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This sentiment is shared by the other manufacturers sourced for this article. And over the past decade, these manufacturers have tried to style their skid steers to meet their customers’ needs. So, what have been the driving trends for skid-steer development over the past 10 years?

Comfort = productivity

The biggest trend in skid steers over the last 10 years can be summed up in two words: operator comfort. With increased comfort, comes more productivity. So contractors are eager to make their operators as comfortable as possible.

“Most skid steer owners have realized that they will have more productive workers with a more comfortable cab,” says December.

Manufacturers offer many options to increase cab comfort. These include a range of choices, such as enclosed cabs, heat and air conditioning, suspension seats, sound-reduction packages or deluxe instrumentation.

“Technology has helped provide enhancements such as deluxe instrument panels that display in multiple languages and keyless start systems for increased security,” says Rostberg. “Options like the keyless start allow rental store owners to lower their insurance premiums. With the growing number of Hispanic operators, rental customers can also appreciate features such as the Bobcat deluxe instrument panel that communicates vital functions and warnings in Spanish, as well as six other languages.”