Skid Steer Loader Weights, Guide and FAQs

A skid-steer loader is a machine that can be useful in many applications including the construction of roads and buildings as well as the demolition of buildings and structures. This engine-powered machine with lift arms that attach to a wide range of labor-saving tools can also be used in the removal of snow and debris from roads and other surfaces, towing stalled or stuck cars, and so much more.

Now, a skid steer loader normally gets hauled by a large vehicle such as a flatbed trailer to the site of the project, especially if the site is far. That’s because this vehicle doesn’t move fast (most loaders have a top speed of just 11.1 km/h. As such, it would be a waste of time to let one get to a faraway site on its own.

How Much Does My Skid Steer Loader Weigh?

Before deciding to haul a skid steer loader to a worksite, you need to ask yourself one very important question — how much does the loader weigh? That’s because knowing your exact skid steer loader weight will enable you to figure out the appropriate and safe vehicle with which to haul the loader.

Don’t forget that all haulage vehicles have a maximum limit of weight they can carry. If your skid steer loader is too heavy for the haulage at your disposal, you’ll need to find another haulage that can carry it.

Skid Steer Loader Weights

In general, (2892-10237)lbs is the weight bracket for skid steer loaders, at least going by WS series loaders’ weights. After all, these are the most common skid steer loaders on the market.

Below is more information about them, including their rated operating capacities(ROCs):

Model Weight(lbs) ROC(lbs)

1. 0.75Ton Skid Steer Loader WS50

2. 0.9Ton Skid Steer Loader WS65

3.0.95Ton Skid Steer Loader WS75

4. 0.95Ton Skid Steer Loader WS85

5. 1.25Ton Skid Steer Loader WS100

Rated Operating Capacity(ROC): Refers to the load that machine equipment e.g a skid steer loader can safely pick up and handle without nose-diving or flipping. To transport your loader safely and effectively, find a vehicle with a rated operating capacity above the weight of your loader.

Why Do Skid Steer Loaders Weigh Much?

One may wonder why skid steer loaders weigh much or what’s the point of these heavy-duty machines being heavy. Well, it turns out that there are many reasons for that.

• The first reason is so that the equipment can lift as many objects as possible including those with heavy weights safely and effectively without flipping or nose-diving.

• The second one is the material with which they are built—-hard, solid, heavy steel. What’s more, loaders also have some of their components large and dense no matter how small their frames might be. For example, they have large, tractor tires that contribute significantly to the overall weight. It should be noted that the tires are that big and heavy to help with the balance and stability of the loader.

  
  

What Are Some of The Best Vehicles for Hauling Skid Steer Loaders?

Cars, pick-up trucks, lorries, and trailers can all be used to transport skid steer loaders, depending on the rated operating capacity or towing capacity of the vehicle and the overall weight of the loader.

If you have a car or even a pickup truck with a powerful engine that has enough towing capacity for your loader, there’s no need to hire a towing or haulage service to get the loader to your intended destination.

All you have to do is to lease a car or pick-up truck trailer that is large and strong enough to accommodate and support the weight of the loader. The best part is that some trailers come in handy with a low bed trailer ladder which allows you to drive your loader right onto the trailer.

Final Thoughts

Skid steer loaders are useful machines that help us perform and accomplish several heavy-duty tasks e.g digging building or road foundations, demolishing structures, towing away stalled cars or vehicles, sweeping away snow from roads, and so much more.

However, one of the biggest drawbacks of these heavy-duty machines is that they move very slowly at maximum speeds not exceeding 11mph. This is the reason why they are always hauled on trailers and other similar vehicles if they are needed for work in faraway project sites.

Before deciding to transport your loader on the back of a trailer to a site, it’s good to know the overall weight of it. That way, you’ll be able to determine the appropriate vehicle to haul your loader. After all, skid steer loaders weigh differently, depending on each model. Similarly, towing or haulage vehicles have different towing or hauling capacities, contingent upon every model.

Having skid steer loader weight knowledge is important in the process because if you don’t know the exact weight of your loader, you may end up hiring a vehicle with less or more towing/ haulage capacity than required to move your loader.

In the first case scenario, you’ll not be able to transport your loader unless you find another trailer that is appropriate for the job, which is a waste of time and money. In the second one, you’ll be able to move the loader for sure even though you may pay more.

FAQs

1. How do I determine the weight of a skid steer loader?

Answer: The information is in the owner’s manual. It’s also on the manufacturer’s website. So, if you don’t own the loader, you can simply ask for its model from the owner and look it up online.

2. Can the weight of a skid steer damage tarmac or my walkway?

Answer: No. Your walkway or even the tarmac is strong enough to withstand the weight of a skid steer loader. Loaders are often hauled by trailers simply because they are too slow.

3. Can I take a skid steer loader to a regular mechanic?

Answer: No. Most ordinary mechanics have no specialization in skid steer loaders. The best mechanics to handle loaders are those who specialize in heavy-duty vehicles e.g tractors, etc.