Why Your Farm Needs a Skid Steer: 5 Benefits of the Skid Steer Loader

Bobcat skid steer loaders are powerful, compact machines that are especially suited to moving dirt. You may see these handy machines hard at work on job sites of landscaping projects, however, they are also extremely useful for your local farm. Farm work demands flexibility throughout the working day. A typical morning can move from bale handling to yard cleaning to scraping down concrete surfaces — tasks that traditionally required separate machines or significant manual effort. Skid steers are compact, powerful, and versatile; allowing you to get farm work done easier.

1. Versatile

Skid Steers are incredibly versatile, and can be used for most jobs around the farm. They have a low center of gravity, so these machines can haul heavy loads while remaining stable over challenging terrains. What makes these loaders so popular with agriculturalists is the sheer range of attachments.

A skid-steer loader fitted with bale forks handles round and square bales confidently, and a bucket attachment shifts manure and soiled bedding between areas. A post-hole auger tackles fence and gate post installation without requiring a separate dedicated machine. The Bobcat Bob-Tach™ mounting system allows operators to swap between these attachments without leaving the cab, so the machine adapts to whatever the working day demands. With these diverse attachments, the skid steer is multiple machines in one.

2. Compact Design

One of the biggest advantage of a skid steer is its compact design. At just under 3 foot wide, the S70, the smallest of Bobcat’s skid steers, is perfect for tight spots. It’s the perfect loader whenever the job is too big for a shovel or the space is too small for a larger machine. Thanks to zero-radius turning (i.e. it can pivot within its own width) it can twist, turn, and reposition itself with surgical precision where larger machines could not. Surface damage is also minimised through the machine’s small scale and weight.

This compact design makes the skid steer easier to work, store, and transport.

3. Optimised Control & Comfort

The Bobcat Pro Skid Steers like the S86 have optimsed ergonomic controls, and have been designed for your comfort. All pro-models feature advanced drive modes, 8-inch touch display, and a more refined cab. The pro models possess in-machine cooling, helping them to maintain consistent performance during demanding work and heavy-duty attachment use.

4. Easy Maintenance & Reliability

Farm equipment needs to work hard every day with minimal downtime, and skid steers are built with that in mind. Bobcat machines are designed for durability and straightforward maintenance, helping farmers keep operations running smoothly throughout the year. Daily service points are easy to access, making routine checks and maintenance quicker and more convenient. WIth proper maintenance, a skid steer can provide reliable performance season after season.

5. Cost & Energy Efficient

From initial purchase to long-term ownership, a skid steer provides an economic advantage. As one machine can perform several tasks, you’ll need fewer machines. Plus, there’ll be lower fuel use and simpler transport costs. Hence, investing in a skid steer can provide a higher return on investment (ROI) due to its versatility and lower downtime.

These loaders are also a smarter environmental choice. With reduced fuel consumption contributes to a smaller environmental footprint, aligning with sustainability goals and regulations. 

Explore the Bobcat Skid Steer range today

FAQS

Do I need a Track or a Wheeled loader?

You need to consider what environment you’re likely to be using the skid steer. If it is on mud or uneven ground, a tracked skid steer will provide superior grip and stability. Whereas you’re most likely to operate on firm ground, wheeled skid steers provide excellent speed and reduced ground wear. They tend to be more cost-effective, too.

Is a skid-steer loader suitable for wet or muddy farm conditions?

Skid-steer loaders on standard tyres perform well on firm and semi-firm yard surfaces and compacted ground. In consistently wet or soft field conditions, a Compact Track loader offers better flotation and lower ground pressure distribution.

What’s new with Bobcat Pro skid-steer loader models?

Bobcat Pro SSL models represent a major advancement in performance, control, and integrated technology as part of the Bobcat Loader Evolution. These machines are designed to deliver a more refined and responsive operating experience, with upgraded systems that improve how the loader performs, adapts, and supports the operator on site.

Key updates include: 

• A redesigned electrical system to enhance reliability and uptime  
• Precision control software with multiple selectable drive modes 
• Improved joystick responsiveness for more tailored machine handling