ForConstructionPros.com

The gamut of skid steer attachments available borders on an overwhelming amount: planers, breakers, grapples, saws, etc. But just because there are so many to choose from doesn't mean you won't find the one you want. If anything, having so many options allows a contractor to do more with only one skid steer.

"With a loader and planer attachment, bucket and vibratory roller attachment, the contractor can mill out the problem area of asphalt (planer), carry fresh asphalt (bucket) and compact the asphalt (vibratory roller) with one machine," says Justin Odegaard, attachment product specialist for Bobcat.

Not only can attachments help by allowing one machine to do multiple tasks, but they also allow workers to do smaller jobs and work in harder-to-reach places with smaller equipment instead of having to bring in a big machine, possibly risking tearing up the entire road or work area. Using a skid steer and attachment may also decrease the time it takes to complete a job, says Kelly Guthrie, marketing director for Coneqtec/Universal.

Along with the possibility of reduced job time comes the potential of a decrease in prep time because it is fairly easy to fit an attachment to a skid steer. It is common now for the front of a skid steer to be equipped with a universal attachment, or quick attach. (The mounting plate and universal mount hold the attachment on.) This allows contractors the versatility of using attachments on different skid steers no matter what company manufactured the skid steer or the attachment, Guthrie says.

"Basically, on the back of the attachments you have a mounting plate, and as long as the skid steer has a universal mount on it, then you can put just about any attachment on it," he says.