A skid steer, also known as a skid loader or skid-steer loader, is a compact, multipurpose piece of construction equipment. It is often used for digging, hauling materials, landscaping, and various construction tasks. Skid steers can have either four wheels or two tracks, with the wheels or tracks fixed in a straight alignment and unable to turn like a car's wheels. The unique feature of a skid steer is its steering mechanism: the left and right wheels or tracks are driven independently at different speeds, causing the machine to skid or drag its wheels across the ground to turn. This differential steering allows the skid steer to make zero-radius turns, meaning it can rotate within its own length, making it highly maneuverable and ideal for working in tight spaces. Skid steers are versatile due to their ability to attach to a wide variety of tools and attachments, with the standard being a bucket for lifting or moving heavy materials. Other attachments enable them to perform many different types of tasks beyond just digging or hauling, such as clearing snow, landscaping, excavation, grading, and more. Overall, skid steers are valued for their compact size, power, versatility, and maneuverability on job sites. This summary covers the main aspects of skid steers including their design, steering, uses, and attachments.