ForConstructionPros.com

Jorge DeHoyos, brand marketing manager for New Holland Construction, adds, "Attachments typically list minimum and maximum flows and pressures. Using the wrong attachment can cause physical damage and premature wear on both the skid steer and attachment. Using a cold planer with a lower than required flow capacity, for example, will lead to premature breakage and wear on the cutting tips. Using an auger that requires more flow than provided will overheat both the attachment and skid steer, since the oil runs through both."

But there are measures other than flow and pressure that can affect hydraulic performance. "Another critical item to check is back pressure of the skid-steer loader," says Hughes. "High back pressure robs performance because the machine is working harder to return the oil to the tank."

The role of rated operating capacity

While hydraulic power plays an important role, lifting capacity must also be considered when determining attachment compatibility. "For example, a backhoe attachment can have a considerable amount of weight, but does not require a large amount of hydraulic flow," says Zupancic. "In addition to making sure that the skid steer is compatible with the attachment flow, the customer also needs to be able to safely carry the attachment around the jobsite on all four wheels."

Rated operating capacity plays an even larger role with attachments designed for lifting. "For example, Bobcat manufactures pallet fork attachments for both small-frame and large-frame skid-steer loaders (up to 3,000-lb. rated operating capacity)," says Fitzgerald. "Obviously, the large-frame skid-steer loader with heavy-duty pallet fork can lift more than the small- or medium-frame skid-steer loaders."

But being able to lift the load is not the only consideration. "Rated operating capacity is not only critical for the skid-steer loader to remain safe and stable while lifting and carrying the attachment, but also to provide adequate down pressure on attachments like cold planers, trenchers, tillers, etc.," says Hughes.