How to Improve Hydraulics on Cat Skid Steer Equipment

Skid steer utility vehicles provide the unique benefit of switching out various attachments to suit the task at hand.  Skid steer operators must choose the right attachment for the job while making sure the hydraulic circuit is interchangeable for quick changeovers.  While focusing on making efficient changeovers of attachments, it is just as important to ensure that your hydraulic circuit provides maximum power and performance with leak-free connections.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when pairing your Cat® skid steer or any utility vehicle with attachments:

1)  Know your equipment’s hydraulic circuit specifications, pressure, and flow

It is important to know the hydraulic pressure, psi, and the hydraulic flow, gpm, of your equipment.  Some skid steer attachments may need additional hydraulic functional capability that not all machines come with.  It is just as important to know the type of hydraulic quick couplers in use when shopping for attachments. 

You should also know if your vehicle is a standard flow (typically 22 gpm) or high flow (26 gpm or greater).  Attachments designed for standard flow should operate fine on a high flow machine, but not the other way around.  You wouldn’t want to run attachments designed for high flow on a standard flow machine. 

2) Know the difference between hydromechanical and fabricated attachments

Hydromechanical attachments are powered by an auxiliary hydraulic system and should be from the same manufacturer as your equipment. Cat skid steer equipment and attachments are engineered to operate together. 

Fabricated attachments are versatile in that they do not require auxiliary hydraulics and can often operate on equipment from another manufacturer.

 

3)  Consider renting an attachment before purchasing it

Most equipment suppliers will let you rent an attachment prior to purchasing it to see how it works for you on your equipment. 

4)  Evaluate your hydraulic quick couplers

Evaluate your hydraulic quick couplers for the possibility of improving them with flat-face, threaded couplers that provide a secure connection that prevents leaks. 

Stucchi Offers Skid Steer Hydraulic Solutions

Stucchi is a leading hydraulic specialist, offering high quality and custom designed quick couplers for a multitude of industries and applications.  Our hydraulic specialists will work with you to determine the best quick connect and quick release solution for your equipment, your attachments and your application. 

Stucchi offers hydraulic quick couplers for skid steer, excavators, backhoes and many other rugged and demanding applications. Our skilled hydraulic specialists offer process analysis and custom designed hydraulic solutions to meet your specific needs. Contact us to be sure you are using the right quick couplers for your skid steer and all mobile and agricultural equipment.