Beef up your skid steer

Oct 30, 2001 12:00 PM, Karen McMahon

New attachments make farm chores quick and easy.

A skid-steer loader continues to be a highly versatile piece of equipment on a farm, especially as manufacturers add more attachment options. Here’s a selection of the latest skid-steer options, all designed to make farm chores easier.

Safe unhitching. Now you can unhitch attachments to your skid-steer loader quickly and conveniently without leaving the seat. Kasco is manufacturing the Hydra-Hitch that uncouples attachments hydraulically. The Hydra-Hitch attaches to the skid steer’s original latching system with a simple bolt package. It is currently designed to fit the John Deere 200 series skid steers. Models for additional skid steers will be available in the future. Prices start at $450. Contact Kasco Mfg., Dept. FIN, 170 W. 600 No., Shelbyville, IN 46176, 800/458-9129, www.kascomfg.com.

Batch cement mixing. If you need to add a pad of cement to a building or feed yard but don’t want the expense of a commercial cement truck, check out the portable mixer from Worksaver that fits on a skid steer. The new model SS-585 mixer handles one bag of cement mix in its welded steel drum. The hydraulically driven, self-contained mixer is equipped with internal paddles to ensure uniform mixing. Price: $2,950. Contact Worksaver Inc., Dept. FIN, Box 100, Litchfield, IL 62056-0100, 217/324-5973, www.worksaver.com.

Grapple rake. Clear fence rows, pick up trees, and move large pieces of debris with Worksaver’s Grapple Rake. Three replaceable welded-on tines are spaced 50 in. apart to pick up debris while leaving dirt behind. The grapple mounts on either skid steers or tractor front loaders. Price: $1,850. Contact Worksaver Inc., Dept. FIN, Box 100, Litchfield, IL 62056-0100, 217/324-5973, www.worksaver.com.

Crane boom. A new crane boom from Worksaver designed for skid steers can help move or load hard-to-handle items. The boom can be attached to any skid -steer loader with a universal quick-attach system. It is made from 3-in. square steel tubing and is 6 1/2 ft. long. Featuring three attaching points, the crane boom is rated at 1,700 lbs. at the farthest point and 2,200 lbs. at the nearest attaching point. A clevis, chain hook and one set of adapter bushings come as standard equipment. Price: $450. Contact Worksaver Inc., Dept. FIN, Box 100, Litchfield, IL 62056-0100, 217/324-5973, www.worksaver.com.

Plowing snow. Make snow plowing easy work with the new Snow Wolf snow plow. Designed for skid steers, the snow plow scoops snow instead of pushing it and then sends the snow rolling off the blade to keep the skid steer in control of heavy snow. The oscillating blade follows ground contours without scraping. It is available in seven widths from 6 ft. to 9 ft. Suggested retail price of an 8-ft. blade is $2,548. Contact Snow Wolf, Dept. FIN, 6026 Pillsbury Ave. S., Minnespolis, MN 55419, 800/905-2265.