5 hours ago
Radial vs Vertical Lift in Skid Steers
Skid steer loaders come in two primary lift configurations: radial lift and vertical lift. Radial lift arms pivot in an arc, offering more breakout force at lower heights—ideal for digging and grading. Vertical lift arms, on the other hand, rise in a near-straight path, maintaining consistent reach and stability at full height—making them better suited for loading trucks, stacking materials, and precision tasks like post driving.
The choice between these two designs often depends on the nature of the work. For ranch operations involving fencing, augering, and pipe driving, vertical lift machines offer distinct advantages in alignment and control.
The Challenge of Driving Posts Straight
One of the most frustrating tasks in ranch maintenance is driving posts or pipes vertically into the ground. With a radial lift machine, the arc of the lift arm can cause the attachment to tilt forward or backward as it rises, making it difficult to maintain a true vertical line. This often requires a second person to guide the post or adjust the machine’s position repeatedly.
Vertical lift machines reduce this problem. While they may not be perfectly linear, their geometry keeps the attachment closer to vertical throughout the lift cycle. This helps maintain alignment when lowering augers or pressing posts into the soil. Operators report that vertical lift machines make it easier to “hit the mark” when setting culverts or driving pipe, especially when working solo.
Terminology Notes
Operators using vertical lift machines like the Kubota SVL90 or New Holland L220 have noted improved control when setting posts or drilling holes. One contractor in Texas reported that his vertical lift loader allowed him to drive tee posts without assistance, whereas his previous radial lift machine required a second person to keep posts straight.
Another user mentioned that while vertical lift helped with alignment, he still needed to “walk” the machine slightly when lowering an auger—indicating that no system is perfect, but vertical lift reduces the margin of error.
Performance Trade-Offs
While vertical lift offers better reach and alignment at full height, it may sacrifice some digging power at ground level. For tasks like trenching or grading, radial lift machines still hold an edge. However, for ranch work focused on fencing, hauling, and loading, vertical lift machines provide more consistent performance.
For ranch operations where precision matters—especially in post driving and auger alignment—a vertical lift skid steer offers clear advantages. While not perfectly vertical, the lift path is close enough to reduce error and improve solo operation. Choosing the right configuration depends on your workload, but for fencing and pipe work, vertical lift is a smart upgrade.
Skid steer loaders come in two primary lift configurations: radial lift and vertical lift. Radial lift arms pivot in an arc, offering more breakout force at lower heights—ideal for digging and grading. Vertical lift arms, on the other hand, rise in a near-straight path, maintaining consistent reach and stability at full height—making them better suited for loading trucks, stacking materials, and precision tasks like post driving.
The choice between these two designs often depends on the nature of the work. For ranch operations involving fencing, augering, and pipe driving, vertical lift machines offer distinct advantages in alignment and control.
The Challenge of Driving Posts Straight
One of the most frustrating tasks in ranch maintenance is driving posts or pipes vertically into the ground. With a radial lift machine, the arc of the lift arm can cause the attachment to tilt forward or backward as it rises, making it difficult to maintain a true vertical line. This often requires a second person to guide the post or adjust the machine’s position repeatedly.
Vertical lift machines reduce this problem. While they may not be perfectly linear, their geometry keeps the attachment closer to vertical throughout the lift cycle. This helps maintain alignment when lowering augers or pressing posts into the soil. Operators report that vertical lift machines make it easier to “hit the mark” when setting culverts or driving pipe, especially when working solo.
Terminology Notes
- Radial Lift: A lift path that follows a curved arc, offering strong digging force at ground level.
- Vertical Lift: A lift path that rises nearly straight up, maintaining consistent reach and angle at height.
- Breakout Force: The amount of force a loader can exert to break into material, typically higher in radial lift designs.
Operators using vertical lift machines like the Kubota SVL90 or New Holland L220 have noted improved control when setting posts or drilling holes. One contractor in Texas reported that his vertical lift loader allowed him to drive tee posts without assistance, whereas his previous radial lift machine required a second person to keep posts straight.
Another user mentioned that while vertical lift helped with alignment, he still needed to “walk” the machine slightly when lowering an auger—indicating that no system is perfect, but vertical lift reduces the margin of error.
Performance Trade-Offs
While vertical lift offers better reach and alignment at full height, it may sacrifice some digging power at ground level. For tasks like trenching or grading, radial lift machines still hold an edge. However, for ranch work focused on fencing, hauling, and loading, vertical lift machines provide more consistent performance.
- Vertical Lift Benefits:
- Better reach at full height
- Improved alignment for post driving
- Easier truck loading
- More stable lift geometry
- Better reach at full height
- Radial Lift Benefits:
- Stronger breakout force
- Simpler linkage
- Lower cost in some models
- Better for ground-level work
- If your primary tasks include post driving, augering, and material stacking, a vertical lift machine will likely improve efficiency and reduce the need for a second operator.
- For grading, trenching, or digging, radial lift may still be preferable.
- Consider models with auxiliary hydraulics and quick-attach systems to support fencing attachments, post drivers, and augers.
- Evaluate lift path geometry in person if possible—some vertical lift machines still have slight curvature depending on brand and linkage design.
For ranch operations where precision matters—especially in post driving and auger alignment—a vertical lift skid steer offers clear advantages. While not perfectly vertical, the lift path is close enough to reduce error and improve solo operation. Choosing the right configuration depends on your workload, but for fencing and pipe work, vertical lift is a smart upgrade.
