Choosing the Best Skid Steer Attachments for Your Farm

Skid steers are some of the most versatile machines on a farm, construction site, or forestry operation. With the right attachments, they can perform everything from digging trenches and lifting hay bales to grading land and clearing brush. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best skid steer attachment for your needs?

Before purchasing an attachment, it’s important to consider your work environment and the tasks you perform most frequently. Are you using your skid steer for agriculture, construction, or landscaping? Do you need an attachment for digging, hauling, or lifting? These factors will determine the best equipment for your operation.

What Size Skid Steer Do You Need?

Skid steers come in three main size categories, and the size of your machine determines which attachments you can use.

• Small skid steers (under 50 HP): Best for tight spaces, landscaping, and small farm operations.
• Mid-size skid steers (50-75 HP): Great for digging, grading, and material handling.
• Large skid steers (75+ HP): Designed for heavy-duty excavation, road construction, and large-scale farm work.

When choosing an attachment, ensure it’s compatible with your skid steer’s hydraulic system and lifting capacity. For more information about operating skid steers click here!

Best Skid Steer Attachments for Farmers

Farmers rely on specific attachments to get the job done efficiently. Below are some of the most popular skid steer attachments for agricultural use.

1. Augers

Best for: Digging post holes, planting trees

Augers are essential for installing fence posts and planting trees. They provide deep, precise holes with minimal soil displacement. Farmers and landscapers alike benefit from auger attachments when working on large properties.

2. Pallet Forks

Best for: Transporting hay, lumber, and materials

Pallet forks turn your skid steer into a forklift, allowing you to move feed, seed, hay bales, and building materials. They’re one of the most widely used attachments for farms, as they improve efficiency when moving heavy loads.

3. Bale Spears

Best for: Moving hay bales

Bale spears are designed to pierce and lift round or square hay bales. This attachment ensures secure transport without damaging the hay, making it ideal for cattle operations.

4. Grapple Buckets

Best for: Clearing debris, rocks, brush

Grapple buckets allow you to grab and lift large objects like logs, rocks, and piles of brush. This attachment is especially useful for land clearing, storm cleanup, and handling loose material.

For more information check out our ultimate guide to grapple attachments!

5. Land Levelers & Grading Attachments

Best for: Preparing seedbeds, smoothing driveways

Land levelers help smooth out terrain for farming, construction, and landscaping. They are commonly used to prepare soil for planting, level gravel driveways, and clear debris.

6. Snow Pushers & Plows

Best for: Snow removal in winter months

Winter weather can disrupt farm operations, but snow pushers and plows make it easier to clear driveways and pathways. Snow pushers contain snow for controlled removal, while plows allow for angled clearing.

Forestry Skid Steer Attachments

For logging and land management, forestry professionals use rugged skid steer attachments such as:

• Mulchers – Break down trees and brush into mulch
• Log Grapples – Securely transport logs
• Tree Shears – Cut and clear unwanted trees quickly

Forestry work requires powerful attachments that can handle rough conditions. Hydraulic drum and disc mulchers are commonly used for clearing brush and maintaining firebreaks.

Skid Steer Attachments for Landscaping

Landscapers rely on skid steers for site preparation, grading, and maintenance. Some must-have landscaping attachments include:

• Rotary Cutters – Mow through thick grass and brush
• Tiller Attachments – Prepare soil for planting
• Grading Bars – Level soil, gravel, or mulch evenly

These attachments help landscaping businesses improve efficiency and deliver precise results.

How to Attach a Skid Steer Attachment

Attaching and removing skid steer attachments is simple, thanks to the universal Quick Attach system. Follow these steps:

• Park on Level Ground – Ensure the area is free of obstacles.
• Align the Mounting Plate – Reverse the skid steer until the mounting plate aligns with the attachment.
• Secure the Attachment – Lock the attachment in place using the Quick Attach lever.
• Connect Hydraulic Hoses – If the attachment requires hydraulic power, connect the hoses properly.
• Test the Attachment – Run the machine at low speed to ensure the attachment is working correctly.

By following these steps, you can quickly switch between attachments for different tasks.

Are All Skid Steer Attachments Interchangeable?

Most skid steer attachments are compatible across brands, thanks to the universal Quick Attach bracket. However, always check for compatibility based on:

• Hydraulic flow requirements
• Lift capacity of your skid steer
• Frame size and mounting plate dimensions

Reading equipment reviews and consulting manufacturer specifications ensures you get the right attachment for your machine. All of these precautions are to ensure functionality and most importantly, safety!

Learn more about general skid-steer loader safety here!

Should You Rent or Buy Skid Steer Attachments?

Some operators rent attachments for temporary projects, while others invest in equipment they use regularly. Here are the pros and cons of each approach:

Renting Attachments

• ✅ Lower upfront cost
• ✅ Ideal for short-term projects
• ✅ Access to newer models

Buying Attachments

• ✅ Long-term investment
• ✅ More cost-effective over time
• ✅ Always available when needed

If you frequently use a specific attachment, purchasing may be the smarter financial decision.

Final Thoughts on Skid Steer Attachments

The right skid steer attachments can transform your tractor into a multi-functional machine, saving time and labor on the farm, construction site, or forestry operation. When selecting an attachment, consider your most frequent tasks and choose equipment that enhances efficiency.

Need help finding the best skid steer attachment for your needs? Browse Fastline’s selection of skid steer attachments today to find the right fit for your operation.