For the right jobs, a skip loader is an effective, sometimes essential, vehicle that often serves as the backbone for certain companies. This is especially true if you’re part of the waste management, landscaping, construction or recycling sectors. The question, though, is, are you part of an industry that could use a skip loader, or would another vehicle better serve your purposes?
There are plenty of heavy vehicle options for sale on the market, and choosing the right one for your business is a critical decision. You need to consider what jobs you’ll need to accomplish, the requirements of your business, the types of sites you’ll be visiting and your budget. In this blog, we’ll be running through some tips to help you decide if a skip loader is the best choice for you.
Is it the Right Choice for Your Business?
1. Choosing the right vehicle
Each type of heavy-duty vehicle is designed to excel in specific tasks. Therefore, understanding the types of tasks a piece of equipment is supposed to perform will help you determine the right vehicle for the things your business provides. Another way to look at it is to ask yourself what types of jobs you need to accomplish. For example, does your business focus on moving large loads or many smaller loads? Having a firm understanding of what you need makes purchasing the right vehicle much easier.
With all that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what a skip loader is, what it’s designed for and whether it is the right purchase for you and your team.
2. Definition of a Skip Loader
A skip loader is a heavy-duty truck used in construction, waste management, landscaping and recycling services. The primary job of a skip loader is to transport pick up and drop off a large bin in various locations. With this vehicle, you can leave a bin in a certain place and come back to pick it up once it is full.
Skip loaders are available in a range of models, ranging in size, tarping systems, carrying capacity, features and power.
3. Advantages of a Skip Loader
A quick, efficient way to move large loads
The big advantage of a skip loader is that it provides an efficient way to remove a large amount of rubbish, garden waste, construction debris and soil.
Available in a range of sizes
Different businesses have their own unique needs. Skip loaders come in a variety of sizes, each with different carrying capacities and power.
Versatility
Though a large vehicle, a skip loader can handle a range of terrain from a construction site to a suburban street.
Skips are strong and durable and can carry a wide range of materials
Bins are made from industrial metal and can handle a wide range of content. In most cases, the only limit will be what you can physically fit into the skip.
4. Disadvantages of a Skip Loader
In tight spaces, they may struggle
While skip loaders can reach a surprising number of areas, they’re still large vehicles that won’t be able to navigate the tightest places.
Not ideal for towing or smaller loads
The skip loader is ideal for every project, especially those that require you to carry many smaller loads rather than a lot each time.
5. Safety Considerations
Safety is a paramount concern with any large vehicle, and skip loaders are no exception. Luckily, most modern skip loaders include a range of safety features to minimise the risk of accidents, damage and injury.
6. Cost Analysis
Anyone who has run a business will tell you that handling money, especially how much you spend to eventually make a profit, is one of the most challenging aspects. Whether the cost of a skip loader justifies itself depends on the nature of your company. For some industries, like waste removal, a skip loader isn’t just a wise addition but an essential element on which the business relies.
7. Maintenance Requirements
The single best thing you can do to expand the lifespan of your machines is regular maintenance and care. These ongoing costs will be an important factor to consider with any piece of equipment you buy, and a skip loader is no exception.
8. Common Applications
Skip loaders provide a range of benefits to a variety of industries, including:
- Waste management
- Building sites and construction
- Recycling services
- Landscaping
- For companies that rent out skip bins.
Basically, if your company works on projects that need to move large loads in minimal trips, a skip loader could be the solution for you.
9. Alternatives to a Skip Loader
Hook lifts
When it comes to pure versatility, few heavy-duty vehicles can match it with a hook lift wheel loader. Available in a range of sizes, there are hook lifts that favour agility and are ideal for small-scale projects all the way up to larger models for bigger loads. Hook lifts are a better choice if your work can be unpredictable or you take on a wide range of projects. Find out more about hook-lifts by clicking here.
Dog trailers
A dog trailer has axles on either side of the trailer and is available in tri-axle and quad-axle models. These are great ways to add a towing and transport option for a semi-truck. Click here for more information about dog trailers.
Conclusion
Whenever you’re investing in a piece of equipment, it’s important you choose the best option for your business. West Trans has a wide range of skip loaders, hook-lifts and dog trailers, and can help you choose the best machinery for your needs.
If you’d like our friendly, expert team to help you choose the best vehicle for you, get in touch today.