Skid loaders or skid-steer loaders are typically four-wheel drive vehicles with the left-side drive wheels independent of the right-side drive wheels. By having each side independent of the other, wheel speed and direction of rotation of the wheels determine the direction the loader will turn.

Skid steer loaders are capable of zero-radius, "pirouette" turning, which makes them extremely maneuverable and valuable for applications that require a compact, agile loader.g.

The most recognizable brand of skid steer vehicle is the Bobcat. They are good for yard and driveway work because they have a very tight turning radius, not so good for anything on your lawn, because the skidding digs into the turf.

Our skid steer is a Ford that we bought used from a guy in this area for $5,000, including a trailer for it. A used one usually costs $15,000 - $20,000 so we got a good deal on it, especially considering how little we use it. It's cute because wherever it has the Ford name, someone painted "Henry" in front of it. So I guess its name is Henry.

We use it to spread gravel on our 1/4 mile of driveway and for shoveling snow, so don't fire it up very frequently, but it's a life-saver when we need it. I like it a lot because I can turn it around on the narrow, steep, hanging over the river driveway when I'm working up there.

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The other day we got it started and took it for a spin around the yard to make sure the hydraulics are still good, just in case I might need it in the months ahead.