ForConstructionPros.com

Of course, there is more to rated operating capacity than the stance of the machine. "Extended wheelbases contribute to additional lift capacity, but there are other factors that also contribute," says Zupancic. "For example, total machine weight and the geometry of the boom design can also contribute to increased lifting capacities."

Check compatibility

Not all skid-steer attachments are compatible with every make of skid steer. One example is the recent introduction of undercarriage kits that convert skid steers to compact track loaders. Before installing a tracked undercarriage conversion kit, be sure to check whether the manufacturer of your particular skid steer approves their use to avoid voiding the machine warranty.

Certain attachments also place greater stress on the machine. "Hammers and cold planers typically place the greatest demand on a skid-steer loader," says Hughes. "The hammer is constantly pounding and all of that energy is transferred to the skid-steer loader. A cold planer, as it grinds up pavement, has similar characteristics. That's why those attachments are recommended for use on higher-capacity skid steers, which are engineered to withstand the abuse the attachments dish out through their everyday use."

Keep it cool

Heat is the enemy of any hydraulic system. "Any attachment that creates excessive heat can be detrimental to the hydraulic components of a skid steer," says Zupancic. "For any attachment operating in abnormal or abrasive conditions, it is critical that the [rental business] and the dealer are communicating with the manufacturer of both the skid steer and the attachment to make sure the units will perform and be reliable. In some cases, additional cooling or a custom debris package may be needed to run an extreme attachment."

Some manufacturers offer optional oil cooling packages to address this issue. "John Deere machines provide industry leading cooling capabilities for 95 percent of attachments. However, there is a custom cooling package, which can be installed at the dealer level in conjunction with John Deere Product Support, that will provide extreme attachment application cooling," says Zupancic.