Skid Steer & Tracked Loaders – What Are They, and Why Should You Get One On Site?
- NZ Machine Hire
- Jul 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 11
You’ve probably seen one zipping around a site, low to the ground, quick as anything, scooping, shifting, and tidying up like it owns the place. That’s a skid steer or tracked loader in action. And if you're not already using one, you could be making your job harder than it needs to be.
At NZ Machine Hire, we’ve got a solid range of loaders, from micro stand-ons to heavy-duty tracked machines, ready to handle whatever the job throws at you across Auckland.
Here’s what they do, when to use one, and how to pick the right loader for your next job.
What Are Skid Steer and Tracked Loaders?
Skid steer loaders are compact, wheel-based machines that steer by skidding. They’re quick, nimble, and great on firm ground.
Tracked loaders do the same job but run on rubber tracks. That gives them better grip, stability, and less pressure on the ground. They’re ideal for soft, sloped, or muddy sites.
Both types are known for being tough, easy to operate, and perfect for tight-access jobs like residential sites, side yards, and between piles.
Why Hire One for Your Auckland Site?
Whether you're doing a small backyard job or working on a large commercial build, these loaders are built to save time and make work easier. Here's why they should be on your radar:
Compact Size with Serious Power
Our loader range covers everything from micro models to full-spec tracked units. You get real strength in a machine that fits where bigger gear can’t.
Here’s what’s in the fleet:
ML85 Cormidi (0.8t micro loader)
Fits through a standard gate at 880mm wide. Great for landscaping, garden work, and other tight access areas. To view the full specs click here.
SM100 Wacker Neuson (1.5t stand-on)
Fast, nimble, and ideal for trench work, backfilling, or spreading topsoil. To view the full specs click here.
ST11 Wacker Neuson (2.3t tracked loader)
Compact frame, strong grip in wet or soft ground, and can be towed on a trailer. To view the full specs click here.
TL6R Takeuchi (3.5t tracked loader)
Balanced size and power. A great option for builders who need grunt without bulk. To view the full specs click here.
SVL75 Kubota (4.2t tracked loader)
A workhorse for bigger jobs like site cuts, preps, and heavy lifting. To view the full specs click here.
All models offer tight turning, stable handling, and power that punches above their size.
Save Hours of Labour
Moving five cubic metres of soil by hand can take all day. A skid steer can do it in minutes.
With high-flow hydraulics and quick bucket cycles, you can:
Backfill trenches
Clear demo sites
Spread gravel or basecourse
Load trailers and skip bins
These machines are built to speed things up without cutting corners.
Tracked Loaders Handle Soft Ground with Ease
If your site is muddy, soft, or on a slope, a tracked loader like the ST11, TL6R, or SVL75 can move across it with no issues. The rubber tracks spread the weight evenly so the machine stays on top instead of sinking in.
Perfect for wet days, turf prep, or work on tricky terrain.
Attachments Make the Job Easier
All loaders come with general-purpose buckets, but if you need more, we’ve got attachments available.
Use them for:
Spreading
Levelling
Light lifting
Trenching
Fewer machines to juggle means fewer delays on site.
Easy to Learn and Use
New to loaders? No problem.
The SM100 stand-on loader is easy to get the hang of, even if you’ve never used one before. The TL6R comes with a fully enclosed cab, air con, and smooth pilot controls that make long shifts more comfortable.
Why Hire from NZ Machine Hire?
We keep it simple. No fluff, no confusing systems, just solid machines and helpful service.
All machines are clean, fuelled, and ready to go
Trailer pickup or delivery available anywhere in Auckland
Hire for a day, a weekend, a week, or longer
Friendly support from people who actually know the gear
📍 Based in Auckland
🚛 Quick delivery across Auckland
🛠 Straight-up advice when you need it
Hire a Loader and Get the Job Done Faster
If you're levelling dirt, shifting spoil, or tidying up your work site, we’ve got the machine to match.
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