{ "type": "article-standard", "settings": {}, "author": "Simon Blackburn", "blog_id": "", "body_html": "", "created_at": "24.10.2022", "content": "<h4 class="mt-0">What is a Skid Steer?</h4> <p>Just so we are all on the same page, let's double-check what we call a skid steer. A skid steer is a piece of machinery often used in landscaping, construction and agriculture for a wide range of jobs. They are light and small, making them easy to manoeuvre except when trying to turn. Their name originates from their difficulty in turning as the only way it can is to increase speed on one side so the wheels or tracks skid and turn the machine, hence the name skid steer!</p> <p>Many ask… is a skid steer and a bobcat the same thing? A bobcat is actually just a brand of skid steers, so yes!</p> <h4>What does a Skid Steer cost upfront?</h4> <p>This entirely depends on the size, specs and features of the skid steer you're looking at, but on average, they can be priced from $25,000 to $65,000 new. Second-hand skid steers average around $5,000 to $30,000. Considering these large ranges, it's important to do your research and get the right skid steer for you at a reasonable price.</p> <h4>What does a Skid Steer cost in the long run? </h4> <p>Whilst we can list all that goes into owning a skid steer, many variables will impact ownership costs, so we always encourage you to get professional advice before purchasing to ensure your budget is set and ready to go! Particularly if you're a small contractor or new to the industry, it can be very difficult to gauge your equipment's owning and operating costs. </p> <p>The important elements to consider are:</p> <ul> <li>Interest rates</li> <li>Labour costs</li> <li>Fuel costs</li> <li>Maintenance costs; which depend on:</li> <ul> <li>The machine chosen</li> <li>The application and usage of the machine</li> <li>How long do you intend to keep the machine?</li> </ul> </ul> <p>If you take good care of the machine and minimise wear and tear as much as possible, some owners can sell their machines and receive 70% of their original price! This may be a little optimistic, but there is something to say for a machine that has been maintained and cared for.</p> <h4>How to minimise Skid Steer operating costs? </h4> <p>These tips may seem pretty self-explanatory, but they are important in keeping operating costs down and increasing the life span of your machinery. </p> <h5>Routine maintenance and clean and daily checks</h5> <ul> <li>This means creating a routine of when you will perform regular maintenance on your machine and sticking to it!</li> <li>A simple daily walk around of your machine is essential to ensure everything is safe and in working order so that if there are any issues, they won't cause any further damage (don't forget about the undercarriage).</li> <li>Don't forget to clean the machine regularly so dirt and grime don't build up and impact your machine and so you can actually see if there's any damage.</li> </ul> <h5>Tire checks</h5> <ul> <li>It is important to check the tread, pressure, rims, and overall condition of your tires (or tracks) weekly to ensure there is no damage, as this can cause serious issues down the line if not fixed quickly.</li> </ul> <h5>Drive to the conditions</h5> <ul> <li>Be sure you are confident in managing slopes, rugged terrain, and challenging temperatures. A well-trained operator will be able to keep operating costs down simply by driving these conditions well!</li> <li>Counter-rotating turns are essential in this, and if you can make your turns without counter-rotating, it will reduce the wear and tear on the undercarriage.</li> </ul> <h5>Counterweights, filters and lubricants</h5> <ul> <li>When counterweights are not needed, take them off! Don't cause unnecessary and excessive wear.</li> <li>Speak to the manufacturer and utilise filters and lubricants as directed. </li> </ul> <p>In summary, regardless of the machine you purchase, taking good care of it will extend its lifetime and value as well as reduce its overall costs in the long run. </p> <h5 class="hr-2">References</h5> <p><a href="https://www.kompareit.com/business/constuction-equipment-skid-steer-compare-bobcat-cost.html">https://www.kompareit.com/business/constuction-equipment-skid-steer-compare-bobcat-cost.html</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.totallandscapecare.com/business/article/15036361/how-to-calculate-skid-steer-owning-operating-costs">https://www.totallandscapecare.com/business/article/15036361/how-to-calculate-skid-steer-owning-operating-costs</a></p> <p><a href="https://info.texasfinaldrive.com/shop-talk-blog/18-tips-to-help-minimize-operating-costs-for-skid-steers">https://info.texasfinaldrive.com/shop-talk-blog/18-tips-to-help-minimize-operating-costs-for-skid-steers</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.equipmentworld.com/equipment/article/15065388/determining-skid-steer-owning-operator-costs#:~:text=Such%20variables%20include%20machine%20options,your%20skid%20steer%20O%26O%20costs">https://www.equipmentworld.com/equipment/article/15065388/determining-skid-steer-owning-operator-costs#:~:text=Such%20variables%20include%20machine%20options,your%20skid%20steer%20O%26O%20costs</a></p>", "excerpt": "<meta charset="utf-8"><span>Whilst we can list all that goes into owning a skid steer, many variables will impact ownership costs. Dig into this article for the need-to-know information.</span>", "excerpt_or_content": "<meta charset="utf-8"><span>Whilst we can list all that goes into owning a skid steer, many variables will impact ownership costs. Dig into this article for the need-to-know information.</span>", "handle": "the-himac-herald/what-are-the-ownership-costs-of-a-skid-steer", "id": "559305490614", "image": { "alt": "What Are the Ownership Costs of a Skid Steer?", "src": "//himac.com.au/cdn/shop/articles/himac-attachments-blog-what-are-the-ownership-costs-of-a-skid-steer_1x1.jpg?v=1666833187" }, "published_at": "30.05.2022", "summary_html": "", "tags": [ "maintenance", "purchasing equipment", "running costs", "skid steer" ], "template_suffix": "", "title": "What Are the Ownership Costs of a Skid Steer?", "updated_at": "2022-10-27 09:13:07 +0800", "user_id": "", "next_article": "", "previous_article": "" }