Essential Tips for Acreage Owners Renting Skid Steers

If you’re an acreage owner in need of skid steer services in Parkland County, renting a skid steer can be a cost-effective and efficient way to tackle projects like redoing driveways or spreading black dirt. Whether you’re planning to improve your property’s aesthetics or functionality, here are some practical tips to ensure you get the most out of your skid steer rental.

1. Understand Your Project Scope

Before renting, determine the specifics of your project:

Redoing Driveways: For a standard gravel driveway, you'll need a base layer of coarse gravel (50+ mm) and a top layer of finer gravel (20 mm). The total thickness of the gravel layers should be about 4-6 inches compacted.

Spreading Black Dirt: When leveling black dirt for landscaping or garden areas, aim for a final layer thickness of 3-6 inches. Thicker layers may be needed for areas where you plan to grow vegetables or other plants with deep root systems.

Knowing the required thickness will help you estimate the amount of material you’ll need and the rental time for the skid steer.

2. Estimate Material Quantities

A common challenge is judging how much gravel or black dirt is needed. Here are some tips:

Gravel: One cubic yard of gravel covers approximately 81 square feet at 4 inches thick. Measure your driveway’s length and width to calculate the total area, then divide by 81 to estimate the cubic yards needed.

Black Dirt: One cubic yard of black dirt covers about 108 square feet at 3 inches thick. For thicker layers, adjust the coverage accordingly.

Remember, it’s better to slightly overestimate than run out mid-project.

3. Choose the Right Attachments

Modern skid steers come with a range of attachments to simplify your work. For driveway and landscaping projects, consider:

Bucket Attachments: Great for moving and spreading materials like gravel or dirt.

Grading Blades: Useful for achieving a smooth and even finish on driveways.

Land Levelers: Ideal for spreading black dirt evenly across large areas.

Check with the rental company to ensure the attachments fit the skid steer you’re renting.

4. Prepare the Site Beforehand

Maximize your rental time by prepping the site:

Clear the area of debris, such as rocks or branches, that could damage the skid steer.

Mark boundaries with stakes or spray paint to avoid overworking areas you don’t need to cover.

Ensure there’s enough space for the skid steer to maneuver, especially on narrow driveways or in tight corners.

5. Learn Basic Operating Skills

If you’re new to using skid steers, ask the rental company for a quick tutorial. Focus on:

Proper controls for lifting and tilting the bucket.

Tips for spreading materials evenly without wasting them.

Safety guidelines, especially if working on slopes or near edges.

6. Consider Professional Acreage Skid Steer Services

While renting a skid steer can save money, many acreage owners find it more efficient to hire professional skid steer services in Parkland County. Professionals bring experience, precision, and the right equipment to get the job done quickly and correctly.

7. Plan for Cleanup and Maintenance

After completing your project:

Rinse off the skid steer to remove dirt or gravel before returning it to the rental company.

Check for any damage to avoid unexpected charges.

Return unused materials or use them for future projects like garden paths or raised beds.

Why Skid Steer Services Are Ideal for Acreage Owners

Whether you're tackling driveway repairs or enhancing your landscape, skid steer services offer the power and versatility needed for acreage projects. By following these tips, you’ll ensure a smooth rental experience and achieve professional-quality results.

If you’re in Parkland County and need assistance, contact Prairie Acre Developments for expert skid steer services. We specialize in helping acreage owners with projects ranging from driveway upgrades to landscaping.

By incorporating these tips and leveraging professional services when needed, you can make the most of your skid steer rental and transform your acreage with ease. For more information or to get started, visit Prairie Acre Developments today!