Before the advent of the Bobcat sliding loader, the ordinary loaders on the market either had too small buckets or were too large in size, and there was no compromise model to be had. Now, Bobcat's innovative small equipment offers you different options, thereby enhancing the efficiency and functionality of the equipment in construction projects. Therefore, when you plan to own a Caterpillar device, you need to consider multiple factors.
For those who are unsure about the evaluation factors or methods, choosing the right sliding loader can be a challenging task:
Does the equipment need to work in a narrow building space?
Is additional traction required to push the debris over soft or muddy ground?
Is there a need for additional lifting height and dumping distance to load the materials onto the truck?
Is it necessary to pass through a narrow door frame or carry out foundation backfilling operations?
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To answer these questions and achieve the optimal combination of operations, it is necessary to start by understanding the main types, characteristics and accessories of the sliding loader. This will help us select the appropriate machine for the work site and tasks. The following four steps can assist you in narrowing down the selection range:
1 Understand the types of slip
The Bobcat offers four types of skid steer loaders, providing different levels of power, lifting capacity and maneuverability to assist you in completing new construction, renovation and maintenance projects.
Mini tracked loader
This compact and agile mini crawler loader can work in confined spaces, allowing the operator to walk behind it, and it is easy to be mounted on a trailer for transportation.
Sliding steering loader
Just as its name suggests, the bobcat swivel steering loader's front and rear wheels can operate independently, enabling a 360° turn on the spot, which brings great flexibility.
Four-wheel steering loader
In situations with limited work space and on lawns, a four-wheel steering loader might be your best choice. This type of loader can operate with four-wheel steering or slip steering, maximizing versatility while reducing friction on the ground.
Track-type sliding loader
The crawler-type sliding loader has excellent traction and low ground pressure. In situations such as soft ground, muddy ground and unpaved ground, it can significantly improve maneuverability.
2 Consider typical construction sites
The sliding loader and the four-wheel steering loader have advantages when crossing paved roads because they use tires. This makes them the preferred choice for many demolition, renovation and snow removal tasks.
The crawler-type sliding loader has a larger contact surface with the ground, so it can provide greater thrust and excavation force. As a result, they are more efficient when excavating or loading materials, or they can complete the same amount of work in less time.
In many areas of North America, a crawler loader can increase its working hours by several months when dealing with typical construction sites, as it can operate normally on muddy surfaces.
3 Lifting and excavation capabilities
When it comes to the design of the lifting arm, most manufacturers offer two options: arc-shaped lifting and vertical lifting. If there is no need to lift to a very high height and load a high-bed truck, then an arc-shaped lifting machine can be chosen.
Another important factor regarding lifting is the rated working capacity. Contractors in the fields of excavation and landscaping usually require a sliding loader with a high rated working capacity, as they need to move heavy materials such as soil and concrete. On the other hand, general contractors tend to prefer a smaller, multi-functional machine that can operate flexibly in narrow areas.
4 Evaluate the expected utilization rate
The utilization rate of the sliding loader is a key factor. The more occasions you use it, the more attachments you will be able to use, and you will recover the cost faster. Compared to owning three different models of sliding loaders, a key advantage in terms of finance is to purchase or lease several different attachments, which is more cost-effective than maintaining and repairing several different specialized equipment.