Picture a small piece of construction equipment. Four wheels, a central operator's cab, and two arms attached to a scoop in the front. What is it? If you're like many people, your answer is "It's a Bobcat!" While technically correct, a more precise answer would be "these pieces of construction equipment are Bobcat skid steers."

While it seems overly picky, the term Bobcat skid steers is just one example of an entire class of machines known as "skid steer loaders." If you go to a dealer looking just for a Bobcat skid steer, you can run into potential problems. Either the dealer won't be able to help because he's not an authorized Bobcat dealer, or the dealer will perceive you as "brand loyal" and won't show you skid steers from non-Bobcat manufacturers, even if it's a better fit for your business.

Why not just "Bobcat"?
"Bobcat" is actually a trademark of the Bobcat Company, a manufacturer of skid steers and many other types of construction equipment. There are eight or 10 significant manufacturers of skid steers, so don't get pigeonholed into just Bobcat skid steers by using the wrong term.

"Bobcat skid steers" became synonymous with "skid steer loaders" because they pioneered the little wonders. The Bobcat Company created these versatile pieces of construction equipment. The Bobcat skid steer features compact size, maneuverability, and ability to easily switch among a huge range of different attachments, which makes them valuable in landscaping, manufacturing, general construction, recycling, and many other industries.

So unless you're specifically shopping for Bobcat skid steers, be careful not to refer to a skid steer loader as a Bobcat. Instead, you can find high-rated, quality skid steers from a variety of manufacturers by submitting a free request for skid steer loader quotes. And who knows? If it's the right purchase for your business, you may find yourself operating a Bobcat skid steer after all!