cab can be tilted forward by the removal of just two bolts located inside the cab
• Choice of Tier 3 engines 

JCB: New small-platform machines fill market niche

JCB is building upon the success of its New Generation skid steer and compact track loader line with the addition of eight new small-platform machines. These smaller skid models are more maneuverable in tight, confined areas and are easily transported from jobsite to jobsite. They don’t sacrifice power, safety, comfort or productivity, however. According to John Patterson, JCB North America’s CEO and JCB Group deputy chairman, the small platform machines are designed to meet the needs of a growing market.

The 135, 155 and 150T machines feature radial lift, which offers improved digging geometry for heavy loading applications. Because they contain fewer pins and bushings, radial-lift machines perform well in high-cycle applications such as waste, recycling and demolition. The 175, 190, 205, 190T and 205T models offer vertical lift, which provides maximum reach at full height - an important consideration when loading dump trucks, lifting pallets or using an auger attachment.