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"agriculture",
"australia",
"breakout force",
"capacity",
"construction",
"construction equipment",
"digital marketing",
"earthmoving equipment",
"earthworks",
"efficiency",
"excavator",
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"skid steer buckets",
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"tips",
"tractor",
"wheel loaders",
"winter"
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"title": "The Himac Herald",
"url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald",
"description": "<p>Whether you're into earthmoving or agriculture, Himac publish regular handy hints and machinery information in '<strong>The Himac Herald</strong>'.</p>",
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"author": "Simon Blackburn",
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"content": "<h4 class="mt-0">Wait, what is a Skid Steer again?</h4>
<p>If you're entirely new here or have mysteriously forgotten since our previous blogs, let's clarify what a skid steer is. Many people call all skid steers bobcats even though it's just a brand name for skid steers! It may help by telling you that it's just a bobcat. </p>
<p>But if that still doesn't help, a skid steer is a machine often used in landscaping, construction, and agriculture for digging. They're light and small, making them easy to manoeuvre, but only when travelling forwards and backwards. It can be a little trickier when attempting to turn, and this is how they got their name.</p>
<p>The only way to turn a skid steer is to increase speed on a single side which makes the wheels or tracks on that side skid and turn the machine, hence skid steer.</p>
<h4>Can a Skid Steer go down slopes?</h4>
<p>Simply put… preferably no.</p>
<p>But if necessary, yes.</p>
<h4>How steep can a Skid Steer go down a slope?</h4>
<p>Great question. The safe answer is to check your operator's manual. But if we want to generalise, it's typically limited to 30 degrees or a little steeper than a 2:1 slope.</p>
<h4>Any tips if it does have to go down a slope?</h4>
<p>If you do need to manoeuvre your skid steer down a slope of no more than 30 degrees, then there are a few things you should note beforehand.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong> Keep the heavy end pointed uphill</strong></li>
<ul>
<li>If the bucket is empty, then this is the back of the machine, but if the bucket is full, this is the front of the machine.</li>
</ul>
<li><strong> Don't go too fast</strong></li>
<ul>
<li>Speed is important to control the movement of the machine, so stick to a safe pace for the conditions and try to keep it smooth, avoiding any sudden jerks</li>
</ul>
<li><strong> Attachments</strong></li>
<ul>
<li>Consider whether the slope is manageable depending on the attachment. Different attachments impact the machine's centre of gravity and manoeuvrability</li>
</ul>
<li><strong> Experience</strong></li>
<ul>
<li>Pretty simple, but have the operator most experienced with the machine take over as they'll understand the unique quirks of the machine itself and its capabilities</li>
</ul>
</ul>
One final point… be sure to do a safety check on the machine before completing any risky movement for both the safety of the operator and the machine as you don't want to do any unnecessary damage to it due to a little wear and tear issue that wasn't picked up!",
"created_at": "2022-10-25 10:30:53 +0800",
"excerpt": "If you do need to manoeuvre your skid steer down a slope of no more than 30 degrees, then there are a few things you should note beforehand.",
"excerpt_or_content": "<meta charset="utf-8"><span>If you do need to manoeuvre your skid steer down a slope of no more than 30 degrees, then there are a few things you should note beforehand.</span>",
"handle": "the-himac-herald/how-steep-can-a-skid-steer-go",
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"published_at": "2022-09-28 10:30:00 +0800",
"tags": [
"construction equipment",
"earthmoving equipment",
"operation",
"safety",
"skid steer"
],
"title": "How Steep Can a Skid Steer Go?",
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"content": "<h4 class="mt-0">What is a Wheel Loader?</h4>
<p>A wheel loader is a strong piece of heavy equipment commonly found on construction sites. The machine is very versatile but is typically utilised to scoop material (soil, dirt, gravel, pallets, and more) for transport into trucks or around the job site. Like most machines, they come in small/compact, mid-sized and large. Overall, wheel loaders are larger and more powerful than skid steers, so they are perfect for big jobs.</p>
<p>Picture a bulldozer with a tractor-like cab, wheels and a very large bucket, and you’ve got a wheel loader!</p>
<h4>Is a Wheel Loader the same as a Bulldozer or Front Loader?</h4>
<p>Wheel loaders go by many different names, including skip loaders, bucket loaders and scoop loaders; front loader is simply just another!</p>
<p>Furthermore, a wheel loader and bulldozer look very similar; however, a wheel loader (this may seem obvious) has wheels rather than a track system. Another stereotypical difference is that a wheel loader scoops and dumps material with its bucket (we will discuss this later on). In contrast, a bulldozer with push material uses a flat blade.</p>
<h4><strong>What do you use a Wheel Loader for? </strong></h4>
<p>Typical jobs that require a wheel loader are building roads, cleaning up, and preparing job sites. The most common environment you’ll find a wheel loader is on a construction site or excavation job. However, they are used in landscaping and agricultural projects.</p>
<p>The main role of the wheel loader is to haul, carry, dig, and transport. However, different size wheel loaders have different specialities. A small or compact loader (bucket size of 1 yard) is best for landscaping as the bucket can also become a fork, rake or stump grinder and is compact enough to fit in tighter spaces. A mid-sized loader (bucket size 3 to 5 yards) is best on construction sites for moving heavy materials. Lastly, a large loader (bucket size 7 to 8 yards) is best for heavy-duty projects such as loading gravel onto trucks.</p>
<p>The versatility of wheel loaders means it can be challenging to decide what you truly need for the job at hand, particularly when also considering other machinery such as skid steers. The primary consideration when purchasing or renting a wheel loader is the bucket size, as this will impact how much it can lift and move and how much space it requires on-site. However, it is important to note that wheel loaders are not limited to buckets.</p>
<h4><strong>What Attachments can a Wheel Loader use? </strong></h4>
<p>Wheel loaders can also utilise a variety of attachments to suit the job at hand, such as: </p>
<ul>
<li>Rakes</li>
<li>Forks</li>
<li>Grapples</li>
<li>Auger Drives</li>
<li>Concrete Mixers</li>
<li>And more…</li>
</ul>
<h5 class="hr-2"><strong>Sources</strong></h5>
<p><a href="https://dozr.com/blog/wheel-loader">https://dozr.com/blog/wheel-loader</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.volvoce.com/asia/en-as/about-us/blog/2021/everything-you-need-to-know-about-wheel-loaders/">https://www.volvoce.com/asia/en-as/about-us/blog/2021/everything-you-need-to-know-about-wheel-loaders/</a></p>",
"created_at": "2022-10-24 10:37:41 +0800",
"excerpt": "The most common environment you’ll find a wheel loader is on a construction site or excavation job. However, they are used in landscaping and agricultural projects.",
"excerpt_or_content": "<meta charset="utf-8"><span>The most common environment you’ll find a wheel loader is on a construction site or excavation job. However, they are used in landscaping and agricultural projects.</span>",
"handle": "the-himac-herald/what-can-you-use-a-wheel-loader-for",
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"published_at": "2022-05-14 11:00:00 +0800",
"tags": [
"construction equipment",
"earthmoving equipment",
"heavy equipment",
"wheel loaders"
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"title": "What Can You Use a Wheel Loader For?",
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"content": "<p>Just to refresh your memories or if you missed our other blogs, let’s quickly confirm exactly what we’re talking about here. A skid steer is a piece of machinery utilised often in construction, landscaping and agriculture for digging. They’re easy to manoeuvre as they’re light and small - however, their name is due to their difficulty to turn.</p>
<p>Whether the machine has wheels or tracks, it just won’t turn. The only way to turn the machine is to increase speed on one side so the wheels or tracks skid, hence skid steer. Note: many know skid steers as bobcats, but bobcat is just a brand name!</p>
<h4><strong>What are Skid Steers used for? </strong></h4>
<p>There is a lot you can do with a skid steer! As mentioned earlier, the common use of skid steers is digging, but it’s great for all earthmoving tasks, including excavating and trenching. With the right attachments, skid steers can be useful for a whole list of activities, including;</p>
<ul>
<li>Roadwork</li>
<li>Mowing</li>
<li>Loading</li>
<li>Grading </li>
<li>Debris removal</li>
<li>Demolition</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>Do the hours on a Skid Steer matter?</strong></h4>
<p>Simply put, yes, they do. It’s important to consider how many hours a skid steer has when purchasing or trading. The best way to explain this is to compare it to kilometres on a car. If you’re buying a second-hand car, you’ll assess how many kilometres the cars done. A car with 200,000 kilometres is less appealing than a car with 10,000 kilometres as the first car has been used more and therefore may have higher levels of wear and tear. However, it’s important to consider a few factors when looking at the kilometre’s on a car, or the hours on a skid steer to figure out how many hours is too many, so let’s get into the details a little more.</p>
<h4>What is considered high hours on a Skid Steer?</h4>
<p>It’d be fabulous if I could give you just one number, and anything above that is considered too high, but unfortunately, it’s a little more complicated than that.</p>
<p>Firstly, it depends on the upkeep and maintenance the owner has performed on the machine and the size of the skid steer. You can assume that most small machines over 2,000 hours are getting up there. At the same time, you can extend that to 3,500 hours for larger machines. That’s not to say that skid steers with these kinds of hours are to be completely avoided, as you need to assess the specific machine itself! There is a rule of thumb for machines needing engine overhauls:</p>
<ul>
<li>80 horsepower machines won’t need an engine overhaul until passed 8,000 hours</li>
<li>40 horsepower machines will need an overhaul around 4,000 hours</li>
</ul>
<p>So, you can feel safe under these numbers, depending on the condition of the machine that it’ll have some life still in it!</p>
<p>A good thing to note when comparing machines is that older machines with fewer hours are normally better than newer machines with more hours. This is because the newer skid steers were worked a lot in a short period of time compared to the older machines meaning the wear and tear on the newer machines will be greater than the latter.</p>
<h5 class="hr-2"><strong>Sources</strong></h5>
<p><a href="http://info.texasfinaldrive.com/shop-talk-blog/tips-for-purchasing-a-used-skid-steer-plus-6-walkaround-tips">http://info.texasfinaldrive.com/shop-talk-blog/tips-for-purchasing-a-used-skid-steer-plus-6-walkaround-tips</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.hopenn.com/blog/things-you-can-do-with-a-skid-steer-skid-steer-applications/#what-can-you-do">https://www.hopenn.com/blog/things-you-can-do-with-a-skid-steer-skid-steer-applications/#what-can-you-do</a></p>",
"created_at": "2022-10-14 14:23:40 +0800",
"excerpt": "It’d be fabulous if I could give you just one number, and anything above that is considered too high, but unfortunately, it’s a little more complicated than that.",
"excerpt_or_content": "<meta charset="utf-8"><span>It’d be fabulous if I could give you just one number, and anything above that is considered too high, but unfortunately, it’s a little more complicated than that.</span>",
"handle": "the-himac-herald/what-is-considered-high-hours-for-a-skid-steer",
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"published_at": "2022-01-28 14:30:00 +0800",
"tags": [
"construction equipment",
"earthmoving equipment",
"maintenance",
"purchasing equipment",
"skid steer"
],
"title": "What Is Considered High Hours for a Skid Steer?",
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"content": "<p>If you work on a construction or agricultural site, you’ll be well aware of the technical terminology surrounding earthmoving machinery, attachments, power, and capabilities.</p>
<p>One mentioned a lot is breakout force. Breakout force has nothing to do with a mass exodus from a jail!</p>
<p>Skid steer loaders are designed to make light work of any project and are renowned for manoeuvrability and versatility. They are compact, hardwearing, and safe but can give you all the power you need.</p>
<p>Breakout force is the maximum amount of weight supported by your machine to curl and lift a load. It’s the kilogram-force (kgf) or kilo newtons (kN) of power exerted by a machine as that movement happens - the maximum amount of upward force using its hydraulic circuits combined.</p>
<h4 class="hr-2">Why is it important?</h4>
<p>Breakout force is significant for earthwork projects and digging into soil, rock, or concrete because it’s the power a skid steer machine generates as the boom lifts and the bucket curls towards the cab.</p>
<p>It is the force that the tip / edge of the bucket exerts on the material you are loading. It is affected by geometry, bucket size, applied hydraulic pressure and the linkage tilting the bucket. The degree of tilt and rollback on the bucket will raise or lower the breakout force as the lever length will change – either decreasing or increasing.</p>
<p>A higher breakout force number on a skid steer indicates better performance, digging and lifting capabilities. It usually applies to a powerful machine.</p>
<h4>How is breakout force established?</h4>
<p>The manufacturer of the machine calculates the breakout force of the skid steer using mathematics and geometry principles. Breakout force by a manufacturer is calculated using a general-purpose bucket attached to the skid steer machine.</p>
<p>There are many factors influencing breakout force - such as the size of a hydraulic cylinder, where it connects, its angle, hydraulic pressure applied to the cylinder, and distance between pins.</p>
<p>A machine with a higher breakout will perform better in tougher terrain with digging jobs and are generally larger bulkier machines. If you apply too much breakout force, there’s the potential to damage the machine and your hydraulic houses, buckets, arm boom and rams.</p>
<h4>Breakout force and directional loads</h4>
<p>Breakout force is unrelated to the boom lift system but is similar to a radial skid steer loader or a vertical skid steer one.</p>
<p>Radial lifts are ideal for excavating, grading and digging, whereas vertical lift systems are better for warehouse work and lifting pallets.</p>
<h4 class="hr-2">Talk to the experts</h4>
<p>At Himac, we know skid steer attachments, particularly their capabilities to shift rocks, debris, and other heavy loads. They’re the hard grafters when it comes to your earthmoving needs.</p>
<p>For all your <a href="/pages/skid-steer-attachments" title="Skid Steer attachments by Himac">skid steer attachment</a> queries, contact Himac Attachments. A family owned and operated company based in Albany and established in 2005, our stock is manufactured in WA. Look at our customer reviews, and you’ll understand why we’re the first choice for your earthmoving machine attachments.</p>
<p><a href="/pages/contact" title="Contact Himac Attachments">Contact us online</a> or call us today on <a href="tel:1800888114" title="Talk to the team at Himac Attachments">1800 888 114</a>.</p>",
"created_at": "2021-12-15 09:32:45 +0800",
"excerpt": "You may be well aware of the terminology surrounding earthmoving machinery. One mentioned a lot is breakout force - read this article for a detailed explanation.",
"excerpt_or_content": "You may be well aware of the terminology surrounding earthmoving machinery. One mentioned a lot is breakout force - read this article for a detailed explanation.",
"handle": "the-himac-herald/what-is-breakout-force-on-a-skid-steer",
"id": "557739770038",
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"published_at": "2021-10-13 10:00:00 +0800",
"tags": [
"breakout force",
"capacity",
"construction equipment",
"earthmoving equipment",
"earthworks",
"operation",
"skid steer"
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"title": "What Is Breakout Force on a Skid Steer?",
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"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>",
"created_at": "2021-12-15 09:23:12 +0800",
"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.",
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"published_at": "2021-09-08 09:30:00 +0800",
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"capacity",
"earthmoving equipment",
"rated operating",
"safety",
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"content": "<p>Driving a skid steer can be both exciting and intimidating, with people saying it is like riding on a large lawnmower.</p>
<p>The trick to driving a skid steer is manoeuvring it correctly, being aware of the type of ground underneath and avoiding sudden stops and turns, and moving at the appropriate speed for the conditions.</p>
<p>Eventually, you will become familiar with your machine and learn to be a competent operator. At some time or other, you may experience bounce due to either operator error or a problem with the skid steer itself.</p>
<h4 class="hr-2">Operation techniques</h4>
<p>Controls will vary depending on the age of the equipment, but most will have joystick operation for concise movement.</p>
<p>By moving the joysticks slowly at the same speed, you can avoid jerks or bounces. Keep your turns long and wide and minimise abrupt movement. Be aware of the type of soil and ground conditions you are travelling over and the weight of loads lifted. You can alter the engine speed to slow the machine to create a smoother experience.</p>
<p>If you believe the bounce is not due to operator error – it’s time to check your machine.</p>
<h4>Tyre pressure</h4>
<p>Tyres are the only thing on your skid steer that touch the floor and grip the surface. They absorb the ground shocks, maintain the direction of travel, and support the machine.</p>
<p>Make sure your tyres are fit for purpose. Look out for damage on tyres - any cuts, stone, or debris to affect overall performance.</p>
<p>If your tyres are over-inflated, it may impact operation. Always keep a check on tyre pressure along with its wear. Low tyre pressure could contribute to bounce and destroy the sidewall and tread. Ensure your tyre pressure is at the level outlined in the manual. Inflation levels are also on the tyre sidewall.</p>
<p>As a guide, normal skid steer tyre pressure should range from 45-60 PSI – pounds per square inch.</p>
<h4>Check your Attachments</h4>
<p>Just because your attachment fits your skid steer, it is not necessarily the best one for it. The power, weight, and hydraulic capacity of your skid steer will impact your attachments.</p>
<p>The wrong one will affect the performance and contribute to bouncing. Some skid steer attachments require minimum hydraulic flow.</p>
<h4>Hydraulic flow</h4>
<p>Your fluid system drives and lubricates the machine, protecting it against wear and corrosion and cooling many parts.</p>
<p>The fluid flow of your machine will dictate speed and response. Loss of flow will equate to poor performance. Check for leakage because this will also impact your machine’s capabilities.</p>
<h4 class="hr-2">How can Himac help?</h4>
<p>Himac Attachments are the experts in skid steer attachments. With over 600 in stock, our focus is to supply you with a quality attachment suited for your project.</p>
<p>Whether you’re clearing rubble, digging trenches, or moving boulders – we can help. Himac’s skid steer attachments are constructed out of high-grade steel to withstand Australia’s rough climate and terrain. <a href="/pages/contact">Contact us</a> today for a no-obligation free quote.</p>",
"created_at": "2021-06-18 15:08:21 +0800",
"excerpt": "The trick to driving a skid steer is manoeuvring it correctly. At some time or other, you may experience bounce due to either operator error or a problem with the skid steer itself.",
"excerpt_or_content": "The trick to driving a skid steer is manoeuvring it correctly. <meta charset="utf-8"><span>At some time or other, you may experience bounce due to either operator error or a problem with the skid steer itself.</span>",
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"published_at": "2021-06-18 15:00:00 +0800",
"tags": [
"earthmoving equipment",
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"safety",
"skid steer",
"tips"
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"title": "How Do You Keep a Skid Steer From Bouncing?",
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"content": "<p>It’s a commonly asked question - ‘Do skid steers tip over easily?’ The answer may surprise you - while there are potential hazards with most outdoor work, rollovers and tips are relatively rare.</p>
<p>More accidents occur involving people trapped between the frame and attachment rather than the skid steer itself tipping over. The key to avoiding any nasty surprises is for operators to become familiar with their machines.</p>
<h4 class="hr-2">When are you most at risk of a tip?</h4>
<p>Certain ground conditions create higher risks - driving on soft earth, near river banks, water, or uneven ground. Steep slopes are another hazard. If you do have to travel uphill, the heavy part of the skid steer should point uphill. If you have an empty bucket, drive back up the hill. Go up and down it in your machine rather than across it.</p>
<p>Too much weight on an attachment to your skid steer may affect its balance along with overloading a bucket. Keeping a load closer to the centre of gravity will improve overall stability. Always lower the bucket or attachment so that it is flat on the ground. Never attempt to activate the controls from outside the driver’s compartment.</p>
<p>Be aware of the limitations of your skid steer machine – it should not be driven at excess speeds and communicate your movements to anyone nearby.</p>
<h4>Skid Steer safety</h4>
<p>Skid steers are built with durability and safety in mind to protect the driver as much as possible and have protective features known as ROPs and FOPS. Confused about these acronyms? Let us explain.</p>
<p>ROPS is a cab and rollover protective structure (ROPS) to safeguard individuals. ROPS is similar to a roll cage in a race car that protects a rally driver. The steel bars attach to the frame of a cab to offer protection so the driver won’t get crushed in the event of a tip or overturn.</p>
<p>Then there is FOPS – a falling object protective structure, like a mesh, that protects an operator from falling objects such as branches and rocks.</p>
<p>Interlocked control systems are another safety aspect of skid steers. It allows a machine to operate if specific measures are in place – such as an operator sitting in the seat with a seat belt on with the restraint bar down. Electronic interlocked systems may also detect when someone shuts down the machine.</p>
<p>All drivers should wear a seatbelt at all times to prevent them from being thrown from their seats. Either a lap seat belt or a three-point shoulder one will suffice. No one should ever get into a skid steer without wearing a hard hat, ear protection, and safety footwear.</p>
<p>Skid steers themselves aren’t more dangerous than any other type of equipment when used and maintained responsibly.</p>
<h4 class="hr-2">Unleash the potential</h4>
<p>Whatever your requirements, contact Himac Attachments for all your skid steer needs. We can give you a quote on the spot. We have the largest range of skid steer attachments in Australia, with <strong>over 85% of them made on Australian soil</strong>. <a href="/pages/contact">Contact us</a> today to find out more about our durable and reliable attachments.</p>",
"created_at": "2021-06-18 13:59:51 +0800",
"excerpt": "It’s a common question! More accidents occur involving people trapped between the frame and attachment rather than the skid steer itself tipping over.",
"excerpt_or_content": "It’s a common question! More accidents occur involving people trapped between the frame and attachment rather than the skid steer itself tipping over.",
"handle": "the-himac-herald/do-skid-steers-tip-over-easily",
"id": "556739166390",
"image": { "alt": "Do Skid Steers Tip Over Easily?",
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"published_at": "2021-06-18 14:00:00 +0800",
"tags": [
"construction equipment",
"earthmoving equipment",
"safety",
"skid steer"
],
"title": "Do Skid Steers Tip Over Easily?",
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"comment_post_url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/how-can-i-make-money-with-a-skid-steer/comments",
"content": "<p>Have you ever considered the money you can make if you own and hire out a skid steer? There is potential to earn a good income whether that be as a self-drive or with yourself as an operator.</p>
<p>Wet hire means the machinery is hired out with an operator and dry hire means the machinery is hired out on its own.</p>
<p>A skid steer, a piece of heavy plant machinery, is ideal for moving heavy earth, shifting materials on a construction site, or undertaking agricultural work. You can perform different jobs with various attachments.</p>
<p>Before you invest in one, there are a few things to consider – such as maintenance and servicing, as well as transport options to move the skid steer and any attachments. Your skid steer will provide you with a regular income stream, whether full-time or part-time.</p>
<h4 class="hr-2">Demolition</h4>
<p>Australia is a nation that loves demolishing old houses and replacing them with new ones. Look around your neighbourhood, on every street you’ll see a new property rising out from the ground.</p>
<p>Skid steers can be used for both interior and exterior demolition. Using a grapple bucket attachment, shears or hammers, you can demolish just about everything! Concrete, drywall, wooden flooring – nothing is off-limits.</p>
<h4>Landscaping and digging</h4>
<p>A skid steer is perfect for any landscaping work in a garden or larger area. This includes removing trees or preparing an area for a patio or decking. A grading rake attachment to your skid steer will level out the soil and clear the area.</p>
<p>A bucket attachment means you can transport the earth and materials rather than going backward and forwards with a wheelbarrow.</p>
<h4>Agricultural projects</h4>
<p>Farmers may well need a skid steer for agricultural work. A trenching attachment will slice through tough earth. A bucket or grading attachment means you can level, fill in holes or aerate the soil.</p>
<p>For the seasonal sow, farmers may want to hire a skid steer with a seeding attachment or a rotary broom to help sweep dirt from unwanted paved areas. Heavy pallets of food and bales of hay can be easily transported with a skid steer and a fork attachment.</p>
<h4>Mowing (also known as slashing)</h4>
<p>Did you know a skid steer can also be used for mowing? Mowing can be a thankless task, but a skid steer with a rotary cutter can cut down shrubbery, tall grass, mulch small branches and saplings. Many farmers believe they’re even more efficient as ride-on mowers.</p>
<h4>Loading and unloading</h4>
<p>A skid steer can do any heavy lifting, shifting, loading and unloading. By adding a vertical forklift attachment to your skid steer, you can work in warehouses and large stores and carry heavy loads, offloading them in high, out-of-reach areas.</p>
<p>It’s up to you to set your rates. As a guide in Australia, you can charge $130 an hour for yourself and the skid steer for wet hire or $90 for dry hire.</p>
<h4 class="hr-2">Talk to us</h4>
<p>For all your earthmoving attachments contact Himac Attachments. We are Perth’s leading suppliers of earthmoving and agricultural machinery attachments for skid steers, loaders, excavators, and telehandlers. We offer excellent service and affordable prices, but don’t take our word for it – check out our Google reviews.</p>",
"created_at": "2021-05-17 13:33:26 +0800",
"excerpt": "Have you ever considered the money you can make if you own and hire out a skid steer? Before you invest in one, there are a few things to consider.",
"excerpt_or_content": "<meta charset="utf-8"><span><span>Have you ever considered the money you can make if you own and hire out a skid steer? </span></span><meta charset="utf-8"><span>Before you invest in one, there are a few things to consider.</span>",
"handle": "the-himac-herald/how-can-i-make-money-with-a-skid-steer",
"id": "556447236278",
"image": { "alt": "How Can I Make Money With a Skid Steer?",
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"published_at": "2021-03-17 14:00:00 +0800",
"tags": [
"earthmoving equipment",
"making money",
"skid steer",
"small business"
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"title": "How Can I Make Money With a Skid Steer?",
"url": "/blogs/the-himac-herald/how-can-i-make-money-with-a-skid-steer",
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