Stand-up or sit-down loaders?
Ditch Witch expert Brant Kukuk shares where these models shine.
While both machines yield unique advantages and applications, compact track loaders, also known as stand-on skid steers, have seen a significant surge in popularity over the last decade. This shift has been driven by the superior visibility, compact size and expanded operational capabilities of stand-on skid steers.
However, both stand-on and sit-down skid steers have their place on the job site and continue to grow in their respective industries. Additionally, with increased power, a variety of attachment options, and operator efficiencies, they are both excellent rental options.
There has been growth in tracked machines specifically. Over the last 10 years, tracked machines have been outpacing their tire counterparts due to their enhanced performance on challenging terrains.
Rental centers and end users often face a choice between sit-down skid steers and stand-on skid steers, each offering distinct advantages and tradeoffs. Sit-down skid steers are typically larger with higher horsepower — ranging from 74 to 100 horsepower — and greater lifting capacity. This makes them ideal for heavy-duty tasks such as loading and moving gravel or concrete for extended periods of time. However, their larger size and weight present transportation challenges, requiring a larger truck, trailer and a CDL license, which can be a barrier for some operators.
However, stand-on skid steers, with horsepower ranging from 24 to 59 horsepower, are smaller and more compact. This makes them easier to transport and more accessible to a broader range of customers, including homeowners and weekend warriors who do not need or have a CDL license. While they may have less lifting capacity, stand-on skid steers can perform similar tasks and are beneficial for jobs that require frequent on-and-off operation. Their compact size and enhanced visibility — offering a 360-degree view — make them ideal for navigating tight, confined spaces and reducing the risk of property damage.
Ditch Witch engineers address these concerns by designing its stand-on skid steers to be compact, lightweight and versatile. We prioritize operator visibility and productivity, ensuring that Ditch Witch machines offer a 360-degree view of the job site. This helps operators work more confidently and efficiently, especially in tight spaces. Ditch Witch stand-on skid steers are also equipped with simple, intuitive controls, making them less intimidating for novice users and ideal for a variety of tasks with multiple attachments.
Furthermore, Ditch Witch engineers focus on making our machines easy to transport, eliminating the need for a CDL license and making them accessible to a wider range of users. As job sites become more confined, we continue to evolve our machine designs to maximize productivity and minimize downtime.
Recently, there has been a noticeable shift toward stand-on skid steers, especially among landscapers, hardscapers, and irrigation professionals. These users prefer stand-on skid steers for their lighter weight and reduced impact on turf, making them ideal for residential and yard work.
Contractors and weekend warriors find stand-on skid steers appealing due to their compact size and enhanced visibility, making them ideal for tasks requiring frequent on-and-off operation and navigating confined spaces. Additionally, their ability to accommodate – and transport – a variety of attachments has led to broader adoption among professionals who need to switch tasks quickly and efficiently.
On the other hand, sit-down skid steers remain the preferred choice for intensive material-moving tasks. These machines excel in heavy-duty tasks that require greater lifting capacity like moving rock and heavy materials over extended periods, making them indispensable for large-scale construction and infrastructure projects.
The market continues to find more uses for both types of machines, keeping them busy year-round. The distinct differences in horsepower and size between the two allow each to serve specific needs effectively. As job sites and customer requirements evolve, both sit-down and stand-on skid steers will remain valuable assets, each catering to different market segments.
PRO CONTRACTOR RENTALS MAGAZINE
Pro Contractor Rentals provides information of value to rental centers who focus time, resources and attention on meeting the demands of construction contractors and other equipment rental customers.
