March/April 2002
They might not be the biggest equipment in a scrap operation, but skid-steers are a must for handling material in tight spaces.
By Susanna Duff
Susanna Duff is a writer based in Washington, D.C.
Skid-steer loaders are the small powerhouses of scrap-handling equipment. With lifting capacities from about 700 to 3,600 pounds, they’re just the ticket in situations where you don’t need the lifting brawn of a wheel loader or crane. Their ability to accommodate a variety of attachments gives skid-steers greater handling versatility than their forklift brethren. And—perhaps most notably—no other machine can perform in tight workspaces like a skid-steer thanks to its ability to turn 360 degrees within its own length.
For these and other reasons, skid-steers are essential tools for certain scrap-handling applications.
Skid-steer loaders have come a long way in terms of operating features and capabilities in their 40-plus-year history. Today, recyclers have their pick of skid-steers from a handful of major manufacturers, seven of which are noted below. With so many choices, how do you choose? These manufacturer profiles—as well as the comments in “Speaking of Skid-Steers” on page 100—can help.
Bobcat Co.
Bobcat Co., which pioneered the skid-steer concept back in 1958, continues to enhance its loaders, currently offering 12 models. Last September, the company introduced the A220 all-wheel steer loader, the first of its kind to offer selectable steering, Bobcat says.
The A220 combines the versatility of a small wheel loader with the tight maneuverability of a skid-steer. The unit offers two steering modes—all-wheel and skid-steer—that can be selected with the flip of a switch in the cab.
Explaining the benefits of dual steering modes, Mike Fitzgerald, a Bobcat product specialist and a member of the A220 design team, says that, in all-wheel mode, the inside wheels turn at a sharper angle and at a slower speed than the outside wheels. This enables the A220 to minimize tire wear and reduce ground disturbance. The skid-steer mode allows operation in confined areas. “It all comes down to return on investment,” Fitzgerald says. “Why buy two machines for a project when you can have one that has the characteristics of both?”
Because the A220 is built with the same mainframe as a Bobcat 863 skid-steer and T200 compact track loader, it offers the same multi-attachment capabilities as those units.
The A220, which has a rated lift capacity of 2,200 pounds, also includes a two-speed travel option, low-effort joystick controls, a low-speed/high-torque “inching” mode, and foot-pedal accelerator.
Bobcat’s 11 other skid-steer models include the 463, 563, 753, 763, 773, 773T, 773TK, 863, 873, 883, and 963, which range in lifting capacity from 700 to 3,000 pounds.
Call 701/241-8700, or visit www.bobcatdealer.com to locate your nearest Bobcat representative.
Case Construction Equipment
Case’s family of skid-steers features three new models—the 40XT, 60XT, and 70XT—plus an enhanced series of the 75XT, 85XT, 90XT, and 95XT. The XT units, which feature a unitized chassis, range in power from 60 to 85 hp and lifting capacities from 1,500 to 3,650 pounds (with counterweight).
The newest XT models include many features based on customer feedback. “They wanted more power and performance, better lift capacity, and greater maneuverability—and that’s what we’re giving them,” says George Mac Intyre, marketing manager.
The 40XT, 60XT, and 70XT replace the Case 1800 Series, including the 1845C. Only 60 inches wide, these XTs can move easily in tight workspaces and navigate narrow openings, Mac Intyre says. Optional Mighty Slim Jim tires for the 60XT and 70XT can make the machines even more compact.
The 40XT delivers more horsepower and more lift capacity than the previous Case 1840. The 60XT boasts 25 percent more horsepower than the 1845C and 1,800 pounds of lift, while the 70XT offers 85 hp and 2,000 pounds of lift.
Newly designed loader arms provide greater reach and lift height, while swing-away excavator-style hand controls make the machines easier to operate and provide easy entry to and exit from the operator’s compartment.
Case offers many new optional features across the entire XT family, including a catalytic muffler that can reduce emissions for working in confined operating areas and a foot-control throttle operation for improved operator control and comfort. Also, a two-way self-leveling feature can prevent material loss while moving the loader arms. (Mechanical self-leveling is standard on the 90XT.)
Other options include ride control for stabilizing loads on rough terrain, which can reduce load or material spillage, and an automatic engine shutdown system that cuts the engine system if operating temperatures or pressures exceed acceptable ranges.
Case’s skid-steers can also take advantage of more than 75 attachment options. A hydraulic-attachment quick-coupler on all XT models makes it possible to drop and switch buckets or attachments directly from the operator’s compartment.
Prices range from $20,000 for the 40XT to $40,000 for the 95XT.
Call 262/636-6011, or visit www.casece.com.
Caterpillar Inc.
Caterpillar makes eight skid-steer loaders, with two new models planned for release by mid-2002. Three current models have high appeal for scrap processors, says Doug Johnston, North American skid-steer sales manager.
One of these models—the 248—offers 74 net hp and boasts hydraulic oil flow of 33 gallons a minute, enabling it to accommodate both standard-flow and high-flow work tools. “If time is of the essence, the high-flow machine is what you’re looking for,” Johnston says. This unit lists for $34,000.
By comparison, Cat’s 246, a standard-flow machine, has a hydraulic oil flow of 22 gallons a minute, though it has the same 74 net hp as the 248. The 246 is the most popular scrap and demolition model since most of the work tools used in those industries—such as hydraulic shears and hammers—are only available in a standard-flow configuration. The 246 sells for about $31,000.
The 236 model, a naturally aspirated diesel loader, delivers 59 net hp and 22 gallons a minute of hydraulic oil flow. It lists for $29,000.
Caterpillar attachments, called Cat Work Tools, are machine-matched to the firm’s skid-steer loaders and carry with them Cat’s reputation for performance, durability, and reliability, Johnston says. Recyclers can choose from more than 30 Work Tools such as hydraulic shears, grapple buckets, and hydraulic hammers. Also, to prevent wear-and-tear in scrap operations, all Cat skid-steers can come with optional solid rubber tires.
Call your local Cat dealer or 309/675-1000, or visit www.cat.com.
John Deere Construction Equipment Co.
With the introduction of the 280 model last fall, John Deere now offers five skid-steer loaders in its 200 Series.
The 90-hp 280 is the largest, providing 3,200 pounds of lifting capacity. Servo steering comes standard, giving greater ease of control, Deere says. A cushioned boom cylinder means smoother operation when the boom moves up or down, while an optional demolition door kit protects the operator from flying debris.
The 240, 250, 260, and 270 models range from 53 to 82 hp and have lifting capacities from 1,500 to 2,600 pounds. Like the 280, their low profile, low center of gravity, and vertical-lift boom path improve truck-loading.
To ensure operator safety, all models come with built-in boom locks, a seat belt interlock system, and automatic parking brake. “If the operator unlatches the seat belt, leaves the seat, or opens the cab door, the parking brake automatically engages and the hydraulic functions lock, which prevents any movement of the machine,” notes Doug Laufenberg, business analyst manager of attachments.
Deere’s loaders can be matched with its Worksite Pro attachments. The company recently started manufacturing its own grapple buckets, giving operators a choice between scrap or tine grapple buckets. Scrap grapples come in four sizes from 66 to 84 inches wide, while tined grapple buckets are available in widths of 72 or 80 inches.
All models have standard large pneumatic tires, though scrap processors can choose between solid or foam-filled tires. Accessories include suspension seats, backup alarms, and hand controls.
Deere skid-steer loaders list from $21,200 to $39,600, not including attachments.
Call 800/503-3373, or visit www.johndeere.com.
Gehl Co.
Gehl, which began building skid-steers in 1973, today offers eight models.
The midsized 35 Series models—such as the 5635 and 6635, which can lift 1,900 and 2,600 pounds, respectively—are well-suited for scrap operations, says Kelly Moore, product manager. Options include a counterweight bumper, scrap grapple bucket, and solid tires.
In addition to offering durability and outstanding performance, Gehl skid-steers enable customers to choose the type of controls they prefer—T-bar hands-only, hands and feet, or dual-hand systems. “We really customize the machine for our customer to suit whatever hand control they’re used to using,” Moore says.
The 35 Series loaders cost from $25,000 to $35,000.
The upper-end 7000 Series loaders—unveiled by Gehl last summer—could appeal to large scrap operations thanks to their lifting capacities from 3,150 to 3,600 pounds and lifting height of nearly 12 feet, the company says.
The 7000 Series units give operators a large cab with more head, shoulder, and leg room as well as a comfortable suspension seat. The high-flow auxiliary hydraulic system—standard on the 7800 and an option on the 7600—delivers 40 gallons a minute to efficiently power the most demanding high-performance attachments.
The 7800 is powered by a 110-hp direct-injection turbodiesel engine and comes equipped with two-speed drive. The 7600 comes with a 90-hp direct-injection naturally aspirated diesel engine, with two-speed drive as an option.
The 7000 Series skid-steers list from $39,000 to $45,000.
Call 262/334-9461, or visit www.gehl.com.
JCB Inc.
Following its new-product launch this January, JCB Inc. now produces four skid-steer loaders for scrap recyclers.
All of the firm’s Robot models have a single loader arm and left-side entrance with a door. “There’s no need to climb over the grapple and over the bucket to get into the machine,” says George Chaney, product marketing manager for compact equipment, boasting that this design makes JCB skid-steers the ultimate in safety and convenience.
The company touts the durability of its units, noting that since it began making skid-steers in 1993, it has offered a lifetime guarantee for its single loader arm, no matter what application. “We put our money where our mouth is,” Chaney says, claiming that JCB hasn’t had to replace a single arm.
The 160 and 170 Robot skid-steers are the smallest in JCB’s lineup. The 160 offers 44 net hp and 1,323 pounds of lifting capacity, while the 170 boasts 47 net hp and 1,543 pounds of lift.
The 190 and 1110 models—introduced in January—offer greater power and lift, with the 190 rated at 80 hp and 1,985 pounds of lifting capacity and the 1110 delivering 92 hp and 2,425 pounds of lift.
True servo controls or conventional mechanical controls are available on all Robots. For the scrap industry, JCB also provides a complete selection of solid and industrial tires. In addition, attachments include grapples, pallet forks, buckets, tines with grapples, and more.
JCB skid-steers are priced from $21,000 to $35,000.
Call 912/447-2000, or visit www.jcbna.com.
New Holland Construction
New Holland makes eight skid-steer loaders, including two radial-lift machines—the LS120 and LS125—with lifting capacities of 700 pounds or less. The other six New Holland skid-steers have a vertical-lift design featuring the firm’s Superboom III and offering lifting capacities from 976 to more than 2,200 pounds.
Last year, New Holland incorporated previously optional accessories into its standard models. The 140 through 190 models, for instance, are equipped with horns, turn signals, and hazard lights. The 160 through 190 models come with a suspension seat, backup alarm, and engine-block heater.
Two speeds and high flow are standard for New Holland’s top-of-the-line model—the LS190, which costs about $40,000 with all options, says Eric Kohout, product manager.
Among their features, New Holland’s skid-steers have components set lower in the machine and have one of the longest wheelbases in the industry. This feature “allows the loader to be more stable over rough terrain and prevents the operator from bouncing around in the cab,” Kohout explains.
The Superboom design on the LS160 through LS190 models has a vertical lift path that allows the machines to lift and move a rated load easily while remaining stable. The vertical travel of the New Holland boom allows the operator to dump into the middle of a high-sided truck or place a load on scaffolding or pallet racking.
New Holland skid-steers offer the widest cab in the industry, the company claims. The LS160 through LS190 cabs have a one-piece shoulder belt and a suspension seat that “allows the operator to operate longer with less abuse to his body,” Kohout says.
The firm’s units also have an operator-restraint system with seat belts—rather than a seat bar—that can fit any operator. As a safety feature, New Holland skid-steers can’t be operated unless the operator is in the seat with the seat belt fastened.
Call 630/260-4000, or visit www.newholland.com/construction.
Speaking of Skid-Steers
Scrap recyclers have strong feelings—both good and bad—about the equipment they use, including skid-steers. Here, several scrap veterans offer some opinions as well as words of advice for other recyclers in the market for this equipment:
Establish Your Priorities. Your search for a skid-steer can be easier if you decide what factors are important to you in the machine. Jerry Colley, nonferrous maintenance manager for OmniSource Corp. (Fort Wayne, Ind.), focuses on reliability, durability, and safety features. “If we spend twice as much and get two to three more years, we’ll do it,” he says. “We want to eliminate as much downtime and cost as we can.” Other processors value a skid-steer’s versatility, particularly its ability to switch attachments quickly, or factors such as operator amenities and ease of access into and out of the cab.
Do Your Homework. Today, the Internet makes it easier than ever to review the strengths of different manufacturers and the features of their products. Sure, this takes some time, but with skid-steer list prices reaching up to $40,000, it’s important to do your homework, Colley suggests.
Consider the Job. Scrap operators should weigh operational issues that could affect their skid-steer decision such as the work environment in which the unit will be used, the type of work it will do, and the materials it will handle, says Marty Davis, president of Midland Davis Corp. (Moline, Ill.), which uses six skid-steer loaders strictly for scrap paper.
The Dealer Difference. Sometimes the manufacturer’s local rep can be the selling point. Davis, for instance, has bought Bobcats for 15 years from the same dealer because the person calls when he has a good buy and gives discounts. Plus, when one of Davis’s skid-steers breaks down, the dealer provides a spare. “If you can’t decide between one machine and another, then the dealer can be the difference,” Davis says.
Be Prepared for Maintenance. Scrap operations are hard on equipment, including skid-steers, which have some specific wear-and-tear issues, says Bill Clay, vice president of operations for Louis Padnos Iron & Metal Co. (Holland, Mich.). In his experience, the two most prevalent problems with skid-steers relate to their ability to turn 360 degrees within their own length, which is hard on the machine, and the fragility of their bucket cylinders, which can snap when operators use them to help lift the front tires.
OmniSource’s Colley adds his own two bits, noting that his firm disconnects the dual-speed function on its skid-steers because that feature is hard on the equipment and shortens its life.•
They might not be the biggest equipment in a scrap operation, but skid-steers are a must for handling material in tight spaces.