Over forty years ago, Bobcat company developed the skid steer. This is a popular, compact machine that is extremely useful in farming and a wide variety of other applications. These versatile little powerhouses can be used with a wide variety of attachments to perform many different types of jobs. Because they are small, they are also easy to carry from one jobsite to another. Read on to learn more on how to make money with a skid steer.
What You'll Learn Today
Are Skid Loaders Expensive?
In addition to being small, mighty and versatile, skid steers (a.k.a. Bobcats) are also quite affordable, especially when you can find a good deal on a used one.
If you’re willing to put a bit of time and effort into shopping and perhaps some restoration, you can get a good quality five or six-year-old skid loader for between $12,000 and $17,000, also depending on whether the skid steer is high flow or low flow.
Do You Need Special Training To Operate A Skid Loader?
To operate a skid steer professionally, there is required training and certification involved. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) skid steer operators should have formal training in being able to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions.
If you are hoping to hire yourself and your skid steer out, very comprehensive training and certification in operation of the equipment is a good investment. Being well trained can mean the difference between safe and unsafe operation. It can also save you a great deal of money in insurance costs and potential accident settlements.
What Are Some Jobs You Can Do With A Skid Steer?
Once you’ve received proper training and have your own equipment, how can you make money with your Bobcat? Really, there’s almost no limit to the type of landscaping, farming and construction work you can help with and charge for your work some nice fees.
Here are just ten top examples:
1. Jobs At Construction Sites
Hire out your services to help with moving materials at construction sites and small building projects.
2. Garden Projects
Perform digging projects such as excavating for a pool or clearing out space for a garden.
3. Road Projects
Perform road repair and road development tasks using the asphalt planer attachment for your skid steer.
4. Warehouse Work
Use the forklift attachment to do warehouse work, move items on pallets, move hay or even move a small shed.
5. Help Prepare Foundations
Use your skid steer’s auger or breaker attachment to help prepare foundations, dig post holes and more.
6. Clear Roads
If you live in snow country, offer your services to clear roads and driveways in the winter.
7. Clean Paved Areas
Clean paved areas, such as driveways and parking lots using a rotary brush attachment.
8. Tree Work
Plant new trees or relocate small, existing trees using the tree spade and earth auger attachments.
9. Clear Brush
Clear brush and unwanted hedges with the brush cutter or tree shear attachments.
10. Landscaping Work
Perform all manner of landscaping and garden prep work.
Why I Love The Skid Steer Business
https://youtu.be/LNydvGcZdaE
Final Words
When you invest in a skid loader, you’ll have a valuable, versatile tool to use on your own property, and you’ll provide yourself with an independent means of earning a good income. When it comes right down to it, your time and skills are your most valuable assets.
Why sell them to make someone else rich? Invest in yourself and your own success by starting a skid steer business! If you have a backhoe instead, here is our article on backhoe business opportunities.
Many good opportunities, but it seems to be hard to operate a skid steer.
It is very easy to operate a skid steer. I myself only have one hand. I can still operate joystick skid steers. And have consistently for the past 4 years. Doing everything from Mine contracting, snow removal, and even building some ice roads for core drilling rigs in remote areas. You’ve just got to get some practice in my friend, and you’ll do just fine!