Manufacturers have added all kinds of skid steer features to their models in recent years. What used to be a very bare-bones piece of equipment now has many options that can make it safer, more comfortable, and more efficient to operate.

One good example is the anti-stall device. Skid steer loaders use the same hydraulic power system for driving and for manipulating attachments. If the operator tries to do too much - lifting a heavy load while accelerating, for example - the engine will be unable to supply enough power, resulting in a stall. Avoiding stalls used to take skill and practice - but now, some brands have anti-stall devices built in that automatically prevent them.

Vertical or radial lifting
The standard skid steer features a radial lift design. The arms are attached to the machine at a single point on each side, so as the arms are raised, the bucket moves in an arc: away from the machine as it moves from the ground to the height of the mounting pin, then back towards the machine as it goes higher. This design makes the loader more stable with a full load at high or low elevations.

The drawback to radial lift is that the reach of the machine is diminished. An alternative, called vertical lift, uses a hinged joint to move the bucket out as it rises, allowing the load to move almost straight up and down. Vertical lift gives the skid steer more reach at high lifts, which is useful when loading dump trucks, for example. It's also important if you're going to be using your skid steer extensively as a forklift.

Cab enclosures
Until recently, most skid steers were only available in an open configuration where there was only a canopy overhead -- no doors or windows -- which exposed the operator to the elements. Now, many models are available with an enclosed, heated cab that is a welcome feature in cold climates. Because skid steers constantly kick up clouds of dust, visibility can be a problem in an enclosed cab, so many operators remove the windows during the summer. In fact, skid steer operators can take the cab on and off at will.

Skid steer features that go along with enclosed cab are air conditioning and defrosters. Air conditioning is very rare, but defrosters to help visibility are more common and are usually a good idea in an enclosed cab.

Control options
There are two standard control setups for operating a skid steer loader. The traditional setup uses two hand levers, one for speed and direction on the right side and another for the left. Foot pedals control the curl and lift of the bucket. A newer type of control uses two 360° joysticks. One controls the speed and direction of the loader, while the other operates the bucket. There are other control variations as well, such as a twin lever setup that incorporates a pivot on each lever to control the attachment.

The main reason to choose one style of control over another is personal preference. Operators who are familiar with one system will naturally want to stick with it. The two-handed joystick approach is considered somewhat easier to learn, since it only uses two appendages at once, instead of two hands and two feet. However, some people in the industry feel that hand and foot setups are more efficient.

Other skid steer features Each manufacturer offers a different selection of other add-ons that might be right for your situation:

• Warning flashers or rotating beacons are an important safety feature for road work.
• Lighting, both front and rear, makes night work much easier.
• Overhead displays can provide information on fuel and oil levels, hours worked, and more.
• Suspension seats help make a rough ride more tolerable.
• Push-button quick attach lets you switch attachments without getting out of the cab.
• Rear view mirrors are a big help in crowded operating environments.
• Two-speed transmissions give you more control over the loader's speed.