Skid Steer Loader safety presentation for the operator

Skid Steer loader is a machine use for construction work on site.

1. Skid Steer Comparisons
Mark Novak
2007 National AgrAbility
Workshop

2. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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Today’s PresentationToday’s Presentation
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ClassroomClassroom
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Some slides and discussion about skid steersSome slides and discussion about skid steers
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Outdoor –> hands on Outdoor –> hands on
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Complete skid steer comparison tool data Complete skid steer comparison tool data
gathering sheetgathering sheet

3. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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ClassroomClassroom
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HistoryHistory
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Definition/UsesDefinition/Uses
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SafetySafety
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FeaturesFeatures
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ManufacturersManufacturers
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Web sitesWeb sites
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MarketingMarketing
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AttachmentsAttachments
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Discuss skid steer data gathering sheetDiscuss skid steer data gathering sheet

4. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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OutdoorOutdoor
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Have four skid steer modelsHave four skid steer models
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Break into groupsBreak into groups
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Take some measurements and fill out skid Take some measurements and fill out skid
steer data gathering toolsteer data gathering tool
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No drivingNo driving
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Turn data gathering tool results at end of Turn data gathering tool results at end of
sessionsession

5. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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HistoryHistory
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11
stst
product was three-wheeled loader used product was three-wheeled loader used
to clean turkey barns in early 1950sto clean turkey barns in early 1950s
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Original rights sold to E.G. Melrose Co.Original rights sold to E.G. Melrose Co.
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In 1958, the “Bobcat skid-steer” loader was In 1958, the “Bobcat skid-steer” loader was
introduced by the Melrose Co.introduced by the Melrose Co.
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Change direction quicklyChange direction quickly
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Turn within its own wheelbaseTurn within its own wheelbase
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In 1995, Ingersol Rand bought BobcatIn 1995, Ingersol Rand bought Bobcat

6. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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History History
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Today Bobcat Co. is a business unit of Today Bobcat Co. is a business unit of
Ingersoll RandIngersoll Rand
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Many companies have developed their own Many companies have developed their own
skid steer loaders for agricultural and skid steer loaders for agricultural and
construction equipment useconstruction equipment use

8. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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Definition/Uses:Definition/Uses:
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Skid steer, skid loader, skid-steer loader, etc. is a rigid Skid steer, skid loader, skid-steer loader, etc. is a rigid
frame, engine-powered machine with lift arms used frame, engine-powered machine with lift arms used
to attach a wide variety of labor-saving tools and to attach a wide variety of labor-saving tools and
attachments.attachments.
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The term “bobcat” is sometimes used as a generic The term “bobcat” is sometimes used as a generic
term for skid-steer loaders.term for skid-steer loaders.
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Four-wheel drive vehicles, with the left drive wheels Four-wheel drive vehicles, with the left drive wheels
independent of the right drive wheels, so that wheel independent of the right drive wheels, so that wheel
speed and rotation determine direction of the loader speed and rotation determine direction of the loader
and allow the loader to turn within its own tracksand allow the loader to turn within its own tracks

9. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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UsesUses
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The safe operation of skid steer loaders can The safe operation of skid steer loaders can
address limitations including:address limitations including:
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LiftingLifting
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CarryingCarrying
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PushingPushing
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PullingPulling
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Use of only one handUse of only one hand
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WalkingWalking
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Reaching and bendingReaching and bending

10. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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SafetySafety
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Web is full of great resources on skid steer Web is full of great resources on skid steer
loader safety and safe operationloader safety and safe operation

13. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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Safety Hazards (short list):Safety Hazards (short list):
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Loader or loaded front mounted buckets, Loader or loaded front mounted buckets,
roll over, tilt back and onto operatorroll over, tilt back and onto operator
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Lots of control levers in a tight space, easy Lots of control levers in a tight space, easy
to bump unintendedto bump unintended
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Lift arms close to operator’s areaLift arms close to operator’s area
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Pinch, shear and crush points close to the Pinch, shear and crush points close to the
operator’s areaoperator’s area
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Entry and exit over the attachment and Entry and exit over the attachment and
past operator’s controlspast operator’s controls

14. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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Safety FeaturesSafety Features
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FOPS/ROPS (falling object protection, roll FOPS/ROPS (falling object protection, roll
over protection)over protection)
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Safety belt and/or restraint barSafety belt and/or restraint bar
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Lift arm lockouts or lift arm supportsLift arm lockouts or lift arm supports
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Seat interlocksSeat interlocks
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Back up sirensBack up sirens
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Read the operator instructionsRead the operator instructions

16. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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FeaturesFeatures
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Rigid frameRigid frame
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Operation (left independent of right)Operation (left independent of right)
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Mostly diesel motorsMostly diesel motors
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FOPS/ROPS (all new designs)FOPS/ROPS (all new designs)
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Cab, some enclosed with heat, AC, etc.Cab, some enclosed with heat, AC, etc.
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One or two lift armsOne or two lift arms
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Auxiliary hydraulicsAuxiliary hydraulics

17. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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FeaturesFeatures
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Turn within their own wheel baseTurn within their own wheel base
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Most have hydrostatic (variable) speed Most have hydrostatic (variable) speed
transmissionstransmissions
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Low center of gravity (by design)Low center of gravity (by design)
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Most offer hand/foot control, or dual hand Most offer hand/foot control, or dual hand
only control for operationonly control for operation
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Some also offer T-bar hand control and Some also offer T-bar hand control and
joystick controlsjoystick controls

19. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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FeaturesFeatures
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Wheels versus tracksWheels versus tracks

20. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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ManufacturersManufacturers
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Some estimates say there are as many as 40 Some estimates say there are as many as 40
companies that “label or sell” skid steer loaderscompanies that “label or sell” skid steer loaders
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Some of the more common names of skid steer Some of the more common names of skid steer
loader companies in the United States:loader companies in the United States:
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BobcatBobcat
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John DeereJohn Deere
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GehlGehl
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JCBJCB
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MustangMustang
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New HollandNew Holland
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CaseIHCaseIH

21. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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ManufacturersManufacturers
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Web sitesWeb sites
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http://www.bobcat.comhttp://www.bobcat.com
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http://www.deere.comhttp://www.deere.com
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http://www.gehl.comhttp://www.gehl.com
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http://www.jcb.comhttp://www.jcb.com
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http://www.mustangmfg.comhttp://www.mustangmfg.com
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http://www.newholland.comhttp://www.newholland.com
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http://www.caseih.comhttp://www.caseih.com

22. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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ManufacturersManufacturers
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Examples of Skid Steer Loaders marketing Examples of Skid Steer Loaders marketing
brochuresbrochures

25. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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Attachments:Attachments:
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Skid steer attachment list is almost endless Skid steer attachment list is almost endless
and continues to growand continues to grow
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Most attachments have specific purpose Most attachments have specific purpose
(e.g., post hole digger, walk-way sweeper, (e.g., post hole digger, walk-way sweeper,
etc.)etc.)
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Newer skid steers include the hydraulic Newer skid steers include the hydraulic
capability to operate these attachments, capability to operate these attachments,
while older skid steers may not while older skid steers may not

26. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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AttachmentsAttachments
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Some of the more popular (even standard) Some of the more popular (even standard)
attachments are:attachments are:
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Bucket (different styles)Bucket (different styles)
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Forks (for pallet moving)Forks (for pallet moving)
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Blades (snow, dirt, etc.)Blades (snow, dirt, etc.)
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Brooms (snow, dirt, etc.)Brooms (snow, dirt, etc.)
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Jack hammer (for construction/demolition)Jack hammer (for construction/demolition)

27. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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AttachmentsAttachments
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At http://www.skidsteersolutions.comAt http://www.skidsteersolutions.com
counted about 60 kinds of attachments, counted about 60 kinds of attachments,
some of the less well know might be:some of the less well know might be:
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Brush mowersBrush mowers
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Log splittersLog splitters
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Post poundersPost pounders
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Rock sawRock saw
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Tree shearsTree shears

29. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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Why did we develop the skid steer Why did we develop the skid steer
comparison tool data gathering sheetcomparison tool data gathering sheet
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Look at skid steer features that maybe Look at skid steer features that maybe
important to farmers and ranchers with a important to farmers and ranchers with a
disability disability
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As we’ve seen, this information is not As we’ve seen, this information is not
typically found in standard marketing typically found in standard marketing
brochure (i.e., number and placement of brochure (i.e., number and placement of
hand holds/hand rails, etc.)hand holds/hand rails, etc.)

30. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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What does the Skid Steer Comparison Tool What does the Skid Steer Comparison Tool
Data Gathering Sheet look like?Data Gathering Sheet look like?
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7 pages long7 pages long
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First 3 pages have 13 questionsFirst 3 pages have 13 questions
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Last 4 pages have sample pictures to assist with Last 4 pages have sample pictures to assist with
data collectiondata collection
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Requires tape measure, pencil/pen, and clipboardRequires tape measure, pencil/pen, and clipboard
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Suggest including a digital cameraSuggest including a digital camera
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Requires about 15 minutes to completeRequires about 15 minutes to complete

31. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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Other Features Important to AgAbilityOther Features Important to AgAbility
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Are there places to safely stepAre there places to safely step
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Are there multiple hand holds/hand railsAre there multiple hand holds/hand rails
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What are the operator’s opening (doorway or What are the operator’s opening (doorway or
door width and height) minimum and maximumdoor width and height) minimum and maximum
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What kind of foot room is allowedWhat kind of foot room is allowed
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What kind of issues might arise accessing the What kind of issues might arise accessing the
common service areas (e.g., filling with fuel, common service areas (e.g., filling with fuel,
checking oil levels, etc.)checking oil levels, etc.)

32. Skid Steer Comparison Tool Data Gathering SheetSkid Steer Comparison Tool Data Gathering Sheet
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Skid steer manufacturers produce very detailed marketing brochures which you can review to compare one brand of Skid steer manufacturers produce very detailed marketing brochures which you can review to compare one brand of
skid steer against another. The marketing brochures include everything from basic machine measurements, turning skid steer against another. The marketing brochures include everything from basic machine measurements, turning
radius, engine size, hydraulic flow, attachment capability, operating controls available (hand only, hand and foot, etc.) radius, engine size, hydraulic flow, attachment capability, operating controls available (hand only, hand and foot, etc.)
and whether the cab (ROPS/FOPS) is totally enclosed to allow it to be heated and cooled. Armed with this information, if and whether the cab (ROPS/FOPS) is totally enclosed to allow it to be heated and cooled. Armed with this information, if
a user is interested in purchasing or recommending a skid steer they will have most of the information necessary to a user is interested in purchasing or recommending a skid steer they will have most of the information necessary to
make an informed decision. make an informed decision.
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Almost all makes and models of skid steer require the operator to be able to climb into the skid steer from the front of Almost all makes and models of skid steer require the operator to be able to climb into the skid steer from the front of
the machine in order to operate it. Therefore, the few questions gathered below are notes about the availability of hand the machine in order to operate it. Therefore, the few questions gathered below are notes about the availability of hand
holds, steps, and some general measurements which may affect an individual’s ability to climb into and out of a skid holds, steps, and some general measurements which may affect an individual’s ability to climb into and out of a skid
steer, or do maintenance. Also, even with hand holds and steps, skid steers in general are not easy to access and may steer, or do maintenance. Also, even with hand holds and steps, skid steers in general are not easy to access and may
not be the proper machine for individuals with severe mobility limitations. (not be the proper machine for individuals with severe mobility limitations. (Please see the attached pictures for Please see the attached pictures for
assistance with the questions and where/how to perform the measurements below.)assistance with the questions and where/how to perform the measurements below.)
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Skid Steer Data Entry:Skid Steer Data Entry:
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Skid Steer Manufacturer: ___________Model: ___________ Date: __________Skid Steer Manufacturer: ___________Model: ___________ Date: __________
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1.1. Do you enter the skid steer from the front? ____ yes, ___ no Do you enter the skid steer from the front? ____ yes, ___ no
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(if yes, go to question #3)(if yes, go to question #3)
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2.2. Do you enter the skid steer from the side? ____ yes, ___ no Do you enter the skid steer from the side? ____ yes, ___ no
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(if yes, go to question # 4)(if yes, go to question # 4)
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3.3. If there is a bucket attached to the skid steer that you must step over to enter the skid steer, how high must you step If there is a bucket attached to the skid steer that you must step over to enter the skid steer, how high must you step
(top of the bucket)? ___ inches(top of the bucket)? ___ inches
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(Note: When recommending a skid steer, be sure you understand “all” the different types of attachments [not (Note: When recommending a skid steer, be sure you understand “all” the different types of attachments [not
just a bucket] that a farmer/rancher might wish to use and thus you may have to step over to enter and exit the just a bucket] that a farmer/rancher might wish to use and thus you may have to step over to enter and exit the
operator’s area. If one of these attachments makes entering or exiting the skid steer even more difficult when operator’s area. If one of these attachments makes entering or exiting the skid steer even more difficult when
attached, this may help you decide to use a manual versus an automatic attachment mounting system. With an attached, this may help you decide to use a manual versus an automatic attachment mounting system. With an
automatic mounting system, it should be easier to remove [and re-connect] any attachments, and without the automatic mounting system, it should be easier to remove [and re-connect] any attachments, and without the
attachments it may be easier for the farmer/rancher to enter/exit the operator’s area.)attachments it may be easier for the farmer/rancher to enter/exit the operator’s area.)

33. 5. Measure from the ground to
here, the bottom of the
doorway opening the operator
must step across to enter the
skid steer operator’s area.
4b. With or without the bucket
attached, this would be an
example of a second step or
platform, on the side or front of
the skid steer measured from
the ground.
3. Measure from the ground
to here, this is the first step
if the bucket is attached.
4a. If the bucket was not attached,
measure from the ground to here would be
the first step.

34. 9. Three sets of
hand holds, one
inside and two
outside the
ROPS/FOPS
(located on both
sides).
8. Doorway
height.
7. Maximum
doorway width.
6. Minimum
doorway width
is here, due to
inside design
of the door.

35. 10. Notice the
entrance and exit
door latches,
describe each.

36. 11. Area to measure
for operator’s feet.
11a. Width area for feet,
front to back.
11b. Width area for feet,
side to side.

37. Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons
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Pictures of things you may wish to look Pictures of things you may wish to look
for if you are thinking about purchasing for if you are thinking about purchasing
a skid steer loader…a skid steer loader…

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51. ReferencesReferences
A 100-Year March of Progress: AEM & A 100-Year March of Progress: AEM &
ASABE. By James H. Ebbinghaus. ASABE. By James H. Ebbinghaus.
Web sites: Web sites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skid_loaderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skid_loader
http://www.agrabilityproject.org/http://www.agrabilityproject.org/