The Best Skid Steer Attachments
If you rent or own a skid steer for an upcoming project, you should know about all of the attachments that can elevate your equipment's functionality. Although there are dozens available, we've narrowed down the best skid steer attachments that can be used on a wide range of job sites and on a variety of terrains.
Buckets
Skid steer bucket attachments are used for lifting, spreading, and scooping loose materials such as rocks or soil. They are a popular attachment and in high demand, making them easy to find and affordable. There are a variety of buckets available that range in size and capabilities, but a simple bucket will typically run between $750 to $1,000, depending on the size and brand you choose.
Augers
Augers skid steer attachments are used to dig holes for fences, trees, and footings. The type of attachment you choose will be determined by the type of soil you'll be drilling into. Most auger attachments have a maximum depth of six feet. However, you can purchase extensions if your project requires deeper holes. Skid steer auger attachments are known for their speed and precision and are available in both heavy-duty and extreme-duty. Additionally, you can choose from a wide range of bits and extensions to suit your needs. Augers typically cost between $2,000 to $2,500.
Rakes
Rake attachments are used on a skid steer to assist with landscaping projects. They are used to gather sticks and rocks and cut, aerate, and level out the soil. Although not every job requires a rake attachment, they save time and manpower for the right project, which can be allocated elsewhere. With an average width between 82" and 116", the price range for a rake attachment is usually between $5,000 and $12,000.
Forks
Forks, or pallet forks, are among the most popular attachments on a skid steer. They work similarly to a palette on a forklift, and are used to lift, stack, and move objects. Rather than buying a full-sized forklift that only serves one purpose, a skid steer attachment can be detached and replaced depending on the task. Skid steer fork attachments are also particularly helpful for lifting heavy objects like lumber. Forks are on the lower end as far as cost goes, generally averaging between $500 to $1,000.
Trenchers
Skid steer trencher attachments are the ideal tool for when you need to cut through dirt with ease and precision. You can use them to install irrigation systems, repair roads, power or water lines, and general construction projects. They are compact and detachable and come with various chain widths and tooth configurations to suit different needs. Before selecting a trencher attachment, you'll want to consider the ground conditions and specific applications to choose the right teeth for the job. As a more complex attachment, trenchers usually cost between $4,000 to $6,000.
Tillers
A tiller attachment is essential if the job requires you to work with soil. It will break through rocks and dense clumps to soften and even out the soil. It can also be used for mixing soil additives such as fertilizer and compost and is particularly useful for groundwork, landscaping, and agriculture. Depending on the size and manufacturer, you can expect to pay between $3,500 and $6,000 for a tiller attachment.
Brush Cutters
Also known as brush hogs or stump grinders, brush cutters are an ideal attachment for cutting through thick foliage, trees, and thickets to help clear land. In many cases, a skid steer with a brush cutter attachment is sent to the job site before any other equipment to clear the area before getting started. The average price of a skid steer brush cutter is between $4,000 to over $10,000, depending on whether you get a mid-range or a larger model.
Grapples
A grapple attachment is ideal for projects requiring you to remove large, heavy objects such as logs, boulders, or large debris. While a normal bucket works well for lighter loads, grapples are fitted with two arms that can easily grab onto the object you need to move. They are a crucial tool for any construction fleet. The cost of a grapple attachment varies widely but typically runs between $2,000 to $5,000.
Rock Breakers
A rock breaker attachment will help you chop through very hard materials if you need to break up asphalt or concrete. They use the hydraulics on your skid steer to operate, so your skid steer loader must be equipped with plenty of hydraulic power to break through the materials you're working with. Rock breakers are another attachment with a wide price range, but you can expect to pay between $5,500 to $17,000 depending on weight, size, manufacturer, vendor, and impact class.
Backhoes
While thinking of a construction site, most people picture a backhoe. Thanks to their unparalleled digging capabilities, they are a key piece of equipment on any construction site. It can dig, scoop, carry, and grapple objects and works similarly to a bucket attachment. They do not have quite as much mobility as a backhoe with a permanent boom and bucket, but they are more lightweight and are particularly useful for landscaping projects. Although backhoe attachments typically run around $12,000, their versatility makes them well worth the price tag.
Here's a table summarizing the best skid steer attachments along with their average prices:
This table provides an overview of the key skid steer attachments, their functions, and typical price ranges.
Here's the countdown of skid steer attachments from highest to lowest price range:
Rock Breakers Price $5,500 - $17,000: Chop through very hard materials such as asphalt or concrete using hydraulic power.
Brush Cutters Price $4,000 - $10,000+: Ideal for cutting through thick foliage, trees, and thickets to clear land.
Backhoes Price Around $12,000: Unparalleled digging capabilities, suitable for digging, scooping, carrying, and grappling objects.
Rakes Price $5,000 - $12,000: Assist with landscaping projects by gathering sticks and rocks, cutting, aerating, and leveling soil.
Tillers Price $3,500 - $6,000: Break through rocks and dense clumps to soften and even out soil, useful for groundwork and agriculture.
Trenchers Price $4,000 - $6,000: Ideal for cutting through dirt with ease and precision, useful for installing irrigation systems or repairing roads.
Augers Price $2,000 - $2,500: Used for digging holes for fences, trees, and footings, available in heavy-duty and extreme-duty options.
Grapples Price $2,000 - $5,000: Ideal for removing large, heavy objects such as logs, boulders, or debris.
Buckets Price $750 - $1,000: Used for lifting, spreading, and scooping loose materials such as rocks or soil.
Forks Price $500 - $1,000: Used to lift, stack, and move objects, similar to a palette on a forklift.