Skid steer loaders operate under a control system in which one set of controls operates the loader's left crawlers or wheels and another set of controls operates the loader's right tracks or wheels. Controls are either hand- or foot-operated. The 40 XT, 60 XT and 70 XT are a few skid steer loader models manufactured by Case. Case manufactures most of the engines they fit into their loaders. Bobcat also manufactures skid steer loaders. The S205, S130 and 553 models are three of Bobcat's newer releases.
All-wheel loaders operate under a different control system from that of skid steer loaders. Wheels on all-wheel loaders move independently of one another to allow for increases in traction. The A300 is one of Bobcat's all-wheel loader models. Gehl also makes all-wheel loaders. The AWS36 and AWS46 are both models of all-wheel loader manufactured by Gehl. Mustang's line of all-wheel loaders includes models such as the ML 460 and ML 360.
Several manufacturers design and produce loaders that can be fitted with backhoe attachments. Loader models with backhoe attachments are ideal for many applications. Ford made many loader/backhoe models over the years, including the 555 model and the 755 model. Kubota's L39 is a tractor that can be fitted with both loader and backhoe attachments.
Tipping load is a term that refers to the amount of weight a loader can lift before it begins to tip over. Rated operating capacity refers to the maximum amount of weight that each loader can lift. Loader operators should never lift a load that exceeds the loader's rated operating capacity. This number is different for each model of loader. Rated operating capacity is generally half that of a loader's tipping load. The Bobcat A300 offers a 6,111-pound tipping load. The Gehl AWS360's tipping load is 7,054 pounds.