Bobcat Forklift vs. Bobcat Skid Steer: The Differences Explained

Are you trying to decide between a Bobcat forklift and a Bobcat skid steer? If so, this comparison guide is for you. Learn the differences here.

Many businesses rely on heavy equipment, and if you try to use the wrong machinery, it could be devastating. Not only could it cause operational issues, but it could also result in serious injury or death.

There are companies in all kinds of industries that use forklifts and skid steers. While they may initially appear similar, these two pieces of equipment serve different purposes. You might need both, or maybe just one, and understanding each of them will help you make the best decisions.

In this guide, we'll go through the key differences between a Bobcat forklift and a skid steer rental. Keep reading for more.

Uses

Skid steers are incredibly versatile and have several uses. They're very popular as construction equipment.

A ring attachment, for example, makes them suitable for landscaping, trenching, and architecture. Many companies also use them for things like warehouse work and snow clearing.

There are different types of forklifts, however, and they tend to have more specific uses. Their primary function is heavy lifting, though certain attachments provide other uses.

One thing to note is that a skid steer is more suitable for uneven terrain. You can even install tracks on them to make them stable on loose surfaces like gravel.

Forklifts, on the other hand, are a much better choice when it comes to moving and lifting. This makes them the more popular choice in warehouse environments.

Operation

Forklifts use a steering wheel like a car, with the main difference being that the rear wheels turn rather than the front wheels. Skid steers are quite different in this area.

The wheels of a skid steer don't turn. Instead, each side has a separate engine, so the wheels on the left and right can move independently. To turn, the operator needs to increase/decrease the speed of one side.

Having both sides move at the same speed will drive the skid steer directly forward (or backward). This method of operation also allows the operator to turn a skid steer on the spot.

Attachments

Skid steers are most often used with a standard bucket attachment, but there are plenty of others available. A snow blade, for example, is ideal for moving snow. An operator can excavate or dig using an auger, trencher, or wheel saw attachment, and some other common attachments include:

• Pavement millers
• Concrete mixers
• Mowers
• Wood chippers
• Bale spears
• Pallet forks

There are also multiple forklift attachments available that can give it a range of uses, though they mostly still center around lifting and movement. Side shift positioners allow the operator to adjust the width of the forks, while fork positioners can move the forks hydraulically. Extensions are ideal for moving oversized or awkward loads.

Do You Need a Bobcat Forklift or a Skid Steer Rental?

Based on the differences discussed above, you should know whether you need a Bobcat forklift or a skid steer rental. It's possible that you'll actually need both, depending on what you require.

Steeldriver Rentals offers a range of equipment rentals, so we can supply you with a forklift, skid steer, or other machinery you might need. Contact us today to see what we have available.