Top 10 Must-Have Skid Steer Attachments

Jul 31st 2025

Top 10 Must-Have Skid Steer Attachments

If you’re running a Bobcat, John Deere, Toro Dingo, or Mini Bobcat, having the right attachments can be the difference between average productivity and getting the job done fast, safe, and right. Whether you're moving material, clearing brush, or digging into tough terrain, your skid steer is only as good as the tools on the front. Here are 10 must-have skid steer attachments every operator, farmer, or contractor should consider.

1. Smooth Buckets

No attachment is more universal than the classic bucket. A smooth bucket is ideal for grading, leveling, scooping, and backfilling. If you're working in landscaping, farming, or construction, this is likely the attachment you'll use most often.

  • Ideal for moving dirt, gravel, mulch, and debris
  • Available in multiple widths to match your skid steer size
  • Express Steel offers heavy-duty smooth buckets built for long life

2. Pallet Forks

When it comes to lifting, transporting, and loading palletized material, pallet forks are essential. From construction sites to farms, they help move supplies quickly and safely.

  • Choose from standard or walk-through frame styles
  • Excellent for feed bags, seed pallets, lumber, and equipment
  • Pairs easily with Bobcat and John Deere quick attach systems

3. Root Grapples

Root grapples are perfect for land clearing, storm cleanup, and brush removal. These attachments let you grip, lift, and move awkward loads with precision.

  • Available in single- or dual-cylinder options
  • Heavy-duty tines and replaceable tips for long-term use
  • Compatible with skid steers and mini skid steers like the Toro Dingo

4. Augers

Need to dig post holes for fencing or foundations? Auger attachments make quick work of the toughest ground. Available with a variety of bit sizes and lengths, they're a must for fencing crews and utility contractors.

  • Hydraulic drive for consistent torque and performance
  • Works on dirt, clay, and even rocky terrain
  • Save time and labor compared to hand-digging

6. Snow Pushers

When winter hits, a snow pusher is your best friend. Our Express Steel pushers are built to handle Midwest winters with reinforced sides and durable cutting edges.

  • Clear parking lots, driveways, and access roads fast
  • Available in widths up to 30ft or as small as 4ft.
  • Mounts for skid steers, tractors, loaders, and more

7. Land Levelers

Get a clean finish on driveways, pads, and lots with a land leveler. These attachments are great for spreading gravel and smoothing terrain before or after other work.

  • Great for final grading and soil prep
  • Multiple cutting edges for forward and reverse use

8. Tree Pullers

Quickly remove small trees, brush, and fence posts with a tree puller. Designed to grip and uproot vegetation, this attachment is a time-saver for land management crews.

  • Hydraulic jaws grip tight and pull clean
  • No need to dig or cut roots manually

9. Rock Buckets

Rock buckets are designed to sift out rocks and debris from soil. They're perfect for landscaping jobs, field cleanup, or site prep.

  • Open bottom allows dirt to fall through
  • Helps reclaim usable topsoil

10. Self-Dumping Hoppers

Not always a common attachment, but a major time-saver around the shop or jobsite. Load it, move it, dump it—self-dumping hoppers are perfect for keeping things clean and efficient.

  • Fork pockets for easy transport
  • Heavy-duty construction for scrap, concrete, or debris
  • Great for manufacturing facilities or jobsite cleanup

Quick Reference Comparison

Attachment Primary Use Best For
Smooth Bucket General material handling All-purpose work
Pallet Forks Lifting and transport Farms, construction
Grapples Brush, logs, cleanup Land clearing
Augers Hole digging Fencing, posts
Snow Pushers Snow removal Winter conditions

Conclusion

Having the right skid steer attachments can make a huge difference in how efficiently you get work done. Whether you’re a farmer moving hay, a contractor clearing a lot, or a municipality prepping for winter—there’s a tool for every task.

At Express Steel, we manufacture high-quality attachments right here in the U.S.A., built to work as hard as you do. If you’re not sure what’s best for your setup—whether it’s a John Deere, Bobcat, or Toro Dingo—we’re here to help.

Ready to get equipped? Explore our full lineup of attachments or contact our team today.