When and where to use these five mini skid steer attachments

Vermeer mini skid steers are designed to connect to a variety of Vermeer-authorized attachments. With various options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one will efficiently get the job done. Let’s focus on five of the mini skid loader attachments, talk about their proper use and determine how to get the most out of your work day.

Grapples

Grapples are built to help you move brush, limbs and branches. They’re best used on a jobsite where you have a lot of tree debris to clean up or chip.

To operate, navigate to the brush or branches with the grapple low to the ground while in transport. When you arrive at the site, make sure the grapple is open and then close it on the brush or branches you want to pick up by using the hydraulic flow controls.

Mini skid steers with a grapple attachment are frequently paired with a brush chipper so you can handle the materials with the grapple and put it directly into the chipper.

It can be useful in a variety of tree care jobsites and there are several different kinds of grapple attachments you can utilize, too.

Auger

The auger attachment can be helpful for a variety of landscape jobs. With a 10-inch to 12-inch (25.4-cm to 30.4-cm) auger, you can put in footings or pilings for decks and sunrooms. Or, you can use it for a new fence install. If you’re putting in some trees, you can use a 36-inch (91.4- cm) tree auger to dig the hole, which breaks up the soil for root growth. Then complete the work with a Vermeer mini skid steer and bucket to set your trees in the hole.

The auger can bore holes from 6 inches to 36 inches (15.2 cm to 91.4 cm) in diameter. If you need to get into tight areas, the auger attachment is a great way to help get the job done right.

Harley rake

Harley rakes are ideal for landscape jobs and are built to smooth out a rough grade and get it ready to seed or sod. For example, it can be used for contouring the yard after some construction was done, to break up the big chunks of rock and bury them down. It makes the soil more of a powder and primes it for seeding. This is possible with the Harley rake’s pure carbide teeth that breaks up the dirt and smooths it out. 

A Harley rake is a helpful attachment to have on hand for your landscape jobs and can make for a happy customer.

Trencher

Using a trencher attachment is a great fit for landscape and utility jobs. Let’s start with landscape. A common use for a trencher attachment is to trench downspouts. On the utility side, it’s used for preparing to run in power or water lines. This can be used in residential or public areas.

The trencher can dig 4-inches to 6-inches (10.1-cm to 15.2-cm) wide at a depth of 24 inches to 48 inches (60.9 cm to 121.9 cm). If you’re installing drain tiles, you’ll want a trench that’s wide and shallow. If you’re putting in water lines, you’ll want to trench narrow and deep.

There are also different cutter options for the trencher chain. You can have cups for slicing soft soils and shark teeth for impacting hard, rocky soils.

Whether you need to dig a large or small trench, for a landscape or utility job, the trencher attachment can get the job done.

Vibratory plow

This attachment is regularly used on the irrigation side of the landscape business. Its most common application is putting in low voltage yard lighting or irrigation pipes.

The vibratory plow is ideal for established lawns where you need to leave a small footprint and minimize yard disturbance.

The plow’s hydraulic motor also includes a high-pressure seal and internal valve to help extend motor life and performance. For irrigation or landscape professionals, this can be a helpful tool to accomplish tasks with minimal mess.

For your next job, use the mini skid steer attachment that will help you get the work done efficiently. It could be a grapple or a trencher, but the important part is that you choose the right tool for the right job.

These five attachments are just some of the Vermeer-approved attachments available for the Vermeer skid steer lineup. For more information, contact your local dealer.

Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region.

Mini skid steer attachments available from Vermeer dealers may be manufactured by Vermeer Corporation or other attachment manufacturers. Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications and attachments.

Vermeer and the Vermeer logo are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. © 2021 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

A cutout image of a yellow Vermeer CTX160 mini skid steer.

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