Mighty Fast Facts: Things You Didn’t Know About Mini Skid Steers
At Mighty Machine Rentals, we live and breathe "yellow iron." But even if you use these machines every day, there’s a lot of surprising history and science behind those compact frames. From turkey barns to high-tech sensors, here are some fun facts about the "Mighty Micros" of the construction world.
1. It All Started with... Turkey Manure?
Believe it or not, the skid steer wasn't invented for a skyscraper or a highway. In 1957, a turkey farmer in Minnesota named Eddie Velo needed a way to clean out his two-story barns. Traditional tractors were too heavy for the second floor and couldn't turn in the tight corners. Two brothers, Cyril and Louis Keller, built a three-wheeled prototype to solve the problem. That machine eventually became the very first Bobcat.
2. Why the Name "Skid Steer"?
Unlike your car, where the front wheels physically pivot to turn, a skid steer’s wheels (or tracks) are fixed straight. To turn, the machine increases the speed of the wheels on one side while slowing down or reversing the wheels on the other. This causes the tires to literally "skid" across the ground to pivot the machine.
Mighty Tip: This is why skid steers have a "zero-turn radius," making them the ultimate champions of tight Santa Ana jobsites!
3. Why is Bobcat White?
Ever wonder why Bobcat equipment is famous for being white, even though it works in the dirt? In the 1960s, the manufacturers wanted to prove their machines were "clean" enough for use in the dairy and fertilizer industries. White paint showed that the owners took care of their equipment and kept it sanitary for food-grade environments. The slogan was: "Tough enough to wear white."
4. They Can Throw Fire (Seriously)
While you’ll mostly see buckets and forks at our yard, there are over 110 different attachments available for skid steers globally. In the forestry sector, some mini skid steers are actually equipped with flamethrower attachments used for controlled "back-burning" to prevent forest fires!
5. The "Mini-Bob" Revolution
The very first "mini" skid steer was unveiled in 1970 and was nicknamed the "Mini-Bob." It was designed to fit through a 36-inch gate, which changed the game for residential landscapers forever. Today, machines like our Bobcat S70 carry on that legacy, packing 23 horsepower into a frame that still fits through your backyard gate.
Ready to Make Your Own History?
Whether you're cleaning out a modern "barn" or grading a Santa Ana backyard, Mighty Machine Rentals has the gear to get it done.
The Deal: $150 per 24 hours for our mini fleet.
The Bonus: 50% off delivery for your first order!
Tough Jobs Need Mighty Machines.