Compact utility tractors and mini skid steers have been highly praised for their adaptability, productivity and utility.  The variety of attachments available for these machines has made them a favorite with contractors.  But attachments are just part of what makes these versatile machines so appealing.  Mini skid steers and compact utility loaders allow mechanized, productive labor on sites where before, only manual labor was possible.  With machinery moving into these more sensitive areas of the landscape, turf managers' attention has turned to the importance of treading lightly on turf and other sensitive landscape surfaces.  Quick to respond to the needs of turf managers, manufacturers are offering them the best of both worlds:  machines that will get the tough jobs done while being easy on turf.  Both wheeled and tracked models of various shapes and sizes are out there;  but you need to be able to choose the one that best suits your purposes.  There are many alternatives to larger, traditional skid steers that make a light impression on the landscape.  Learn what equipment is available and how it can help you efficiently accomplish the tasks more productively and profitably.

Strong, yet sensitive

Landscape contractors working in established landscapes are keenly aware of the impact machinery has on turf and other sensitive landscape surfaces.  The homeowner may be delighted with his new fence or water feature, but he will not be happy if his lawn is compacted, rutted or damaged by equipment.  Established landscapes, cemeteries and public parks are a few areas where grounds maintenance must not interfere with public use, and contractors must choose and operate equipment wisely.  Ball fields and golf courses have higher standards for turf quality, and it is essential that you tread lightly while providing services in these environmentally sensitive areas.

But is it really easy on turf

What does it mean to be "easy on turf"?  Is there an industry standard?  What ground pressure is acceptable?  There is no single answer to these questions that applies to every situation;  larger floatation tires- will exert about 7 to 12 psi of ground pressure.  For reference, an adult standing on the lawn would exert about 6 to 8 psi of ground pressure.  A lightweight machine will decrease damage to turf, period.  However, the effect on turf is not limited to ground pressure alone.  The number of contact points equipment has with the ground and the material tracks and tires are made of (rubber, metal) also help determine turf impact.  In Clearwater, FL, city crews use rubber-tracked machinery to work on the beaches.  In the past, they used small skid steers.  Jay Lemke, spokesperson for ASV (All Season Vehicles), says, "even those exerted enough pressure to kill turtle eggs buried inches under the surface of the beach."  However, a smaller machine (in this case, ASV's RC-30) runs aptly over the beach for clean-up or digging, but does not harm turtle eggs- even when you drive directly over them.  This extreme degree of "treading lightly" is not required in every situation, however, and the range of equipment choices in this area matches your various opportunities for using it.

Traction, drive and steering features

Steering.  Some mini skid-steer or compact utility models offer an alternative with articulated steering, meaning that the machine is "hinged" in the middle and turns by angling toward the direction of travel.  The wheels are always rolling but not skidding or pivoting.  These articulated models are "probably the most turf friendly machines on the market," according to Kristie Asbury, vice president of marketing and sales for Power Trac.  "Skid steers twist and skid from side to side causing damage to the turf, because the wheels do not scoot across the turf, they stay in motion and the front tires track the rear tires.  Many articulated models also pivot to keep all four wheels on the ground.