Throughout the landscape contracting business, versatility is key to generating more profit. The more tasks a machine can perform, the fewer dedicated-task machines you'll need. The skid steer loader is one machine that offers the Landscape Contractor tremendous options.

The best way to maximize a skid steer loader's potential is to take full advantage of work tools or attachments. Manufacturers understand the importance of work tools and have continued to develop new ones. In addition, manufacturers also have improved existing work tools.

The most desirable skid steer loader work tools are those that can be attached while the operator remains in the cab. With Caterpillar Skid Steer Loaders, for example, a universal, integrated mechanical quick coupler system secures the work tool in place and connects the power. Many other manufacturers have similar systems that allow for fast, easy work tool changes in the field. Most skid steer loader coupling systems do not require additional springs or lock pins to keep attachments in place, which speeds the switching process.

Of course the best way to evaluate a tool’s performance – including the ease of tool changes – is a test at the job site. Fortunately, operations such as Cat Rental Stores are willing to rent the work tools. Renting offers two key benefits to contractors: First, contractors can test the tool’s effectiveness in a work setting. Second, renting allows contractors to bid on jobs without adding to overhead.

The following is a sampling of typical skid steer loader work tools that you may find useful:

Auger - Designed to prepare holes for planting trees and shrubs, the auger can also drill holes for things like playground supports, fence posts, signs, in parks and recreation areas. Some landscape contractors use skid steer loaders with extra hydraulic flow to maximize auger performance.

Blades - These come in varying sizes, typically starting at about 72 inches. Blades are used in a variety of tasks, primarily moving and leveling material. Consider a blade with non-metallic edges, which will allow the tool to be used to remove snow as well.

Broom - The obvious application for brooms is cleaning surfaces after a job is complete. But brooms also can perform regular maintenance in parking lots and at golf courses, including upkeep of cart paths and even turf. In addition, brooms can clear snow in the winter, adding another season of use to the skid steer loader.

Grapple bucket – Grapple buckets help pick up and remove bulky or irregularly shaped material on the jobsite. Suited for clearing brush after pruning trees, or for cleanup, the grapple bucket offers the ability to grasp and hold.

Landscape rake - Aerating , conditioning, leveling and removing rocks from soil prior to seeding or laying sod is what landscape rakes do best. They also are used for conditioning and cleaning baseball fields.

Landscape tiller - Typical applications include mixing and composting soils for improved seedbeds, soil stabilization and soil preparation prior to landscaping and laying sod.

Light material bucket - While the bucket is built for a light application – such as hauling wood chips, mulch and snow – it also should be able to handle a large payload. This often is accomplished through long floor length and tall back height. Specifically, a 72-inch bucket should have a capacity of just under a yard. Extended-lift skid steer loaders are able to reach high and dump materials over the edge of a transfer truck.

Multi-purpose bucket - These attachments can be used for digging, dozing, clamping, back-dragging, grading and leveling during the traditional season and removing snow during the winter. Multi-purpose buckets have a range of capacities. Look for one that is big enough to be productive but still able to fit into any tight spaces the job might require. The multi-purpose bucket, like the light material bucket, also can be attached to skid steer loaders with extended reach.

Use a broom attachment for after-job cleanup, sweeping parking lots, paths, and even turf. In winter, use it to clear that pesky snow.

Pallet forks – Pallet forks are labor-saving devices which speed load-and-carry operations for moving materials on site and are used for loading/unloading palletized materials like sod, fertilizer or decorative stone.

Trencher – Irrigation and water sprinkler system work is one of the more frequent applications of this work tool. Trenchers also can remove roots that grow too close to buildings and paved paths.

Stump grinder – Tree and brush stumps quickly become chips when this work tool is put to use. Landscape contractors should be sure to find a stump grinder work tool that can go deep enough to handle the toughest jobs.

Snow blower/thrower – The skid steer loaders’ small size means it can fit in tight spots that a truck with a plow can’t reach. Blowers/throwers have a variety of heights, widths and throwing distances. When researching this tool, check to see if the rotational spout can be easily redirected.

Vibratory compactors – For compacting base materials and asphalt, vibratory compactors are often more maneuverable and less expensive than a dedicated self-propelled roller.

Work tools on a skid steer loader can translate into the highest productivity for the dollar. Understanding how to use work tools effectively – whether they’re rented or purchased – goes a long way toward ensuring the success of a landscape business.