Skid Steer Training – How to Operate a Skid Steer
16th July, 2018
Skid Steer Training – How to Operate a Skid Steer Loader
Skidsteer or tracked loaders are highly capable machines ideal for materials handling or operating attachments, so it makes sense that you may want to buy or hire one for your next project.
As with any plant machinery however, operating them safely, efficiently and effectively is a must.
Be sure to prepare the workspace before using the machine and most importantly, use it with all safety precautions in place. Here at MTS Plant we have comprised a quick training guide to operating a skid steer machine. Read more below:
Choose the Right Skid Steer for your Job
If the workspace is narrow, a smaller skid steer would be most efficient. Same is the case with wooded areas where trees are in close proximity to each other.
Bigger skid steers are great if the project involves large amounts of materials to move or there are heavier objects to lift. Bigger machines are preferable as they come with bigger buckets for the task.
If your site features rough terrain or turf, a tracked loader may be better suited. These machines are smooth to operate and will almost never get stuck even in the most demanding conditions. They are also gentler on lawns to help reduce the damage.
Both skidsteer and tracked loaders often come with the option of traditional “hand and foot controls” or joy stick controls. Both are great, however the joystick controls offer greater precision and accuracy when needed. Both options are good, and often the decision comes down to operator preference.
At MTS Plant, we offer a wide range of skid steer loaders for hire in the UK as well as for outright purchase. You can also hire a range of Bobcat attachments to make the most of your machine and increase your job efficiency.
How to Safely Transport your Skidsteer:
If you are transporting the loader yourself, be sure to have an adequate truck / trailer set up. When loading, the bulk of the machines weight should be just in front of trailers tyres, however not too far as you don’t want the weight to cause the truck/vans front tyres to lose traction. When strapping down the straps / chains should be pulling the machine equally towards both the front and back of the trailer.
If this is your first time towing a trailer, moving a tracked loader or skidsteer is probably not the best place to start. At MTS Plant our teams can arrange transport to and from your site if required.
How to Operate a Skid Steer without Mishaps?
- Where you are concerned about causing damage underfoot, cover the path of the skid steer with plywood, especially walkways, sidewalks and patios. A skid steer is a heavy machine and can cause damage as you drive.
- Objects behind and on the sides of the machine are rarely visible. It is important to keep your workspace clean when the machine is in operation. Put objects and more importantly, people out of the machine’s way.
- Save time and effort by picking rocks in the way of the machine by hand. If you choose to pick up rocks using the skid steer, be prepared to spend a lot of time and energy.
- Avoid skids by making your turns long and wide. This will also help reduce surface damage, and increase the life of your tracks and tyres.
- Use the machine on dry land whenever possible to avoid ruts.
- Ensure the bucket is tilted down when you lift, failing to do so can be a messy mistake as the contents can spill back into the cab.
- When travelling uphill, it is important to keep your bucket low to the ground. You should always enter hills with the heavy site first (when the bucket is full this is the heavy side), occasionally this may mean reversing uphill to keep the machine stable.
- Ensure that the bucket is clean every time you offload dirt. Stubborn dirt can stick to the insides making the job of moving dirt inefficient. Use the skid steer controls to shake the bucket and remove the dirt when emptying.
- Stuck in loose soil or sticky clay? use your bucket to push your machine free as you back up. When working in poor ground conditions always avoid backing up to objects as this will make life difficult should you become stuck.
Our Important Safety Tips:
- Ensure operators are trained and competent. MTS Plant can offer Lantra award beginner and re-fresher training courses if required.
- Always shut off the engine when exiting the machine.
- Never walk under raised arms.
- Always wear hearing protection.
- Never lift or transport passengers in the machine.
We Have a Wide Range of Skid Steer Loaders for Sale & Hire in the UK
MTS Plant offers a wide variety of Skid steer and Tracked Loaders for sales and skid steer loaders for hire in the UK at competitive rates. Not sure which model is right for you? Our specialists would be happy to assist you.
Our plant sales team in the UK offers both new and used machines. As approved Lantra Award training providers we can also assist with operator training requirements where needed.
Talk to the MTS Plant team today to discuss your loader requirements :