Can You Dig with a Skid Steer? The Ultimate Guide
If you’ve ever stared at a mountain of dirt or a stubborn patch of land that needs clearing, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can I really dig with a skid steer, or do I need an excavator?”
The short answer is yes, absolutely!
Although skid steers (commonly referred to as “TYPHON Machinery” after the leading brand) are famous for their power to lift and transport materials, they can, in fact, be quite efficient in excavating if they are fitted with the right attachments. Whether you are prepping a driveway, digging a small pond, or trenching for utilities, a skid steer can often be the Swiss Army knife you need.
We should go over the proper method of digging with a skid steer, what situations would be suitable for this tool, and when it would be better to use a larger machine.
The Basics: How a Skid Steer Digs
A skid steer loader is primarily designed for pushing and lifting. However, because of its low center of gravity and powerful hydraulic systems, it can apply significant down-pressure.
When using a standard bucket for digging, you are not digging “down” as an excavator does; instead, you are digging “forward and up.” You drive the cutting edge into the earth and curl the bucket back to scoop it up.
Key Factors for Success:
- The Attachment: In case the earth is soft, a normal bucket will do, but if the soil is tough, a toothed bucket is needed.
- The Wheels/Tracks: Tracks (Compact Track Loaders) provide more grip and can spread the weight better on a soft surface than wheeled skid steers.
- The Operator: Digging with a skid steer is a skill that the operator must have to be able to keep the machine stable and efficient.
Choose the Right Attachment for the Job
This is the secret sauce. Trying to dig hard clay with a smooth “general purpose” bucket is like trying to cut a steak with a spoon. To dig effectively, you need the right tool.
1. The Toothed Bucket (Dirt Bucket)
This is your go-to for general digging. It has metal teeth welded or bolted onto the front edge.
-
Best for: Breaking up compacted soil, digging out sod, and rough grading.
-
Why it works: The teeth concentrate the machine’s force into smaller points, fracturing the ground so the bucket can scoop it up.3
2. The Backhoe Attachment
Did you know you can turn your skid steer into a mini-excavator? A backhoe swing arm attaches to the front of the loader.4
-
Best for: Digging trenches, footings, or deep holes where you can’t drive the machine into the hole.
-
Why it works: It gives you a digging depth of 6 to 11 feet (depending on the model) without needing a separate machine.
3. The Auger
In case you have to dig vertically with a narrow hole and not a wide pit, then an auger is the tool that you can’t go without.
- Best for: Creating holes for fence posts, decks, and tree planting.
- Why it works: By using high torque, it goes down fast, and it is able to make clean, precise holes of a certain size very quickly.
Step-by-Step: How to Dig a Pit or Basement
If you are planning a larger excavation, like a basement, pool, or pond, here is the practical technique operators use.
1. Create a Ramp:
Since a skid steer has to drive out of the hole it creates, you cannot just dig straight down. You must create a gentle slope (ramp) into the excavation site.
2. The “Shave” Technique:
Don’t ram the pile. Lower your loader arms until the bucket teeth touch the ground. Drive forward while slightly angling the bucket down to “shave” a layer of earth about 2-4 inches deep.
3. Curl and Lift:
Once the bucket is full, curl it back (tilt it up) to hold the load. Back straight up the ramp you created.
4. Spoil Pile Management:
Dump your dirt (the spoils) far enough away from the edge so it doesn’t slide back in. You will be surprised how fast that pile grows!
Skid Steer vs. Excavator: Which Do You Need?
While you can dig with a skid steer, it isn’t always the best tool. Here is a quick comparison to help you decide.
| Feature | Skid Steer | Mini Excavator |
| Digging Style | Scoops forward; needs a ramp to go deep. | Digs down while sitting still; can spin 360°. |
| Best Terrain | Flat, open areas where speed matters. | Tight spaces, deep trenches, or next to walls. |
| Versatility | High. Can switch to forks, brooms, or mowers. | Medium. Mostly for digging and demolition. |
| Depth | Limited by the ramp length. | Can dig deep vertical walls easily. |
The Verdict: If you are moving dirt across a yard or digging a shallow, wide area (like a driveway), choose the Skid Steer. If you are digging a deep, narrow trench or working right next to a house foundation, choose the Mini Excavator.
Safety First: Tips for Digging
-
Call Before You Dig: Always contact your local utility service (like 811 in the USA) to mark underground gas and electric lines.7
-
Watch Your Stability: When the bucket is full and raised high, the machine becomes top-heavy. Always keep the load low while moving.
-
Don’t Undercut: Never dig underneath the ground you are sitting on; this can cause the bank to collapse and the machine to tip over.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a skid steer dig through clay?
A: Yes, but you definitely need a heavy-duty bucket with sharp teeth. A smooth bucket will just slide over hard clay. If the clay is extremely dry and rock-hard, you might need an excavator with a frost ripper.
How deep can a skid steer dig?
A: Technically, as deep as you can build a ramp! However, for practical purposes, skid steers are best for digging depths of 4 to 6 feet. Anything deeper usually requires moving too much dirt just to build the ramp.
Is it hard to learn how to dig with a skid steer?
A: It is easy to learn but hard to master. The basics of “drive forward and scoop” are simple. However, learning to grade the ground so it is perfectly flat takes practice.
Can I use a skid steer to remove stumps?
A: Yes. A stump bucket attachment is designed specifically for prying up roots and popping stumps out of the ground.8
Conclusion
So, can you dig with a skid steer? You certainly can. Essentially a powerhouse, a compact is a multifunction tool that can very well perform tasks such as shallow excavation, grading, and earthmoving. Most residential digging projects can be accomplished by simply attaching a toothed bucket or a backhoe arm to your unit; thus, there will be no need of renting another machine.
You only need to remember: plan your ramp, control your dirt piles, and always keep safety as your first priority!
Are you looking for the right equipment for your next project? The right machine will be a fantastic time, money, and labor-saving tool if you choose either a powerful skid steer or a mini dedicated excavator. contact TYPHON Machinery