What is a skid steer good at?
A skid steer steers by driving the wheels or tracks on each side at different speeds, which lets it pivot in its own footprint. That makes it excellent in barns, pens and tight yards where a tractor cannot turn.
It handles bedding, manure, feed, gravel, pallets and light digging, and it accepts many attachments through a common mounting plate. It is less suited to long hauls and soft turf, where it can tear up the ground.
Tracked machines are gentler on turf but cost more, and wheeled machines are lighter on the budget but harder on soft ground. Consider your surfaces before deciding.
How does the operator compartment keep you safe?
Most skid steers have a cab with a lift arm lock or restraint bar, a seat belt and an overhead structure. These systems keep you inside the protected zone and prevent the arms from dropping. Use all of them every time.
Never bypass interlocks and never climb out with the arms raised. Enter and exit the way the manual shows, and keep your hands and feet inside the cab while the machine is operating.
- Fasten the seat belt and lower the restraint bar before starting
- Keep arms and body inside the cab
- Lower the arms and bucket and shut off the engine before leaving
- Never allow riders
- Keep bystanders well outside the working radius
What are the main hazards?
Blind spots are significant. The operator often cannot see people, especially children, behind or beside the machine. Always know where others are, and use a spotter when working near people or livestock.
Tipping is another risk. Raising a heavy load high, turning on a slope or driving over a ditch can roll the machine. Carry loads low and stay off steep ground.
Cabs can be enclosed or open, and each type has its own entry rules. Learn the exit procedure for your machine in case the primary door is blocked.
Which attachments matter most?
The bucket comes standard with most machines. Pallet forks, bale spears, grapples, augers and sweepers are common additions. Each has a rated capacity, and the attachment, the machine and the quick-attach system all have to agree.
Check that locking pins or levers are fully engaged before every lift. Never use an attachment for a task it was not built for, and read the manufacturer's guidance on rated lift.
Hydraulic flow and lift ratings affect which attachments work well. Ask the dealer to confirm that an attachment will match your machine before buying.
Should you buy, rent or hire the work?
A skid steer is a big purchase and may sit unused for much of the year. Many small farms rent for a weekend or hire a contractor for a defined job. Compare the cost of renting against the cost of owning, including storage, insurance and maintenance.
If you rent, ask for an operating demonstration and read the manual. Do not skip the orientation even if you have used a tractor. The controls and handling are quite different.
- Compare rental cost against owning
- Ask what damage the renter is responsible for
- Confirm the machine comes with its manual
- Ask for an orientation before you start
How do you maintain one?
Daily checks cover fluids, tires or tracks, hoses, pins and the lift arm lock. The manual lists grease points, filter intervals and chain case or drive service. Dust and debris cling to radiators and engine bays, so clean them often.
Pay attention to hydraulics and tires. Replace damaged tires or inspect tracks. A trained mechanic should handle any repair involving the lift arm or stored hydraulic pressure.
Keep fire extinguisher access in the cab, since dust and chaff can collect near hot engine parts.
- Check fluids and tires or tracks
- Clean radiator and engine bay
- Grease pins and pivots
- Test the lift arm lock and restraint bar
How do you learn to operate one?
Practice with an empty bucket in an open, level area. Learn how the machine responds to each lever and pedal and how fast it turns. Smooth movements protect both the operator and the equipment.
Ask your equipment dealer, rental center or extension office about operator training, and check with your insurer about any requirements for coverage.
Never carry a person in the bucket or on the forks, and do not lift a load over people.
Key takeaways
- Use the seat belt, restraint bar and lift arm lock every time.
- Watch for blind spots and keep bystanders out of the work area.
- Carry loads low and avoid slopes and ditches.
- Match attachments to the machine's capacity and lock them in.
- Rent or hire out occasional jobs instead of owning idle equipment.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.