Most contractors only use their skid steers for a couple of basic tasks — loading, grading, or snow pushing. But with the right attachments, that same machine can take on trenching, backfilling, land clearing, or even fine grading. One compact unit becomes the backbone of your operation, cutting down the number of machines you need and keeping costs predictable.
In Western Canada, where conditions shift from frozen ground to muddy job sites overnight, adaptability matters. Instead of parking half your fleet for the season, skid steer attachments let you pivot fast, from summer earthmoving to winter snow removal, without the overhead of new equipment purchases.
The result? Lower operating costs, faster turnaround, and less downtime waiting on specialty gear. A well-equipped skid steer gives you flexibility, reliability, and real control over your workflow, something every Alberta and Saskatchewan contractor needs to stay competitive.
If you’re not using your skid steer to its full potential, you’re leaving productivity (and profit) on the table.
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What is a Skid Steer?
A skid steer is a small, engine-powered machine with lift arms used to attach a wide variety of labour-saving tools or attachments. Known for its maneuverability, the skid steer is capable of turning in very tight spaces, making it ideal for tasks that require agility and moderate to heavy lifting within confined areas.
What Exactly Is a Skid Steer Attachment?
A skid steer attachment is any tool or accessory that connects to the arms of your skid steer to perform a specific job — digging, grading, plowing, lifting, or sweeping. Think of it as swapping out your machine’s hands to handle whatever the day throws at you.
Most modern skid steers use a quick-attach system, which lets operators switch attachments in minutes without specialized tools. That means less downtime between tasks and more time actually getting work done.
Are Skid Steer Attachments Universal?
In most cases, yes, but not always. Many brands today follow a universal quick-attach standard that allows you to use different manufacturers’ attachments on the same skid steer. Still, “universal” doesn’t mean “one-size-fits-all.” Before hooking up, check three key things:
- Hydraulic flow: Make sure the attachment’s flow requirements match your machine.
- Weight capacity: Overloading the lift arms shortens machine life and hurts performance.
- Mounting plate size: Slight variations between brands can cause fitment issues.
Getting this right saves you from hydraulic strain, reduced lift power, and costly downtime. If you’re unsure what fits your machine or want to avoid a mismatch altogether, talk to your rental provider, or check out our blog on Key Considerations for Purchasing a Snow Attachment for more detail.
The Power of Adaptability: How Attachments Turn One Machine into Many
A skid steer’s real value isn’t just in its horsepower, it’s in how adaptable it is. With the right attachments, one machine can handle dozens of jobs that would normally require separate equipment.
Swap a bucket for a trencher and you’re digging utility lines by noon. Switch to a snow blade and you’re clearing lots by evening. Add a grapple, broom, or auger, and you’ve just turned one skid steer into the most versatile piece of equipment on your site.
That flexibility pays off big.
- Less downtime: You’re not waiting on another machine or delivery to keep crews working.
- Lower costs: One well-maintained skid steer with attachments replaces multiple machines you’d otherwise have to buy, transport, or maintain.
- Better productivity: Crews stay moving, even when project scopes change mid-job, a common reality in Western Canada’s unpredictable weather and mixed terrain.
This is what makes skid steers indispensable across Alberta and Saskatchewan job sites. Whether you’re digging trenches, spreading gravel, or pushing snow in -30°C, adaptable attachment solutions keep your operations running lean, efficient, and reliable.
Most Popular Skid Steer Attachments in Western Canada
The right attachments turn your skid steer into a year-round workhorse. Below are the top-performing options Western Canada contractors rely on across construction, landscaping, and snow removal.
General Construction Attachments for Skid Steers
Multipurpose Buckets
The bucket strikes the perfect balance between capacity and control, big enough for production work, compact enough for tight spaces.
Pallet Forks
Pallet forks turn your skid steer into a forklift. Ideal for loading materials, moving job boxes, or stacking pallets without needing a forklift. They save serious time on busy sites and are essential for general contractors, landscapers, and municipalities.
Hydraulic Breakers
When you’re working with concrete, a hydraulic breaker delivers the impact you need without hauling in a full-size excavator. A must-have for roadwork, demolition, and utility repair crews who want to stay mobile and efficient.
Landscaping and Earthmoving Attachments
Laser Grader
For precision grading and site prep, a laser grader attachment helps you hit exact elevations fast. Perfect for paving prep, foundation work, or landscaping projects where accuracy saves rework and materials.
Root Rake vs. Brush Grapple — Which One Do You Need?
- Root rake: Best for land clearing and soil prep, it pulls up roots and debris without stripping too much topsoil.
- Brush grapple: Designed for grabbing and hauling larger debris like logs, branches, or demolition waste.
If you’re cleaning up after land clearing or storms, a brush grapple is the way to go. For fine grading or vegetation removal, go root rake.
Trencher and Ditch Witch Attachments
Trenching attachments — including Ditch Witch skid steer attachments — make fast, clean cuts for irrigation, utilities, or drainage lines. They’re ideal for contractors working in subdivisions or commercial developments who need consistent depth and width every time.
Snow and Ice Control Attachments
Sectional and Angle Plows
When winter hits hard, Arctic sectional plows are the go-to choice for Western Canada contractors. Their segmented design follows uneven surfaces, reducing salt use and rework. Angle plows, on the other hand, handle wide-open areas like lots or access roads where speed matters most.
Snow Blowers
For heavy snowfalls or tight spaces, a skid steer snow blower clears piles cleanly without leaving windrows. Great for downtown work, walkways, or tight industrial yards.
Salt and Sand Spreaders
Keep surfaces safe with controlled distribution. These are key for municipal crews and contractors managing large parking lots or multi-site snow contracts.
For winter work, pairing your skid steer with Arctic attachments gives you reliability and performance you can count on all season long. Check out our Arctic Snow and Ice Products for details.
Skid steer attachments are what make these compact loaders so valuable, one machine, endless uses. Whether you’re running a Bobcat, Ditch Witch, or CAT skid steer, the right tools keep your operation lean, productive, and ready for whatever the job site throws at you.
Stand-On and Mini Skid Steer Attachments: Small Size, Big Performance
When the job site is tight or access is limited, mini and stand-on skid steers shine. They might be smaller, but they pack serious performance, especially when paired with the right attachments.
Mini skid steers are built for landscapers, utility crews, and residential contractors who need maneuverability without sacrificing productivity. Their lighter weight makes them ideal for working on finished lawns, sidewalks, or inside buildings where full-size machines are overkill.
Why contractors love them:
- Fast switching: Attachments swap out in minutes using the same quick-attach setup as full-size skid steers.
- Easy transport: Smaller trailers, lighter loads, and no need for heavy trucks.
- Lower operating costs: Burn less fuel, easier maintenance, and fewer wear parts.
- Year-round utility: From trenchers and augers in summer to snow blowers and sweepers in winter.
Popular mini skid steer attachments include buckets, trenchers, augers, tillers, and small grapples, everything you need for grading, digging, or cleanup in confined spaces. Stand-on models make operator visibility better and reduce ground pressure, which matters when working around landscaping or finished surfaces.
For contractors running multiple crews or rotating between tight jobs, mini and stand-on skid steers keep productivity high and costs low. They’re proof that compact doesn’t mean weak, it means efficient.
Choosing the Right Attachment for the Job
Picking the wrong skid steer attachment costs more than just time, it strains your hydraulics, slows production, and eats into profit. The right match, on the other hand, keeps your crew working efficiently and your machine running strong.
Here’s what to look at before you hook up:
Ground Conditions
Soft soil, packed gravel, or frozen clay all behave differently. A toothed bucket or trencher might rip through dirt easily but fight against frost. In Western Canada’s climate, seasonal ground changes are constant, plan your attachments accordingly.
Hydraulic Flow Compatibility
Every attachment relies on hydraulic flow and pressure. If your skid steer doesn’t supply enough, the attachment won’t perform at full capacity. If it’s too high, you’ll wear out seals and valves faster. Always check the manufacturer’s specs and match flow rates before use.
Attachment Weight vs. Lift Capacity
Overloading your skid steer throws off balance and limits lift height. Make sure the combined weight of the attachment and material stays within your machine’s rated operating capacity. A few hundred pounds over spec might not sound like much, but it can wreck bearings and shorten machine life fast.
Maintenance and Uptime
Attachments need the same level of attention as your machine, greased fittings, checked hoses, and clean couplers. A well-maintained attachment performs smoother, lasts longer, and reduces hydraulic contamination issues.
Choosing the right setup keeps your operation lean and efficient. It also means less downtime waiting for replacement parts or field repairs, something no contractor can afford in the middle of a job.
If you’re unsure what attachment fits your skid steer or want to compare options, check out our related blogs:
Brand Breakdown: Compatibility and Performance
Owning attachments are a good idea for business owners that have lots of extra capital and perfer having the conveniece of having accessed to attachments whenever is needed. Renting attachments is a newer idea, and makes a lot of sense for expensive or specific attachments that are only needed for a season or period of time. Ownership can be cash tied up in steel, rusting in the yard, and not always the best usage of capital expenditure. For most contractors, renting specific attachments when you actually need them just makes more sense.
Bobcat Skid Steer Attachments
Bobcat built the category, their attachments are known for precision engineering and tight fitment. Most use the Bob-Tach mounting system, which is compatible with most universal quick-attach setups, but some high-flow attachments are proprietary. Bobcat’s strength is reliability and easy parts availability, making them a safe bet for contractors running mixed fleets.
Arctic Attachments
When it comes to snow and ice management, Arctic sets the standard. Their sectional plows, pushers, and wing plows are engineered for Western Canada’s toughest winters, cutting through heavy snow while reducing salt use and minimizing surface damage.
Arctic attachments are designed for easy hookup with most major skid steer brands, including Bobcat, CAT, Deere, and Kubota. Their sectional design allows each edge to contour independently, delivering cleaner scrapes and less wear on both the plow and the surface.
For contractors running snow operations or municipal crews, Arctic attachments are a proven way to cut downtime and improve results.
CAT Skid Steer Attachments
CAT attachments are built heavy and designed for production environments. Their hydraulic systems deliver strong, consistent power for demanding applications like cold planing, mulching, and snow blowing. CAT uses a standard quick-attach system, though electrical and control integration can vary by model year. Expect high build quality, backed by strong dealer support, ideal for operators prioritizing uptime and resale value.
John Deere Skid Steer Attachments
John Deere’s Quik-Tatch system has evolved over the years and is mostly compatible with standard quick-attach mounts. Their attachments are built for durability, especially in grading and material handling. Deere’s biggest advantage is nationwide dealer reach, if you need a part, you’ll get it fast. Great option for contractors who already run Deere equipment across their fleet.
Kubota Skid Steer Attachments
Kubota’s skid steer and compact track loader line has grown fast, and their attachments have followed suit. Known for smooth hydraulics and reliable electronics, Kubota attachments work well for landscaping, snow removal, and municipal work. Most are fully compatible with the universal quick-attach system, making them versatile for multi-brand yards.
HLA Attachments
Canadian-made and contractor-tested, HLA attachments are a top pick across Western Canada. Their lineup covers buckets, plows, grapples, and forks, all built for cold-weather performance. They’re compatible with most major skid steer brands and are designed for easy serviceability in the field. Perfect for anyone who values simplicity, strength, and long-term reliability.
Wolverine Attachments
Wolverine attachments are gaining traction for being cost-effective and rugged enough for general contracting. They offer good compatibility across Bobcat, CAT, and Deere units. While they’re not as refined as OEM brands, they’re a solid option for backup or secondary machines that don’t run full-time.
What It Means for You
Every brand brings something different, Bobcat’s precision, CAT’s power, Deere’s support, Kubota’s smooth operation, HLA’s cold-weather durability, and Wolverine’s value.
The key is making sure your attachment matches your machine’s specs and workload, not just the logo on the arm.
Rental vs. Purchase: When It Makes Sense to Rent Attachments
Owning attachments sounds good in theory, until they sit unused for half the year. That’s cash tied up in steel, collecting dust in the yard. For most contractors, renting attachments when you actually need them just makes more sense.
Here’s why renting wins for a lot of Western Canada crews:
Usage-Based Costs, Not Idle Equipment
You only pay for what you use. That’s the difference between owning gear that sits for months and renting attachments that earn their keep every hour they’re on the job. It’s clean, predictable, and keeps cash flow strong.
No Hidden Fees or Surprise Costs
At Plains Equipment Rentals, what you see on your quote is what you pay, no extra charges or fine print. Every rental is priced by real usage, not inflated flat rates or weekend surcharges.
Access to the Right Tool, Every Time
You’re not locked into one setup. Whether you need a skid steer bucket for a short grading job or a snow blade for seasonal contracts, our rental inventory gives you flexibility without the long-term commitment.
Always Maintained, Always Ready
Every attachment we rent is inspected, serviced, and ready to go. You don’t lose time chasing parts or doing field repairs, just hook up and work.
Try Before You Buy
If you’re considering a long-term purchase, renting first lets you test performance, fit, and compatibility with your current fleet. No guesswork, no regrets.
For many contractors, renting attachments isn’t just a short-term fix, it’s a smarter long-term strategy. It keeps your capital free for bigger priorities while ensuring you always have access to well-maintained, job-ready equipment.
Getting the Most Out of Your Skid Steer Attachments
Attachments only perform as well as you maintain them. A skid steer is a serious investment, and the attachments that run on it deserve the same level of care. Keeping them in top shape means better performance, longer lifespan, and fewer headaches mid-job.
Here’s how to keep your attachments working like new:
Grease Everything, and Often
Pins, pivots, and couplers take a beating every day. Regular greasing reduces friction, prevents premature wear, and saves you from seized joints or broken bushings later. Make it part of your daily walk-around.
Check Hydraulic Hoses and Couplers
Hydraulic leaks don’t just slow production, they create contamination that can damage your machine. Inspect hoses for cracks, wear, and dirt around the fittings. Always clean couplers before connecting to avoid debris entering the system.
Watch for Excessive Wear on Edges and Teeth
Buckets, blades, and augers wear out faster when they’re not maintained. Replace cutting edges, scraper blades, and teeth before they round off, you’ll dig faster and protect your attachment’s structure.
Store Attachments Properly
If it’s sitting for the season, clean it, grease it, and keep it covered. Moisture and corrosion can shorten lifespan fast, especially through Western Canada’s freeze-thaw cycles.
Follow a Service Schedule
Don’t wait for something to break. Set intervals for inspections, hydraulic oil checks, and replacement of wear parts. Staying proactive beats scrambling to fix downtime in the middle of a contract.
At Plains Equipment Rentals, every attachment in our fleet is inspected and serviced before it leaves the yard. That means you’re getting equipment that’s ready to work, not a machine that’s been sitting unmaintained for months. Reliable gear, backed by a team that understands downtime isn’t an option.
If your current attachments are underperforming, it might not be the machine, it might be maintenance. Either way, we can help you get back to full power.
The Right Attachments Turn Your Skid Steer into the Hardest-Working Machine on Site
A skid steer on its own is useful, but a skid steer with the right attachments becomes a problem-solver. Whether you’re trenching, grading, hauling, or pushing snow, the right tools keep your crews moving and your jobs on schedule.
Across Western Canada, contractors, municipalities, and site managers rely on versatile attachments to stay productive year-round. From Arctic snow blades to laser graders and 1-yard buckets, the right combination of gear makes every project smoother, faster, and more profitable.
If you’re tired of downtime, surprise fees, or equipment that can’t keep up, it’s time to rethink how you rent.
At Plains Equipment Rentals, you get:
- No hidden fees — transparent quotes, no fine print.
- Proactive maintenance — attachments that are serviced, tested, and ready to work.
- Personal service — one contact who knows your jobs and your schedule.
When the work gets tough, you need equipment that just works.
Contact Plains Equipment Rentals today to get the right attachments delivered, on time, anywhere in Alberta, British Columbia, or Saskatchewan.
No delays. No runaround. Just reliable gear backed by people who get the job done.
