Improvements in technology, including manufacturing technology, continue to benefit the landscape industry in many ways such as the development of equipment that is more compact, cost-effective yet powerful than ever. This evolution of machinery constantly transforms how landscape contractors bid and complete jobs.

One of the most important ways that businesses reap the benefits of technological advances is in the form of more efficient, more cost-effective tools. The landscape industry is no stranger to this. The machinery needed to complete tasks continues to get more compact and more affordable.

Such is the case with today's mini-skid steers.

Compared to its full-sized cousin, minis now weigh two thirds less, which means less towing requirements (they are light enough to be loaded in the back of a pickup), less fuel spent towing them and less fuel spent operating them.

But more than that, today's mini-skid steers are powerful pieces of machinery. And because they are more affordable, they are relied upon to perform tasks that might require a number of workers. In other words, one or two workers using a mini-skid steer can accomplish jobs that would require an entire crew working by hand.

Another reason that contractors are partial to their mini-skid steers is these machines' versatility. For instance, dozens of additional add-ons can be easily swapped out for the standard bucket. With the right set of accessories this one machine can accomplish numerous landscaping tasks. And it can do it more quickly. In addition, a mini-skid steer can better reach jobsites with limited access.

Mini-skid steers also place significantly less pressure on the soil than full-size skid steers and are gentler on the turf. Depending upon the job, this can be a significant advantage.

So while they can't do everything that a full-sized skid steer can do, mini-skid steers help alleviate the labor and time spent on many jobs in the landscape business, and do so efficiently and economically.