Whether you work in construction, agriculture or another material handling industry, you’re no stranger to skid steer and compact track loaders. You also know the secret to what makes these engine-powered machines so powerful at the work site — attachments.

When fastened to the machine’s coupling interface, attachments can help you perform integral tasks related to demolition, excavation, lifting, loading, clearing, leveling, overhead work and debris removal. They streamline your operations to make projects run smoother and more efficiently.

There are countless types of skid steer and compact track loader attachments, and it can be challenging to wade through the options. If you’re looking for versatility, the following six must-have skid steer attachments are an excellent place to start.

1. Bucket

The many types of bucket attachments available allow you to haul and lift heavy-duty materials like rocks, as well as lighter materials like snow. Because the different buckets are made to serve different purposes, they are not a one-size-fits-all attachment. You’ll need to match the bucket’s dimensions to your skid steer.

Aside from general-purpose buckets, you can find the following configurations:

• Rock buckets: Rock buckets have slats that allow you to hold debris while leaving dirt and soil behind. They’re excellent for sifting debris or carrying rocks or firewood.
• Grapple buckets: Grapple buckets work like a clamp. Two grapple arms sit above the bucket to help you hold large, heavy materials — like boulders — in place.
• Concrete slab buckets: These buckets are designed to carry concrete slab sections. The best models can carry thick slabs and have a drainage hole to prevent water accumulation.

In addition to lifting and hauling materials, buckets can fulfill basic digging, backfilling, and leveling and grading needs, making them one of the most versatile attachments.

2. Pallet Forks

Pallet forks are effective tools for carrying and stacking objects like pallets, logs and bales. They operate similarly to pallets on forklifts, except that they are detachable. If the task at hand involves a few quick lifts, you may benefit from fitting your skid steer with a pallet fork attachment rather than bringing a forklift to the site.

3. Auger

Few attachments are more efficient and powerful than augers for drilling precise holes. Augers are spiral-shaped drills that can create small holes in dirt or soil to make room for trees, fence posts or footings. They are designed to minimize damage to the surrounding environment.

Most augers can drill holes up to 6 feet, so you may need an extension to drill deeper holes.

4. Backhoe

Backhoe attachments typically have a long arm with a digging bucket attached at the end to scoop, carry and deposit materials. Best for small construction and landscaping projects, backhoe attachments can dig trenches, clear debris, transport soil and grade land. When you attach an auger to the end of the boom arm, you can use your backhoe attachment to drill holes for trees or shrubs.

5. Tiller

Prepare the ground and make planting easy with a tiller attachment for skid steers and compact track loaders. These tools break up rock and dense clumps of dirt to soften the soil and disperse soil nutrients. They can also mix manure, fertilizer or compost into the soil to create the best conditions for plants.

6. Snow Attachments

If your company is open year-round in a snowy climate, snow management attachments are essential for your operations. Snowplows, snow blowers and snow pushers can help you remove snow from streets, parking lots, driveways and other paved surfaces.

While these are six of the most versatile types of skid steer and compact track loader attachments, you have many more options, including:

• Brooms
• Rakes
• Hammers
• Brushcutters
• Mulchers

Now that you have an understanding of the types of attachments, consider some tips for finding the equipment that will suit your industry and project:

• Consider your applications: Your industry and project will inform the attachment you need. For example, construction projects could benefit more from grapple bucket attachments than light material attachments. Choosing the wrong equipment for your needs could delay a project.
• Set a budget: Determining your needs, getting quotes, analyzing operating costs and calculating advantages are necessary for setting an equipment budget.
• Ensure the attachments fit your equipment: While many attachments work from one skid steer model to the next, you’ll still want to confirm their compatibility before purchasing. For example, your skid steer’s lifting capacity could impact what attachments you purchase.
• Purchase from a reputable dealer: Skid steer attachments are significant investments, and you want them to last as long as possible, which is why it’s important to purchase from a trustworthy dealer. Many dealers offer warranties and will provide after-sale support should any problems arise.
• Decide on used attachments: Used attachments from a reputable dealer can help you save money and get to work quickly.

Used skid steer and compact track loader attachments provide cost savings and can enhance your team’s productivity. Purchasing used Cat® equipment comes with additional benefits, including:

• Dependability: Used equipment is ready to go at the point of purchase. You can head from the dealer lot straight to the work site.
• Durability and value: Cat equipment is built to last, which means even used equipment can have a long life span.
• Avoiding depreciation: Purchasing used equipment saves on upfront costs since it has already undergone initial depreciation.
• After-sale support: When you purchase used equipment through a Cat dealer, you get immediate access to after-sale support in case of any issues.
• Access to Cat Certified Used (CCU) equipment: CCU units come with an Equipment Protection Plan, inspection reports, and machine service and repair histories. They also meet stricter standards to provide additional peace of mind.

Cat Used can connect you with a nearby Cat dealer offering the used equipment you need for your operations. From there, your Cat dealer can provide unparalleled support for your purchase.

Browse our inventory of used attachments backed by the best in the business, or find a Cat dealer in your area to learn more about the on-sale equipment. If you can’t find the piece you’re looking for, sign up for email alerts regarding availability.

Purchase used attachments with confidence — shop the Cat Used inventory today!