3 ways skip loaders improve productivity on construction sites

There’s no such thing as a slow or quiet day on a construction site – and when you’re up against tight deadlines, small delays can snowball fast. You can have the best team, the best planning, and the best intentions, but if you haven’t got the right tools on site, progress stalls. That’s where skip loader hire makes a real difference.

We know that on a busy site, wasted time equals wasted money. That’s why our skip loader hire service is built around machines that do the heavy lifting for you – literally. With over 50 years in tool hire, we’ve put together a fleet that’s ready for anything. When it comes to skip loaders, we have everything from compact electric models for tight urban jobs to heavy-duty diesel loaders that can shift serious weight. With that in mind, here are three ways they can help you get the job done.

Speed up site clearances and waste removal

After demolition or groundwork, construction sites can pile up fast with bricks, soil, timber, and rubble. Manually clearing that debris eats into valuable time – especially on larger builds where deadlines are tight. That’s where skip loaders come in. Our skip loader hire service includes powerful models like the Messersi TC95D, which is capable of carrying loads up to 950kg and is ideal for everyday waste removal and site clearance. For heavier-duty tasks requiring greater lifting power, the Avant 735 Loader (M735) offers an impressive capacity of up to 1400kg and has a robust boom that lifts materials up to 3,080mm high!

If you’re working in tighter urban or even indoor environments where noise and emissions are a bit more of a concern, the Electric Tracked Dumper is a smart option. With a 500kg capacity and zero emissions, it’s ideal for working in quieter, more sensitive areas with minimal disruption. These types of environments often involve tasks like clearing a site after a strip-out, tidying up following a concrete pour, and keeping pathways free of debris and other hazards – jobs that can quickly drain time, energy and resources. Our skip loaders take the strain off these tasks, helping you maintain progress without exhausting your workforce or deviating too much from the job at hand.

Easily handle heavy loads

If it’s lifting power you’re after, the Avant 745 Telehandler Multi Loader is a standout choice. This machine has a telescopic boom that extends up to 3 metres, giving you excellent reach and height for placing heavy materials exactly where you need them, even over obstacles or in tighter spots.

This mighty machine offers impressive lifting capacity and pulling force, making it ideal for a range of construction tasks, from moving pallets of bricks to shifting bulky steel components. What makes the Avant 745 especially versatile is its ability to work with a variety of attachments – while it comes supplied with a bucket and forks, optional extras like grabbers, breakers, or dumper attachments can be added to handle different jobs without needing multiple machines. It also has high-flow auxiliary hydraulics, so all attachments operate smoothly and efficiently. On site, the machine’s performance is enhanced by Avant’s proprietary Optidrive™ system, which can boost drive efficiency by up to 10%, and it can reach speeds of up to 26 km/h, helping you get around larger sites faster.

Tackle tight site conditions

Not every site offers room to spare – especially if you’re working in and around residential areas, busy roads, behind existing buildings, or on inner-city developments. That’s where you really need a compact and nimble machine to get the job done. The Avant 220 Compact Loader, one of the smallest loaders in the Avant range at just 960mm wide, can easily pass through standard gates and narrow access points to reach areas larger machines can’t.

Don’t let the size fool you, though; it’s designed for control and precision, not just raw power, so you get the best of both worlds. With 4-wheel drive and excellent 360° visibility, operators can work safely and confidently in tight or crowded spaces. What’s more, the machine is surprisingly easy to manoeuvre thanks to its simple two-pedal control system – one pedal for moving forward and one for reverse – making it accessible even for less experienced operators. Coupled with a variety of possible attachments, including forks, augers, buckets, and more, it can be an incredibly versatile piece of kit.

Whether you’re clearing tight side alleys, lifting materials into awkward spots, or working within tight boundaries, this machine gives you the freedom to keep moving.

At Smiths Hire, we know how demanding life on site can be – and we’re here to make it easier. Our skip loader hire service is designed to help you stay productive, reduce manual handling, and keep your project moving.

And it doesn’t stop there! With over 50 years of tool hire experience behind us, we offer a full range of equipment to support your site from start to finish – whether you’re shifting materials, clearing waste, or powering through groundwork. You can browse the full range online, pay us a visit at one of our 18 North West tool hire depots, or give us a call on 0333 323 2100 – whatever works best for you. We’re ready when you are!