{ "type": "article-standard", "settings": {}, "author": "Simon Blackburn", "blog_id": "", "body_html": "", "created_at": "15.12.2021", "content": "<p>It’s been nearly sixty years since the invention of the skid steer. Today's machines have higher capacity, faster speeds, and longer wheelbases. Skid steers now have improved lifting capabilities, as well as being able to travel up to 16 km/h.</p> <p>Skid steers are workhorses with the power to lift heavy loads – even the average compact skid steer can lift an impressive 860 kg.</p> <p>But with any machine, there is a safe limit to what skid steers can lift. Manufacturers are obliged to offer lift capacity information on each machine.</p> <h4 class="hr-2">Calculating rated capacity</h4> <p>Rated operating capacity (ROC) is the maximum weight the skid steer can lift when the machine is at its weakest possible configuration.</p> <p>It’s a stability measurement and defined is what is considered safe in normal conditions. A tipping load is the amount of weight that would lift the rear tires or tread to a hazardous state - the machine's maximum reach-point in the lift cycle. The tipping weight is generally twice the weight of the rated operating capacity and will vary whether it’s wheeled or tracked.</p> <p>When buying a skid steer, it’s best to buy more lift capacity than the heaviest load you need to shift. A big skid steer can safely lift 2045 kilograms at 50% tipping load and a smaller model might have a rated operating capacity of around 590 kilograms at 50% tipping load.</p> <p>Of course, there’s a higher risk of tipping on uneven ground and lifting shouldn’t take place on slopes.</p> <h4>Lift configurations</h4> <p>There are two different lift configurations for skid steers – radial and vertical - each with its own operating capacity.</p> <p>Vertical lifts are perfect for higher or taller load movements and can access other equipment can’t get to. The vertical lift machine raises straight up. If you are manoeuvring pallets or loading on high-sided trucks, then vertical should be your skid steer of choice. They offer better stability and operating capacity but are more expensive than a radial lift – by up to 15%.</p> <p>Radial lift skid steers are ideal for load movement at lower ground such as moving earth, shifting rocks, unloading a low-lying truck, or doing some site preparation.</p> <p>You can get small, medium, and large framed skid steers with each one. If you are undertaking work at or below eye level, a radial machine is best. For high level work, select a vertical lift skid steer.</p> <h4 class="hr-2">WA owned and operated</h4> <p>Himac Attachments is a leading specialist in quality skid steer machinery attachments. We have an extensive range of models including buckets, grapples, forks, augers, trenchers, rakes, slashers and more. We focus on in-house manufacturing to bring you only the best attachments.</p> <p>Call <a href="tel:1800888114" title="Call Himac Attachments">1800 888 114</a> to discuss your requirements with an experienced team member today.</p>", "excerpt": "Skid steers are workhorses with the power to lift heavy loads – even the average compact skid steer can lift 860 kg. But with any machine, there is a safe limit to what they can lift.", "excerpt_or_content": "Skid steers are workhorses with the power to lift heavy loads – even the average compact skid steer can lift 860 kg. But with any machine, there is a safe limit to what they can lift.", "handle": "the-himac-herald/skid-steer-lift-capacity-explained", "id": "557739737270", "image": { "alt": "Skid Steer Lift Capacity Explained", "src": "//himac.com.au/cdn/shop/articles/himac-attachments-blog-skid-steer-lift-capacity-explained_1x1.jpg?v=1643180134" }, "published_at": "08.09.2021", "summary_html": "", "tags": [ "capacity", "earthmoving equipment", "rated operating", "safety", "skid steer" ], "template_suffix": "", "title": "Skid Steer Lift Capacity Explained", "updated_at": "2023-09-04 15:39:30 +0800", "user_id": "", "next_article": "", "previous_article": "" }