Mowing, clearing snow, and moving dirt are all tasks for which a skid steer can be used. A skid steer is a powerful machine with an articulating arm usually mounted on a tractor. It allows the operator to perform complex, labor-intensive tasks from the back of the vehicle without getting out. Skid steers have been around since 1960 and continue to evolve as they adapt to different environments and needs across industries such as construction, agriculture, mining. So here’s how to use a skid steer too clear and prepare your land for a slab.
How to Use a Skid Steer for Land Clearing
The bucket at the front of your skid loader will help rip through anything in its way, including small bushes or trees up to 18 inches thick! You might be surprised by just how fast this task gets done, so if there are any overhanging branches, they might want to get out of the way! You can use your skid steer for land clearing to move dirt around. If you have a pond or other construction project, this is an excellent machine for dumping large amounts of earth and stone quickly. The faster speed also makes it great at filling dump trucks, so if there’s a need for quick hauling work, it’ll go a long way towards getting that done too!
This task combines different uses, from moving snow in winter to mowing grass quickly throughout springtime into summer months. You will be amazed by how much more productive your day becomes when you’re working with such a powerful tool rather than traditional lawn equipment like push mowers which just won’t cut it for some projects.
Finding Land Clearing Companies
If you’re looking for a land clearing company, there are a few things to consider. The first is the size of the crew. Do they have enough people on staff to handle your project? Second is experience; how long have they been in business and what types of projects have they done in the past? The third is equipment, make sure they are using current skid steers and other machinery models, or you could be dealing with some downtime during your project. Finally, get references and call them! Talking to previous clients will give you an idea if the company is professional, trustworthy, and does quality work.
Safety During Demolition
Safety should always be first on your mind when working with heavy equipment like skid steers. Make sure to wear the proper safety gear, including a hard hat, earplugs for loud noises, high visibility vests or jackets, and steel toe boots just in case you drop something that falls onto it! It’s also important to keep an eye out around skid steer tracks as they can sometimes be hidden by debris you’re moving around. To stay safe, don’t forget these simple rules of thumb, which will help protect yourself during demolition projects:
- Use a spotter if possible.
- Let someone know where you are going before starting work – Be aware of overhanging tree branches above machinery.
- Clean up after yourself at the job site every night instead of leaving tools out overnight.
- Do not work alone if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable at any time, don’t be afraid to ask for help!
- Make sure all children are kept away from the equipment.
- If your skid loader has a quick attach bucket, ensure it is securely attached before operating the machine. Sudden acceleration can cause an unsecured load to come flying off.
How to Level Surfaces Before Slab
Now that you have cleared the land, it is time to level the surface before the slab. This can be done with a skid steer or other piece of heavy machinery. If you don’t have your equipment, many companies offer this service. The first step is to remove any large rocks or roots from the surface and then use a grading blade to smooth out the area. Make sure that the ground is level in all directions so that your slab will sit flat and not wobble when people walk on it! You might need to go over the same spot more than once to get it just right – Patience is key!
The bottom line: a skid steer can be used to clear land. But, it’s important to keep in mind safety precautions when clearing land with heavy machinery like avoiding overhanging tree branches and unsecured loads coming off the skid loader.