Compact/Multi Terrain Handlers:

Field Techniques and Usage Within the Construction Field

Jan Ziemecki
Jake Calamita
Logan Lamb

CIEG391: Construction Means and Methods

Professor Small
December 1, 2020
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Executive Summary
This paper presents an analysis of Compact/Multi-Terrain handlers and their attachments. The
Multi-Terrain handler is a small, four-wheeled, engine-powered vehicle. However, despite its small
frame, it serves many functions within the construction field. With its ability to hold interchangeable
attachments, the Multi-Terrain handler presents itself as an extremely versatile, cost-effective, and
time-saving machine. These uses include forestry, demolition, drilling, trenching, cleaning and clearing,
scraping, and many more. This paper will go further in-depth about the Multi-terrain handler, each
attachment, and it’s usage. Further, we will discuss the field decision making when deciding the right
situation and sizing for the equipment at hand. We will also explore future advancements and
development with the usage of Multi-Terrain handlers.

Background/Introduction
A multi-terrain handler, or skid steer, as they are commonly referred to, is a compact
four-wheeled or tracked vehicle that has become one of the most popular pieces of equipment within
construction today. With it’s low and compact design, this machine can deliver extremely low ground
pressure. It also offers stability in its rubber track system, which allows the left side wheels to be driven
independently of the right side of the wheels. This vehicle is driven through differential steering, where
the left and right wheels are operated at different speeds, making the vehicle skid when turned. This
vehicle also offers a unique lift-arm design with a sturdy rigid frame. Overall, The multi-terrain handler
offers extreme stability and power within a small package. To understand the significance of the
multi-terrain handler, we must first look at the history behind it. The first three-wheeled front end loader
was developed by Cyril and Louis Keller in 1957. This was originally developed to help a farmer clean
out the manure from his barn. This light and the compact machine was able to turn around within its own
length while functioning the same as a traditional front-end loader. The Malreo Manufacturing company
purchased the rights to the Keller’s loader in 1958, and later that year introduced their own self-propelled
loader, the M-200 Malreo. This machine offered two independent front-drive wheels, a rear caster wheel,
and a 750-pound lift capacity. In 1960, they introduced the four-wheel, rear axle self-propelled loader, the
M-400, or the first true multi-terrain handler. Further developments in load capacity, stability, and
steering were developed with the release of every new model. In 1962, Malreo adapted the trademark
Bobcat, and Bobcat has presented innovation in multi-terrain handlers ever since. The pricing of the
multi-terrain handlers depends entirely on sizing, option, capacity, and the area of the field of work.
Multi-terrain handlers can range anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000 from a dealer. However, renting a
multi-terrain handler within our local area of Newark, DE, would cost about $700 to $1,100 a week.
Relative to other heavy equipment the multi-terrain handler is a very cost-effective option. The most
cost-effective element of the multi-terrain handler is its ability to mimic the jobs of other, more expensive,
heavy machinery. This is because it has an interchangeable attachment feature. Attachment prices range
anywhere from as little as 1,000 dollars to 6,000 dollars to buy. A multi-terrain handler is an extremely
versatile piece of equipment, and its growth in popularity amongst the construction field bears no surprise.
With the construction industry focusing greatly on time, cost, and quality, the multi-terrain handler
presents itself as the perfect tool.

Decision Making
When choosing to acquire a multi-terrain handler, there are many variables that need to be taken
into consideration. As with any machine, the intended use of the compact handler should be of utmost
 Ziemecki, Calamita, Lamb 2

importance. Although incredibly versatile, attachments must be purchased separately for the handler to
reach its full potential. If the owner plans on regularly working on small projects and has the means of
purchasing one, getting a compact handler should be a no brainer. They are relatively easy to operate and
can be used to complete the vast majority of any small construction project. With the right attachments,
the handler can be used throughout the lifecycle of a project. It can be used to prepare a site with dozing,
excavating, and tree removing attachments. It can be used throughout construction of a site with loading,
trenching, and pallet fork attachments. It can be used as a maintenance tool with brooming and snow
plowing tools. Finally, it can be used during the demolition phase with concrete breaking and sawing
attachments. However, the owner must determine what he or she needs it for most before finalizing the
purchase. Simply being a versatile machine does not mean that it will be the most efficient. A good
amount of these attachments are designed to be a significant amount smaller for the skid steer.
Specifically speaking, the bucket/loader, dozer, trencher, and backhoe attachments are scaled down to fit
the compact handler and may not be suitable for the owner's needs. However, if the owner decides that the
sizing is adequate, he/she should proceed with the purchasing process.
After determining the feasibility of the compact handler, the owner should decide whether to rent
the machine or purchase one outright. A used compact handler can cost anywhere from $15,000 to
$50,000 depending on age, condition, size and capacity. New compact handlers will cost a bit extra at
$20,000 to $60,000, depending on similar variables. Renting a compact handler will cost a fraction of the
price at around $700-$1,100 a week. For a private owner, a new skid steer could be far out of budget. In
the renting price range, it can be an obtainable option for a private, short term project in need of a
versatile, powerful piece of equipment. However, if the machine is going to be used regularly for any
purpose, purchasing outright would likely be the best option. For a large construction company, a new
skid steer is a relatively inexpensive piece of equipment. It can boost efficiency significantly by working
in conjunction with other, larger pieces of equipment. With the proper attachments, it can be used
throughout the entire site helping to aid in just about any facet of the construction process. In the same
day it could be used to uproot trees and vegetation, and then a chipper to condense the material. It could
then be used as a loader to help move the material elsewhere. The combinations of its purposes are
endless.
Once the purchasing method is determined, the specific compact handler should be chosen to suit
its purpose. There are charts containing multiple specifications of each machine. When deciding what
model to purchase, it is important to consider the operating load rating, lifting height, engine power, size,
and drivetype. If the machine is intended to be used for excavation on muddy or loose Earth, getting a
compact handler with tracks is the better option. If the owner intends to do concrete or interior work with
the machine, getting one with tires is the best choice. The intent of the machine's intended purpose also
has to be taken into consideration when choosing the size, power, and operation load rating. Typically,
these ratings all coincide due to the fact that the larger compact handlers usually have larger engines with
greater power that can support larger loads. Charts comparing each model can easily be found online or
through machinery dealerships. By taking these specifications into consideration, the owner will be able
to determine the most efficient machine for his/her purpose at the best price.
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Figure 1) Sample Skid Steer Chart

The final step in purchasing a compact handler is deciding what separate attachments to purchase.
Obviously, this will be determined by the owners needs on a project. From the dealership, skid steers are
almost always sold with simple bucket attachments. This, however, may not be suitable for the project the
owner has at hand. Attachments, which can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $6,000, need to be
purchased separately. These are typically far less expensive than purchasing individual equipment to
complete their jobs. An owner might also opt to rent the attachments instead of purchasing outright. As an
example, a company here in Delaware would likely only have a need for a snow plow a few weeks out of
the year. It is likely that renting this attachment would be more cost effective whereas a company in Utah
might need it for months and likely want to purchase one. As stated numerous times, this machine is
incredibly versatile, but this does not mean it needs to be a replacement for all other machines. If a
company or owner already has a functioning tencher, there is no need to replace it with a skid steer
attachment. On the other hand, there may be a need for a trench in a tight space that the larger machine
cannot fit into. An attachment, along with the compact handlers agility and small stature, could be the
perfect solution. These are all things that need to be considered when deciding what attachments to
purchase or rent.
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Advancements
The Multi-terrain handler’s purpose exists based on advancements, or simply attachments to
increase productivity. With these attachments, the multi-terrain handler turns from a simple, stable,
compacted vehicle, into the swiss army knife equivalent of construction equipment. The first of these
attachments is the Auger. The Auger attachment is a large drill attachment that is used to dig precise holes
vertically. The Auger’s screw shape allows for it to dig into the earth without the dispersal of the material
around it. The sizing of the Auger depends entirely on the soil conditions present on site. Another
attachment is the backhoe, which is used to dig holes. The main usage for a backhoe attachment would be
to clear trenches, footings, and other areas that require excavation. The multi-terrain handler’s stability
also allows for excavation to take place in practically most conditions. The bucket is also an extremely
important attachment. This attachment is used to move dirt, soil, and other debris around the construction
site. Although this presents less capacity than the conventional full-sized loader, the multi-terrain
handler’s bucket attachment can be as large as 7 feet in width. Another attachment is the Dozer blade,
which allows for scraping, plowing, dozing, and pushing of heavy materials throughout the construction
site. Although it is not as powerful as the conventional bulldozer, the multi-terrain handler’s compact built
allows for greater versatility among the site. This also presents itself as a cost-effective alternative when
compared to conventional bulldozers. The hydraulic tree shears and stump bucket attachments present a
great opportunity for tree removal. The shears are used to quickly and effectively chop down small trees.
While the stump bucket is used to uproot the remainder of the tree to completely clear land. This presents
a quick and cost-effective solution when looking at the removal of smaller sized trees. Also, when looking
at the disposal of trees, the Chipper/Mulcher attachment can be used. With the chipper attachment,
vegetation can be fed directly into the chipper and milled into pieces that are easier to dispose of. When
looking at services outside of the construction field, the multi-terrain handler also offers a
snowblower/plow attachment. With this attachment the ability for snow removal becomes present. This
can serve as an effective way for smaller construction companies to gain business during the winter
months, and can also be used for snow removal on a construction site. Also, when looking at road
demolition the saw attachment presents itself as an extremely useful tool. Although the saw attachment
can serve multiple purposes, such as mining and forestry, it is mainly used for road demolition. With this
saw attachment, the handler gains the ability to cut road expansion joints and asphalt patches. The saw
attachment ranges between 18 to 24 inches and can also serve a use in minimal trenching. However, when
looking at trenching, the trencher attachment would serve as a more appropriate equipment choice. The
trencher is a powerful and balanced attachment, which enables the handler to dig straight and narrow
trenches of various depths. These trenches can vary from 10 by 36 inches, to 12 by 60 inches in depth.
This type of attachment is usually used in foundation work, such as establishing irrigation, footing, pipes,
drains, and lines. Another attachment that serves great usage is the broom attachment. This attachment is
a heavy-duty poly or series of metal bristles that moves within a cylinder. The main usage for this
attachment is to scrape mud from roads and driveways. The next attachment is the pallet fork. This
attachment serves great utility within material transportation. With the same function as a forklift, the
pallet fork presents itself as a cost-effective alternative to the forklift. The pallet fork is available in
various sizes, ranging from 42 to 60 inches. The last attachment at hand is the concrete breaker. This
attachment is a vibrating breaker hammer. This breaker attachment allows the user to break through
concrete, rocks, and asphalt. This serves as great use for precise, interior, and flatwork demolition, as well
as road repair.
 Ziemecki, Calamita, Lamb 5

Other advancements besides the attachments, include Catapiller’s high-flow hydraulics system.
This system increases the hydraulic flow rate on smaller models from 30 gallons per minute to 20, and
from 40 to 33 gallons per minute on bigger models. This allows operators to use higher pressure
attachments. Also, John Deere’s onboard grade indicator, which displays a relative grade readout in the
form of percentages or degrees of slope onto a digital screen. This will help the user with awareness and
stability while steering. The price point for this item is also only around $2,500, compared to $20,000 to
$70,000 when looking at full-fledged grade control systems. Another advancement worth mentioning is
Bobcat’s full-color rear camera kit. With its water and dustproof capabilities, this allows the operator to
be fully aware of their surroundings and what’s going on behind them. The electrohydraulic boom
performance assist is also a great advancement in multi-terrain handler development. This feature assists
the operator with repetitive loading and lifting of the fork. By self-leveling itself at every stage of the lift,
return-to-dig, and return-to-carry position, it eliminates the need for manual adjustments. Lastly, the
development of multi-terrain airless radial tires allows for the durability of tires to last two to three times
longer than regular ones, thus increasing productivity. The Multi-terrain handler is an extremely compact,
stable, and versatile piece of equipment. However, its versatility strongly correlates to the advancements
at hand.

Conclusion
Created by The Malreo Manufacturing company in 1960, the multi-terrain loader has stood the
test of time as an impressive piece of equipment. With its versatility, maneuverability, and compact size,
it is a staple of nearly every construction site across the nation. Through its ability to be fixed to numerous
attachments, the machine is capable of completing and assisting in nearly every facet of construction
across the site. Its compact size and strong drive systems allows it to access areas that larger machines
could never get into. Major skid steer manufacturers are constantly finding ways to improve the already
versatile machine. These improvements allow skid steers operators to work more efficiently, and allow
the skid steer to be used in areas of the construction process that they could not before. New technology
also makes the multi-terrain loader easier to use, allowing less experienced operators to learn quicker and
be more efficient from the jump.
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