Skid Steer Loader Safety

• Safety screens and protective rollover structures should always be in place.
• Make sure never to exceed the rated operating capacity of a skid steer.
• When carrying a load always keep it low.
• The heavy end of a skid steer should be pointed uphill when on inclines.
• Pay attention to the ground being driven on, avoid rough surfaces.
  
  

• Weight balance is an important key to the turning capability and stability of a skid steer. About two-thirds of a skid steers weight is placed on the rear wheels with no load in the bucket. When the bucket is loaded the weight is shifted to the front axles.
• Exceeding the rated operating capacity of a loader can make the skid steer excessively front heavy. This should never be done as it greatly reduces the stability and handling.
• Many skid steers have Hydrostatic drive which means that if the levers are engaged the skid steer will instantly respond. Thus you should never try to operate the hydraulic controls or steering levers while outside of the cab.
• While experienced skid steer drivers can almost instinctively operate a skid steer, it is very easy for a beginner to become confused from trying to multi-task numerous functions. The best thing to do if this happens is to completely let go of all controls, when pressure on the controls is released all of the machines functions will stop.
• You should never remove the protective rollover structure or side screens from a skid steer. There are several instances of individuals being crushed between the frame and the loader arms on machines without screens.
• Always used the seat bar and seat belt when operating a skid steer.
• Always ensure that the attachment is locked in place with the locking devices. Even when only using an attachment for a minute or two, if not secure an attachment can break off and fall onto a bystander or back down the arms.
  
  

• When traveling and turning it is important to keep the bucket low and close to the skid steer. When the loader arms are raised the stability of the skid steer decreases.
• Rough terrain and steep slopes should always be avoided to reduce the chance of getting stuck or rolling over. When traveling on inclines always move up and down and never across.
• In addition, when moving up and down inclines keep the heavy end of the skid steer pointed uphill. Remember an empty bucket means more weight on the back while a full bucket means more weight in the front.
• Always try to avoid obstacles, drive around them rather than through them.
• Avoid areas with steep banks such as creeks or ravines. Landscapes like this can collapse or sink causing the skid steer to fall in or get stuck.
• It’s not recommended to travel long distances on roads. Skid steers are light and can easily be towed behind a full-size truck.
  
  

• First drive carefully and slowly into the material pile, and then tilt up the bucket or fork. Slowly back away with the loaded, tilted attachment.
• Next, with the loaded arms down, drive slowly to the site you wish to unload at until the attachment is just over the area you wish to dump.
• Keep the bucket level with the hydraulics while you slowly raise the loader arms. If the skid steer becomes unstable then quickly lower the arms. Once the arms are up tilt the bucket down to dump the load.
  
  

• Take your time to become familiar with the operating procedures outlined in the manual. Also ensure that you know and are educated about the controls, warning devices and other gauges.
• Check the work area for soft conditions and obstacles.
• Be aware of clearances such as overheard power lines.
• Never allow extra riders on skid steer loaders.
• Never operate a skid steer as a personnel carrier or a work platform. This can cause hydraulic failure.
• Try to avoid sudden starts and turns, adjust your speed accordingly to the terrain and working conditions.
• Clear the work area of all bystanders and never lift or carry a load over anyone.
• Be careful when handling rocks or other loose materials, tilting the bucket back too far with the arms raised can cause the materials to fall back into the cab. It’s important to keep the bucket level while raising the arms.
• Try to avoid dumping loads over fences or other obstacles that can pierce the cab if the loader was tipped forward.
• Be extra careful when backfilling, the skid steer’s weight can cause the trench wall to collapse.
• Never undercut or dig into a high embankment, it can collapse and bury the skid steer.
• Never stand or place any limb or part of the body under raised loader arms.
• If you need to repair a skid steer with the arms raised make sure that they are locked in place.