Buyers’ Guide: Miniloaders Everything you need to know about this tree care workhorse Light, strong, and maneuverable, these nimble machines are a worthy addition to your equipment lineup. With interchangeable attachments, versatile miniloaders can save time, money, and effort. By Katherine Gustafson
The small but mighty miniloader is relatively new to the U.S. tree care industry, but it is fast becoming the go-to machinery for arborists. Shorthand for mini articulating wheel loaders, miniloaders are characterized by their relatively small size, their use of wheels instead of tracks, and an articu- lation system that allows them to maneuver in small spaces. These features make it ideal for safely working on turf and lawns, such as residential backyards. “Tree care guys have come to find out that a mini articulating loader is really the ultimate tool, because it doesn’t cause any turf damage while performing the same tasks as other machines,” says Chris Sleurink of Miniloaders.com . “And on top of that, these machines of- ten have a telescopic boom, which allows you to push, pull, or pick up materials over a fence.” Ready to buy a miniloader? Here’s what you need to know about this tree care workhorse. HISTORY Miniloaders were first widely adopted in Europe in the 1990s. Although several companies sold them in the U.S., they didn’t real- ly take off until 2012, when Finn- ish manufacturer Avant Tecno set up a headquarters in Chicago.
Distributed by DFD Loaders, Schäffer’s line of German-built wheel loaders range from 25 to 204 horsepower.
“The compact articulated load- er is lighter and simultaneously stronger than most comparable horse-powered track machines or skid steers,” says David Font, CEO of DFD Loaders . “Visibility is greater. It’s safer. The noise level is much lower. It’s a much easier, more intuitive machine to operate.” Miniloaders are tree care work- horses because they are small, maneuverable, and wheeled. They tend to have 25 to 75 horsepower and weigh 2,500 to 10,000 pounds — small com- pared to other machines in- volved in tree care. Yet they can typically li up to their own weight without tipping, making
them a powerful option for in- tensive tree care work. “When it comes to the tree care industry, miniloaders can easily handle all of the ‘back-breaking work’ that normally requires several ground personnel,” says
Good to Know
Locomotion: Wheels Action: Articulated
Weight: 2,500 to 10,000 lbs Power: 25 to 75 horsepower Lift capacity: 2,000 to 7,500 lbs
ArborTIMES Winter 2024 | 7
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