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When working on projects during the winter months, you want a reliable machine that can clear snow from your job site. While skid steers are compact and easy to operate, these hardworking machines are powerful enough to remove even heavy snow and ice. Renting a skid steer for the winter is a convenient and cost-effective way to reap the benefits of this versatile machine.

Purchasing a skid steer is a significant investment requiring you to account for storage needs and regular maintenance, but renting is ideal for companies that need extra support on temporary winter jobs. Wondering if renting snow removal skid steers is the right choice for your business? Take a look at this guide to learn more about what a skid steer is, why it’s useful and how you can rent one this winter.

What Is a Skid Steer?

A skid steer is a powerful, maneuverable and compact machine. Workers typically use this piece of construction equipment for digging or excavating, but it’s ideal for a diverse range of applications when equipped with special attachments. Skid steers also work as alternatives to plows for snow removal in the winter months.

Skid steers come in multiple sizes, and certain frame sizes are better than others for specific jobs. The three main sizes are:

• Small or compact: The smaller frame makes this machine lighter, more maneuverable and excellent for landscaping.
• Medium: Medium-sized frames offer high-power capabilities within a compact structure, making them ideal for performing heavy-duty tasks in small spaces.
• Large: The biggest skid steers are also the most powerful, making them best for excavating and demolition.

Benefits of Skid Steers for Snow Removal

The adaptability of skid steers comes from the range of attachments you can use with them. When you combine your skid steer with a snow removal attachment, you have a convenient and powerful machine that can take on winter weather. There are numerous benefits to using skid steers for snow removal, including:

• Control: The compact size and maneuverability provide workers with exceptional control through the snow removal process. Whether you need to remove snow from a small parking lot, narrow driveway or large field, a skid steer can tackle the job.
• Speed: Skid steers can travel faster than track loaders, allowing them to gain momentum and quickly remove snow from lots and job sites.
• Cost: A skid steer is a less expensive snow removal option than a large plow truck. What’s more, the machine’s versatility means that you get multiple tools in one—purchase a single skid steer and switch out attachments to suit your project needs.
• Versatility: You can operate skid steers on various surfaces, gradients and terrains. The broad attachment availability also adds to the versatility of the skid steer. You can choose a snowblower for light, fluffy snow and buckets or snow blades for thick, heavy accumulations.

While there are numerous benefits to using skid steers for snow removal, buying a dedicated machine or attachment might be impractical if you don’t experience regular snowfall in your area. Luckily, companies and individuals can rent skid steers to deal with heavy or unexpected snow and ice during the winter months.

Additional Uses of Skid Steers

Skid steers are versatile machines that can use a diverse array of attachments to work numerous jobs, including:

• Demolition: You can use skid steers for indoor and outdoor demolition jobs. These powerful machines can tear down concrete, drywall and other tough materials. The skid steer’s compact size makes it ideal for demo projects in small or crowded spaces.
• Road work: Road maintenance crews use skid steers for jobs ranging from grading to paving and patching.
• Excavating: Attachments like rippers, wheel saws, tillers and trenchers make skid steers perfect for excavation work. Skid steers can dig everything from a foundation to a narrow trench depending on the attachment you choose.
• Debris removal: A bucket attachment allows you to clear brush and other debris from a job site.
• Grading: You can level the ground, fill in holes and aerate the soil using a skid steer equipped with a rake attachment or grading bar.
• Construction: Construction workers can fit the machine with a cement mixer or pavement miller to assist with projects.
• Loading: A bucket attachment allows you to move materials and equipment around a job site. You can also use a vertical lift attachment to lift heavier loads or reach higher up.
• Landscaping: Skid steers are ideal for landscaping when you outfit the machine with a stump grinder, wood chipper or tree spade. A skid steer equipped with a brush cutter also allows you to mow tall grasses and overgrown areas.
• Digging: When most people think of skid steers, they picture digging attachments like trench diggers, backhoes or augers.

Renting a Skid Steer From One Call Rentals

Buying a new machine is a big investment, so you should consider if purchasing a skid steer is an investment that will pay off for you. If you plan on using the skid steer on a temporary basis, renting may be the most convenient and cost-effective option.

While buying used equipment is an affordable alternative, renting allows you to get the right machine for every unique project. You can choose a skid steer—and arm attachment—that best meets your project requirements. Rent a large-framed skid steer with a ripper attachment for excavation jobs in the summer and a compact model with a bucket for removing snow in the winter. Finally, renting gives you the freedom to work on out-of-town projects without needing to transport your equipment to the worksite.

At One Call Rentals, we stock rental equipment for any application. Our inventory includes:

• Site support equipment: We offer high-power compaction equipment and tools, dump trucks, portable generators, forklifts, light towers, pumps, saws, water trucks and more.
• Heavy equipment: Choose from articulated trucks, backhoe loaders, dozers, excavators and other heavy-duty machinery.
• Power systems: Our inventory includes electric power generators and marine power systems.
• Attachments and work tools: We have various tools and skid steer attachments available* so you can get a machine that matches your needs.

Contact One Call Rentals Today

At One Call Rentals, we measure our success by the success of our customers. Our team is committed to providing you with the highest-quality rental equipment and exceptional customer support before, during and after your purchase. With over 70 years of experience, we can find you the best possible machine for your next project. Contact us online to learn more about our rental equipment and the services we offer.

*Site shows all attachments and not all attachments may be compatible with a skid steer.

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