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COMPACT LOADERS
W
hen it comes to compact
loading, the skid steer
has always been the
preferred solution, not
only in Africa, but on a
global scale. Available statistics show that
the world demand for skid steers reached
about 60 500 units in 2011, compared with
19 500 for compact wheel loaders during the
same period. These figures show that the
skid steer, at the time, was preferred on a 3:1
ratio over the compact wheel loader.
While the skid steer is traditionally the
most treasured compact loader, the compact
wheel loader is challenging the status quo.
Caterpillar is one of the OEMs offering a
world class product line-up in both these
product families, giving operators an
unmatched range and choice to suit their
individual needs.
According to Jas Kundra, wheel loader
product & application specialist at
Caterpillar, compact wheel loaders are fast
becoming a popular choice for some skid
steer applications. “Given the fact that
compact wheel loaders now come with a
skid steer coupler, high flow options and
attachment controls, don’t be surprised if you
continue to see operators migrating across
to an articulated loader as their machine of
choice in order to get the job done.”
Gehl is another OEM with a strong line-
up of both skid steer loaders and compact
wheel loaders. According to Gavin Leask,
Gehl Product Manager at Manitou Southern
Africa, the sentiment that compact wheel
loaders are becoming more relevant in certain
sectors such as landscaping has become
more apparent since the company introduced
its bigger AL750 articulated loader range in
KEEPING AN OPEN MIND
ON COMPACT
LOADING CHOICES
Choosing between a compact wheel loader and a skid steer, whether for outright purchasing or
renting, calls for an open mind. For African equipment users, the choice principally has always
been driven by a mindset that says “this is what we use here”, and traditionally this has favoured
the skid steer. But, what does a compact wheel loader have to offer?
Munesu Shoko
plods through
the fundamentals.
VS
Caterpillar is one of the OEMs
offering a world class product line
up in both skid steer and compact
wheel loader product families.
CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS
APRIL 2017
23