Glossary term
What is Skid steer?
Short answer
A skid steer is a small, powerful loader that moves logs, brush and dirt and can carry attachments such as grapples or grinders.
Skid steer, explained for tree service owners
A skid steer is a compact machine with a bucket or other attachment at the front. It turns by driving the wheels or tracks on each side at different speeds, so it can spin in a tight space. In tree work, it can carry a grapple to pile logs, push brush, load a truck, or run a mulching head for land clearing. Its small size means it fits through a backyard gate on some jobs. Because it can use many attachments, it can be a good fit for companies that also do clearing or firewood work. A tree service owner can compare the buy-or-rent numbers to decide if one is worth it.
Related terms
- Bucket truck
A bucket truck is a truck with a hydraulic boom and a platform that lifts a worker up to the tree, so no climbing is needed.
- Inland marine insurance
Inland marine insurance covers movable equipment, such as chippers, stump grinders and tools, while they are at job sites or in transit.
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