MACHINE FIELD GUIDE / LOAD · SPREAD · CLEAN UP
Skid steer and bobcat hire
Skid steer loaders—often called bobcats—and compact track loaders move soil, gravel, mulch and spoil quickly on small and medium sites. Wheeled units suit hard surfaces; tracked posi-track style machines float better on soft or finished ground.
FIELD PLATE / 12 PUBLISHED SUPPLIER RECORDSMatch the size class to the task, then confirm the exact unit.
Skid steer and bobcat size classes.
| Class | Typical work |
|---|---|
| Mini loaders | Walk-behind or stand-on units for gates and landscaping. |
| Standard skid steer | General site clean-up, spreading and loading tippers. |
| Compact track loader | Soft ground, turf, slopes and higher-flow attachments. |
| Large frame | Higher lift heights and heavy attachments such as mulchers. |
COMMON USE / 01Site preparation and levelling
COMMON USE / 02Spreading road base, soil and mulch
COMMON USE / 03Loading tippers and clearing spoil
COMMON USE / 04Sweeping, trenching and augering with attachments
QUOTE CHECK
What to specify.
- Wheeled or tracked, and the surface it will run on
- Access width and lift height needed to load trucks
- Attachments: 4-in-1 bucket, forks, broom, auger, trencher, leveller
- Quantity of material and haul distance on site
Watch points.
Skid steering tears up turf and finished surfaces—use tracks or protection.
Tipping height must clear the side of the truck or bin being loaded.
High-flow attachments need a high-flow machine.
Rates for skid steer and bobcat hire vary with size, location, duration, operator arrangement and transport. Read the plant hire cost guide and the wet vs dry hire comparison before comparing quotes, and use the supplier checklist to confirm the details.
FIELD FAQ
Skid steer and bobcat hire questions
- What is the difference between a bobcat and a posi-track?
- "Bobcat" is a brand used generically for wheeled skid steers. A posi-track or compact track loader runs on rubber tracks, which spread the load on soft ground and reduce surface damage.
- Can a skid steer dig?
- It can scrape, level and cut shallow material with a bucket, and it can trench or auger with attachments. For deeper excavation an excavator is usually faster and safer.
- Is a skid steer good on slopes?
- Skid steers are sensitive to slope and should travel with the heavy end uphill. Tracked loaders are more stable, but manufacturer slope limits and a site assessment still apply.