products that work best for your spe- cific needs,” Koberg said. “A survey typically includes an evaluation of the ground conditions and identifies access and staging locations for the work.” Keep in mind that these mats will re- quire storage space, so consider how to store them when not in use or add them to a trailer alongside your skid steer, compact track loader, and other equipment for the job. Koberg advises investing in high-qual- ity mats, noting, “High-quality stiffer mats and trax can last 10-plus years. The return on investment gained on these is not worth saving a small amount of money for lower quality mats that lack rigidity.” MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE Skid steers and compact track loaders can be game changers for arborists, offering versatility and efficiency in various work settings. By carefully evaluating the advantages, disadvan- tages, and job requirements, you can decide whether these machines are a smart addition to your toolkit. Proper planning, training, and maintenance will ensure you get the most out of your investment.
Attachments can be added as needed for each job, enabling you to customize the machine for a wide range of tasks and environments.
Koberg stressed the importance of considering the weight and type of equipment, condition of the ground, duration of use, specific environmen- tal considerations, and the area of coverage needed. “Conducting a site survey in advance helps you select ground protection
“Due to the fact that both skid loaders and track loaders turn by skidding, they have a high potential of turf dam- age that will require additional cleanup and repair upon job completion,” Flee- gel said. To prevent damage to the terrain, op- erators should use protective mats for sensitive areas to support both the equipment and its load. “Typically, light-duty products excel at building temporary roadways for light- er equipment such as vehicles, skid steers, mini dump trucks, and spider lift cranes,” said Kevin Koberg, stra- tegic sales manager for DICA . “While the load-bearing capacity of light-duty matting is lower, it addresses specific needs and is designed with speed of deployment in mind.” DICA’s portfolio includes mat options like SlatTrax, offering 100 feet of ground protection for heavy equipment working on potentially sensitive surfac- es, and can be adapted to meet a variety of project requirements.
Recommended Brands for Skid Steers and Compact Loaders
When selecting between skid steers and compact loaders, partnering with a reliable brand can make all the difference. Here are some go-to companies known for their high-quality equipment and industry expertise:
• Avant: Renowned for their innovative and versatile compact loaders. • Schaffer: Specializes in compact loaders built for tough environments. • Morbark: Offers rugged machines designed to handle heavy-duty tree care tasks. • Vermeer: A trusted name in the tree care industry with a range of compact equipment.
• Miniloaders: Provides compact solutions tailored for tight spaces and efficiency. • Giant Loaders: Known for their durable and powerful compact loaders. • TNE Distributing: Supplies reliable equipment options with a focus on performance. • Toro: Delivers user-friendly, versatile skid steers and compact loaders.
When choosing protective mats,
20 | ArborTIMES™ Winter 2025
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