When planning a construction or landscaping project, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is choosing the right equipment. Two of the most commonly rented machines are the excavator and the skid steer. Both serve essential purposes, but each is designed for different kinds of tasks. Choosing the wrong one can lead to inefficiencies, delays, or even damage to your job site.
So, which machine is the better fit for your project? In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between excavators and skid steers, compare their strengths and limitations, and help you decide when an excavator rental makes more sense—or when a skid steer might be the better choice.
What Is an Excavator?
An excavator is a powerful piece of equipment used primarily for digging, trenching, and heavy lifting. It consists of a boom, dipper (or arm), bucket, and rotating cab mounted on either tracks or wheels. Excavators come in various sizes, from compact mini models to large, full-scale machines for major earthmoving operations.
Common Uses for Excavators:
- Digging trenches or foundations
- Grading or leveling large areas
- Uprooting tree stumps and debris
- Demolishing structures or pavement
- Moving heavy materials
The rotating cab and extended arm allow for greater reach and precision in deep or narrow digging tasks. If your project involves a lot of earthmoving, trenching, or lifting in a static location, an excavator rental could be the ideal solution.
What Is a Skid Steer?
A skid steer is a compact, maneuverable machine known for its versatility. It has a rigid frame and can turn within its own footprint by skidding the wheels on either side at different speeds. Skid steers are available in wheeled and tracked versions and support a wide range of attachments.
Common Uses for Skid Steers:
- Site cleanup and material handling
- Light demolition
- Grading and spreading topsoil or gravel
- Snow removal or brush clearing
- Drilling post holes or transporting pallets
While skid steers can be equipped with digging attachments, their strength lies in handling a variety of surface-level tasks across job sites with tight working areas.
Comparing Key Features
Choosing between a skid steer and an excavator rental depends on your specific project requirements. Here’s how they compare across a few critical categories:
1. Digging Depth and Reach
- Excavator: Designed specifically for deep, precise digging. Can reach below grade with long arms and rotating booms.
- Skid Steer: Limited digging depth; better suited for surface-level material removal or light trenching with an attachment.
If trenching, foundation work, or utility installation is part of your job, an excavator is generally the better choice.
2. Maneuverability
- Skid Steer: More compact and nimble. Ideal for navigating tight spaces or working on urban or residential job sites.
- Excavator: Larger turning radius and footprint, though compact excavators offer more maneuverability than full-sized versions.
Skid steers excel in settings where space is restricted or multiple quick tasks are needed in different areas of the site.
3. Attachments and Versatility
- Skid Steer: Exceptionally versatile. Can switch between dozens of attachments like buckets, forks, augers, sweepers, and snow blowers.
- Excavator: Supports a range of attachments too, including breakers, thumbs, and grapples, but is more specialized in its application.
If your project requires multiple task types with one machine, a skid steer may offer better utility in a single rental.
4. Operator Learning Curve
- Skid Steer: Typically easier for beginners to operate, especially with intuitive joystick controls.
- Excavator: Requires more operator experience to control the arm, bucket, and cab rotation effectively.
For experienced operators, this may not be a deciding factor, but for those new to machinery, ease of use can make a difference in efficiency.
Cost Comparison
Rental rates vary based on machine size, location, and rental duration. However, as a general rule:
- Skid Steer (daily): $200–$400
- Compact Excavator (daily): $300–$600
- Larger Excavators (daily): $700+
A skid steer is typically more affordable for shorter jobs, while an excavator rental may cost more but provide faster, more precise digging performance—resulting in time savings that can offset the price difference.
Site Conditions and Terrain
- Skid Steer: Best suited for relatively flat, stable terrain. Tracked models handle mud and soft ground better than wheeled ones.
- Excavator: Handles uneven, sloped, or unstable ground with more stability, especially with tracked models.
For rugged terrain or slopes, excavators offer better balance and digging power without the risk of tipping or instability.
Project Type Recommendations
Choose an Excavator If:
- You need to dig trenches, basements, or foundations
- The job requires vertical depth or heavy lifting
- You’re demolishing structures or removing tree roots
- You’re working on rough, uneven terrain
An excavator rental offers the force and reach required for heavy-duty tasks, making it essential for many construction and utility projects.
Choose a Skid Steer If:
- You’re working in tight spaces with frequent repositioning
- The job involves surface grading, material movement, or cleanup
- You need a machine that can adapt to different attachments quickly
- Your project is short-term or budget-conscious
A skid steer’s compact size and fast maneuverability make it a practical choice for lighter, multi-task operations.
Can You Use Both Machines on One Job?
Absolutely. Many large or complex projects benefit from having both a skid steer and an excavator on-site. One machine can focus on digging and lifting, while the other handles material transport, debris removal, or grading. If your project timeline is tight or includes multiple stages, using both machines can reduce bottlenecks and improve efficiency.
Some rental companies offer bundled pricing for multi-equipment rentals or will advise on the best combination of machines based on your scope of work.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a skid steer and an excavator isn’t about which machine is better—it’s about which machine is better for your project. Each has its strengths, and your decision should be based on the type of work, jobsite conditions, space constraints, and overall budget.
If your focus is on trenching, lifting, or deep digging, an excavator rental is usually the right call. If you’re tackling grading, site cleanup, or need versatility in a compact form, a skid steer is often the smarter choice.
Whichever path you choose, working with an experienced rental provider can help you select the right machine—and keep your project moving forward with confidence.
