Skid Steer Loader Safety
While you’ll probably mostly see Bobcat® skid steer loaders on construction sites, in warehouses, or in other labor-intensive work sites, the truth is they have many uses and just about anyone can operate them. But, you’ll want to make sure that if you or a coworker is in charge of operating your skid steer, that the right safety measures are always being followed. Skid steer accidents aren’t exactly common, but they do happen and they can lead to serious injuries or worse.
To help you ensure that every safety precaution is being followed, Synergy Equipment has provided a guideline for safe skid steer operating practices. If you’d like additional advice, come talk to our experienced staff in one of our many locations: Orlando, Tampa, Daytona Beach, Miami, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Palatka, Florida.
Entering and Exiting
Whenever entering or exiting the skid steer, start by making sure the bucket or other attachment is flat on the ground. If this isn’t possible, make sure you use lift arm supports or lock the lift arms with the mechanical lockout system. Use the three-point mounting system to step on and off the machine, meaning always have three points of contact on the vehicle (two hands and one foot). Never grab onto foot or hand controls, though. When you’re exiting a skid steer, also make sure the engine is off and the parking brake is set.
Field of Vision
As the operator of the skid steer loader, you’ll be in charge of watching where you’re going. But you’ll probably also quickly realize how easy it is for a load to limit your field of vision, not to mention, these machines naturally have blind spots of their own. Because of this, you’ll want to be fully aware of all your blind spots and find ways to reduce them. Keep in mind, you won’t be able to see most pedestrians, especially small children, so make sure everyone around you knows to keep their distance. You can also install rear view mirrors and backup cameras to eliminate blind spots altogether. If you’re carrying a load that’s too big to see over, turn around and back up to your destination.
Caution During Operation
When you’re in the cab and have a clear view of where you’re going, it’s time to start driving. This is where the real safety concerns come in. Being focused and alert is paramount, as are following the basics, like keeping protective structures in place, knowing your machine’s operating capacity, and always using your seat belt. Also pay attention to any mechanical concerns you may notice while you’re in motion. Strange sounds or unusual patterns could indicate your skid steer needs service. Also, make sure all parts of your body are inside the cab before you operate it and never try to operate the controls from outside the vehicle.
As we mentioned before, never exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations for load capacity, but also make sure you’re traveling safely with any load. This means driving carefully and slowly. Keep the loader bucket as low to the ground as you can and avoid jerky and fast movements. Also, know where all your pinch points are, which are the areas where a finger could get caught and crushed. Finally, if you operate your skid steer in a hilly area, avoid crossing slopes, as it poses a tipping risk. Travel straight up and down the hill with the heavier end of the machine pointing uphill.
This should cover some of the basics, but you should always refer to your owner’s manual before operation. If you’re still looking for a skid steer loader, then stop by Synergy Equipment. We proudly serve all of Florida, including the areas of Orlando, Tampa, Daytona Beach, Miami, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Palatka.