Ways To Determine if an Attachment Will Fit Your Skid Steer
Having the proper attachment for the job is crucial when operating a skid steer. The problem is that not all attachments are universal, and you need to buy the right one. As you shop, you’ll have to consider key factors ranging from knowing your machine’s capacity to reviewing the product description. Delve into the top ways to determine if an attachment will fit your skid steer.
Know Your Machine’s Capacity
Before you even start looking at attachments, it’s essential to know the capacity of your skid steer. This includes the load capacity, hydraulic flow rate, and pressure. These specifications are crucial, as they dictate what kind of attachments your machine can handle.
For instance, if your skid steer has a low load capacity, it might not be able to handle heavy-duty attachments such as a grapple bucket or a pallet fork. Similarly, an attachment requiring a high hydraulic flow rate might not work with a skid steer with a lower flow rate.
Verify Connection Type
Luckily, most skid steer attachments use a universal quick attach system, which means determining if an attachment will fit your skid steer is relatively simple. However, it’s always best to verify the connection type and size before purchasing an attachment. To do this, physically examine your machine’s quick attach plate and compare it to the attachment’s connection points. You can also review your skid steer’s manual or contact the manufacturer.
Evaluate Mechanical, Hydraulic, and Electrical Attachments
When using attachments that utilize these mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical connections, ensure your machine can handle the weight and additional power requirements. You must also verify that your skid steer has enough hydraulic flow and pressure to operate the attachments and ensure your electrical system is sufficient.
Mechanical Attachments
The mechanical connection indicates how the attachment physically connects to your skid steer and is utilized by the loader arms of your machine. These connections can vary depending on the brand, age, and size of the machine. Nowadays, most machines utilize a common interface called quick attach.
Hydraulic Attachments
Attachments with hydraulics not only use the machine’s loader arms but also use the machine’s hydraulics to power and control another feature of the attachment. The hydraulic connections can vary, but most hydraulic attachments are equipped with 1/2" Flat Face quick couplers.
Electric Attachments
The electrical connection is the third connection an attachment can make with your skid steer, and you’ll need it if the attachment requires some form of power to operate. More specifically, you will need a component called a “pin connector.” Depending on the brand of skid steer, this connection can take the form of a 7-pin or 14-pin connector.
Review the Product Description
When reading the product description, pay special attention to the section on compatibility. This should specify what types of connections the attachment is designed to fit. If your machine does not have these types of connections, the attachment will likely not fit or function correctly.
Furthermore, the product description should also mention the connection type of the attachment. Most skid steer attachments use a universal quick attach system, but there are also dedicated systems that only fit specific brands or models. The attachment’s connection type should match your machines to ensure a proper fit.
Buy Quality Skid Steer Attachments
Stout Buckets sell skid steer grapples and other high-quality skid steer attachments required for crucial tasks such as moving debris on a worksite. In each product description, we’ve detailed essential information to help shoppers determine their ideal option. Order the best skid steer attachment today and get the job done right.
