Skid Steer Vs Wheel Loader: Both machines are essential in modern agriculture and are used in agriculture, construction, landscaping, and other fields. Judging from their appearance or names alone, you might think that the two are similar. In fact, there are significant differences between them. I will introduce these differences to you.
What Is A Skid Steer?
A Skid Steer, also known as a Skid Steer Mini Loader, is a small multi-functional machine, usually used for material handling and cleaning operations in narrow spaces. It features steering through the speed difference of the wheel sets, possessing extremely high maneuverability and flexibility.
What Is AWheel Loader?
A Wheel Loader is a machine used for large-scale material handling. It is usually equipped with a large-capacity bucket and is used for loading loose materials such as soil, sand and gravel, lime, and coal. It can also perform light shovel excavation operations on ores, hard soil, etc. It has a strong load-carrying capacity and high working efficiency, and is often used for large-scale earthwork and ore handling.
Differences Between Skid Steers And Wheel Loaders
1. Usage Scenarios
Skid Steers generally have smaller dimensions than ordinary loaders and can turn in place, making them more suitable for working in relatively narrow working spaces. They are suitable for serving as logistical support for large construction machinery, site cleaning or finishing work, etc. After quickly replacing accessories, they can respectively carry out operations such as shoveling, stacking, lifting, excavating, drilling, crushing, grabbing, pushing, scarifying, trenching, road sweeping, and road compaction.
Wheel Loaders have high working efficiency and are suitable for large open sites, such as quarries, earthwork projects, tractor-towed vehicles, etc. They are suitable for large areas.
2. Structural Features
Skid Steer adopts skid wheels, that is, the wheels we usually talk about. These wheels are made of pure rubber materials, which can not only adapt to various ground conditions but also have relatively large friction, which is beneficial to improving work efficiency.
Wheel Loaders, on the other hand, adopt a mixed structure of steel wheels and rubber wheels, which can adapt to various ground conditions and prevent the tires from slipping when in contact with the ground.
3. Performance Parameters
Rated Load And Bucket Capacity
Skid Steer: The rated load is relatively small, generally ranging from less than 1 ton to about 3 tons. For example, the rated working weight of the Gehl V270 wheeled Skid Steer Loader is 1,225 kg, and the standard bucket capacity is mostly around 0.3 – 0.5 cubic meters.
Wheel Loaders: The rated load capacity is relatively large, usually ranging from 3 tons to more than 5 tons. For example, the rated load capacity of the XCMG LW500KV-S wheeled loader is 5,500 kg, and the bucket capacity is generally between 0.8 cubic meters and several cubic meters, which can be adapted to larger workloads and material handling requirements.
Engine Power And Rotational Speed
Skid Steer: The engine power is generally around 20 – 60 kilowatts, and the rotational speed varies according to different models. For example, the net power of the Gehl V270 wheeled Skid Steer Loader is 72 hp (53.7) @ 2500, and its engine power can meet the requirements of flexible operations in narrow spaces and the power needs of various attachments.
Wheel Loaders: The power is relatively large, usually above 100 kilowatts, and can even reach several hundred kilowatts in some cases. For example, the rated power of the XCMG LW500KV-S wheeled loader is 162 kW/rpm, which can ensure that the loader has powerful power in large-scale engineering operations to efficiently complete the loading and unloading of heavy-duty materials.
Digging Force And Traction Force
Skid Steer: The digging force is generally below 100 kN, and the traction force is relatively small. They are suitable for light to medium-intensity excavation and traction operations in relatively small working areas. For example, the maximum digging force of the Jin Hong Machinery 380-type Skid Steer Mini Loader is 100 kN, and the maximum traction force is 100 kN.
Wheel Loaders:The digging force and traction force are relatively large, and they can easily dig and move heavier material piles, adapting to more severe working conditions and large-scale engineering construction. For example, the Lutong Heavy Industry ZL-938 wheeled loader can undertake heavy-duty operations such as large-scale earthwork projects.
Traveling Speed And Maneuverability
Skid Steer Loaders: The maximum traveling speed is generally around 10-20 kilometers per hour. They have strong maneuverability and can turn in place, enabling them to move flexibly in narrow spaces. For example, the maximum traveling speed of the Gehl S300 Skid Steer Loader is 11.1/19.1 (with an optional two-speed configuration).
Wheel Loaders: The traveling speed is relatively fast, and the maximum speed can reach above 30-40 kilometers per hour. They have an advantage in transferring between open sites and long-distance material transportation, but their maneuverability in narrow spaces is not as good as that of Skid Steer Loaders.
Working Device Operation Time
Skid Steer Loaders:The movements are relatively fast, and the sum time of the working device is generally within 10 seconds. For example, the sum time of the working device of the Sany Heavy Industry SS270V wheeled Skid Steer Loader is 9.3 seconds, which can quickly complete operations such as shoveling, lifting, and unloading to improve work efficiency.
Wheel Loaders:The operation time of the working device is relatively long, but due to its large bucket capacity and high working efficiency, it can still play an advantage in large-scale continuous operations.
Overall Machine Size and Passability
Skid Steer Loaders: The overall machine size is relatively small. The length is generally between 3-5 meters, the width is around 1.5-2 meters, and the height is around 2-2.5 meters. They have good passability and can enter narrow passages, indoor places, and some places that are difficult for wheel loaders to reach. For example, the total length of the Gehl V270 wheeled Skid Steer Loader with a bucket is 3.49 meters, and the vehicle width is 1.88 meters.
Wheel Loaders:The size is relatively large. The length is mostly between 6-10 meters, the width is around 2.5-3.5 meters, and the height is around 3-4 meters. They require more open spaces for operation and turning, but they have better stability when working on flat and open sites.
4. Differences In Operation Methods
The control system of Skid Steer Loaders is relatively simple. Simple operations can be used to control its forward, backward, steering, lifting, and other movements. Wheel Loaders, on the other hand, require higher operating skills because they adopt a mechanical transmission system and need more meticulous operations to maintain their stable operation.
5. Price
Skid Steer Loaders:
Compact:Generally starting from about US$1,238. For bulk purchases of 5 – 9 units, the unit price is about US$1,196; for 10 units or more, the unit price is about US$1,155.
Medium:Medium-sized Skid Steer Loaders equipped with better engines and hydraulic systems are priced at about US$13,913 – US$41,741.
Large: Exceeding US$41,741.
Wheel Loaders:
Compact:Commonly about US$24,766, while some small-sized agricultural wheel loaders are about US$2,643.
Medium:Priced at about US$41,741 – US$111,298.
Large:Exceeding US$100,000.
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Which Is Suitable For Your Next Project, Skid Steer Loader vs Wheel Loaders?
It’s quite simple. If your project is relatively small, has a limited budget, and requires a machine with good maneuverability, the working area is narrow, the materials are fine, and it involves light-load and high-frequency operations, then choose a Skid Steer Loader.
If it’s the opposite of the above, then choose a Wheel Loader.
Of course, we sincerely welcome you to consider HIXEN machines for your next project. We will meet all your requirements. Welcome to consult us.