Skid

 Loader  (skid-­‐steer)  
Operator  Training  

CFAES  Safety  &  Health  Coordinator  –  Kent  McGuire,  OSU  Ag  Safety  and  Health            
Content  Review  by  D.  Mann,  OSU  Ag  Safety  and  Health        
 Skid  Loader    
Operator  Training  
•  Training  and  DocumentaJon  
–  Following  this  training,  you  will  be  given  a  short  quiz.  
–  Provide  printed  documentaJon  of  compleJon  for  this  online  training  
to  your  supervisor.  
–  Complete  the  hands-­‐on  pracJcal  evaluaJon,  conducted  by  your  
supervisor,  to  complete  the  training  course.  
–  Supervisors  must  maintain  documentaJon  copies  of  both  the  online  
training  and  pracJcal  evaluaJon  for  EACH  employee.  
–  Supervisors  send  copies  of  the  skid  loader  Operator  EvaluaJon  Form  
to:  
Kent  McGuire  –  CFAES  Health  and  Safety  Coordinator  
 Email:  [email protected]    
 Mail:  Ag  Engineering,  590  Woody  Hayes  Dr.  Columbus,  Ohio  43210  
–  Refresher  training  must  be  taken  annually  for  all  skid  loader  
operators  by  taking  this  online  training.  [OSHA  29CFR  1928.51(d)]    
 Skid  Loader    
Operator  Training  

•  QuesJons  about  the  material  

 For  quesJons  concerning  the  material,  contact:    
•  Kent  McGuire  –  CFAES  Health  and  Safety  Coordinator  at  
614-­‐292-­‐0588    or  [email protected]  
•  Or  OSU  Environmental  Health  &  Safety  at  614-­‐292-­‐1284  
 Learning  ObjecJves  
•  Understand  the  purpose  of  a  skid  loader.  
•  Understand  the  characterisJcs  of  a  skid  loader.  
•  Recognize  the  hazards  associated  with  a  skid  loader.  
•  Understand  skid  loader  stability.  
•  IdenJfy  the  controls  and  instrumentaJon  of  a  skid  loader.  
•  Understand  preventaJve  maintenance  and  pre-­‐operaJon  checks.  
•  Demonstrate  safe  use  of  a  skid  loader.  
 Purpose of
Skid Loaders
•  Skid loaders are compact, powerful, and versatile
machines.
•  Can be 4-wheel or track driven.
•  Turns by skidding, or dragging its fixed-orientation
wheels / tracks across the ground.
•  They fit into small spaces, and can turn within a tight
radius.
•  Skid loaders function to push, scrape, scoop, lift, and
dump materials.
•  Can be used as a remote power source for variety
attachments.
•  Easy to operate but, the operator must know the
machine’s proper use, as well as its limitations.
 Skid Loader Characteristics
Hydraulic Power
•  A skid loader is a very powerful hydraulic machine.
•  A hydrostatic transmission controls forward and reverse
direction.
•  Hydrostatic valves control the flow of hydraulic oil to
steer the machine by “skidding” it sharply around
corners.
•  The machine moves the instant you move the hydraulic
control levers or pedals.
•  The skid loader will move forward, reverse, or sideways.
•  The load bucket will lift, roll or tilt.
•  Bumping the control levers can cause the machine
to move unintentionally.
 Skid Loader Characteristics
Weight and Stability
•  The skid loader’s center of gravity is
low and between the wheels.
•  The center of gravity is always shifting
during operation.
•  Typically 2/3 of the skid loader’s weight
is towards the rear axle of the machine.
•  Lifting a load transfers weight to the
front axle.
–  The higher the load, increases height of the
center of gravity, and increases risk of tip-
over in any direction.
•  Know the manufactures load weight
limit and DO NOT exceed this limit.
 Skid Loader Characteristics
Machine Hazards
•  Pinch points, cut points, and crush points exist within close
reach of the operator’s space.
•  Lift arms raise and lower the loader bucket near the
operator’s cab.
•  The loader bucket is mounted in front of the operator and
can be rolled forward or tilted back within inches of the
operator.
•  Control levers, pedals, and a parking brake are arranged
compactly within the operator’s space.
•  It is easy to bump these controls.
–  Workers have been crushed between lift arms and the skid loader
–  Loader buckets have dropped onto workers
–  Loader buckets have rolled back and crushed a worker’s legs
•  Operators must be aware of job site hazards.
 Skid Loader Characteristics
Safety features
•  Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS)
–  Provides protection against being crushed should the skid loader tip
or overturn.
•  Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS)
–  Provides protection from falling objects or loads that could impact the
operator area.
•  Side Screens
–  Protects operator from thrown objects or debris and prevents the
operator from reaching out the side of the cab, under the lift arms.
•  Seat belt and seat-bar restraint
–  Keeps the operator in the Zone-of-Protection (seat). Works with
ROPS to create a safe zone in the operator area.
•  Interlock System
–  Electrical lock system that prevents starting the engine or use of
hydraulic controls if the seat belt and seat–bar are not used.
 Pre-operation
Preventative maintenance
Before using the skid loader, complete a maintenance inspection of the
machine:
•  Inspect machine carefully by walking around it before starting.
•  Keep all guards and shields in good condition and properly installed.
•  Fix damage and replace worn parts immediately.
–  Report all damage (no matter how small) to the supervisor
•  Pay special attention to leaking hydraulic hoses and damaged
electrical wiring.

Daily Operating Checklist

•  Test safety systems
•  Check fuel level
•  Check engine oil level
•  Check hydraulic oil level and hoses
•  Check coolant level and hoses
•  Remove dirt and debris from radiator
Skid Loader Components
 Skid Loader Controls
Skid loaders are controlled by hand levers and foot pedals.
The beginning operator should understand the following
points:
–  Movement controls: Grasp the right and left hand control
levers; push both levers forward to move forward, or pull the
levers rearward to move in reverse. Let go of the levers to stop
the movement.
–  Steering controls: To control the steering direction, GENTLY
push one hand lever forward while pulling the other lever back.
Pushing the left lever forward while pulling the right lever back
will make the skid steer travel to the RIGHT.
–  Lift controls: Standard skid loader controls use foot pedals to
control the lift arms and load bucket. Advanced or joystick
controls can use a combination of foot pedals and hand
controls or all hand controls for the lift arms and load bucket.
You will need to get familiar with the machine at your location
 Skid Loader Controls
“Standard” Controls
Operator Station Foot Pedals
 
 
 
 
 
 
  A – Boom Control Pedal
  B – Bucket Control Pedal
A - Seat Belt B – Drive Control Lever
C – Horn Button D – Seat Adjustment
E – Throttle Lever F – Boom Lock Lever
 Skid Loader Controls

Standard Skid Loader Controls

Left Foot Control Pedal Right Foot Control Pedal

The hands and feet control the skid steer.

- Hand levers drive the left and right side tires.
- Foot controls raise the lift arms (boom) and tilt or roll the bucket.
-  The left heel raises the lift arms. The left toes lowers the lift arms.
-  The right heel rolls the bucket back to load. The right toes tilt the bucket
to dump the contents of the bucket.
-  Practice these actions in a SAFE, OPEN AREA before proceeding to
operate the skid loader in a work environment.
 Skid Loader Controls

Advanced / Joystick Loader Control Systems

With Joystick controls:

-  The left joystick manages left-side drive and lift functions.
-  The right joystick controls right-side drive and tilt functions as well
as auxiliary hydraulics.
-  Practice these actions before proceeding to operate the skid steer.
 Skid Loader Controls
•  Before using the skid loader, review the operator’s
manual and become familiar with the controls.
•  A competent person should demonstrate how to start
and stop the engine, how to move the machine forward
and reverse, how to steer the skid loader, and how to
raise, lower, and tilt the bucket attachment.
•  Understand how to safely change attachments and how
the controls are used to operate the attachment.
 Instruments  and  Gauges  

•  Instrument  panels  can  include  warning  lights,  analog  

gauges,  computer  digital  displays,  buzzers,  or  
standard  gauges.  
–  Warning  indicator  lights  can  include:  
 Attachment Operation
Skid loaders can be very versatile with a wide variety of
attachments:
 Attachment Operation
Attachment installation and use
•  Attachments must be compatible with the machine.
•  Installation must be handled by a competent person.
•  Carefully read attachment manual and follow all instructions
and warnings.
•  Verify that all connections are secure and attachment
responds properly to controls.
•  Test attachment in an open area to insure proper operation.
•  Attachment changes can effect:
–  Intended use of the skid loader
–  Weight or balance of the machine
–  Can alter machine controls, performance, or reliability
 General Safety Procedures

Follow all manufacturer’s safety labels

 General Safety Procedures

Entering and exiting the skid loader

•  Lift arms and bucket should be completely lowered.
•  The seat and floor should be clear of obstructions.
•  Face the machine and maintain 3-points of contact when
getting on and off.
•  To enter the skid loader, use the grab bars (hand holds) and
the tread plates mounted on the loader bucket. Never use
machine controls as handholds.
•  The loader bucket and machine steps can be slippery when
wet or muddy. Keep these areas clean.
•  When seated, lower the restraint bar and/or fasten the seat
belt.
•  Exit the machine in the same manner.
•  Do not reach into the cab from the ground level to move
hydraulic levers or pedals to position the lift arms and bucket.
 General Safety Procedures

–  One seat and one seat belt means ONE OPERATOR. No

passengers are permitted in the operator area or on the
bucket.
–  Lower the safety restraint bar and/or fasten the seat belt
every time you enter the machine.
–  Be sure area around skid loader is clear of children,
bystanders, farm animals or other equipment.
–  Lower all equipment to the ground, engage park brake and
shut off machine, before allowing anyone to approach.
–  Never stand or lean where lift arms or load bucket
movements could crush you.
–  Use the lift arm locks (boom locks) to prevent lift arms from
dropping downward if repairs must be made to the machine.
–  Use caution when working in poor weather conditions.
 Potential Site Hazards
Site hazards include
–  Buried utilities – water, electrical, natural gas
–  Overhead power lines
–  Adjacent structures, equipment, or traffic
–  Excessive debris, mud, or snow
–  Limited vision / blind corners
–  Excessive noise for long periods of time
Safety for job-site hazards
–  Be aware of bystanders and fellow workers
–  Do not work near overhead utility lines
–  Use barricades or signal person to keep vehicles or pedestrians away
–  Use the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
–  Consider travel path conditions
•  Steep terrain
•  Soft soil
•  Loose gravel
•  Rutting
•  Uneven ground transitions
 Safe Operation
Preventing machine tip over:
–  Avoid crossing steep slopes such as ditches or stream banks.
–  Avoid sharp turns and reduce speeds when turning.
–  Use slower speeds over rough ground.
–  Balance loads so weight is evenly distributed and load is
stable.
–  Lower the load bucket for travel to aid in visibility and to lower
the machine’s center of gravity.
–  Do not overload the bucket. Exceeding that capacity with a
lifted load can result in forward or sideways tipping of the
machine.
–  When moving up a slope keep the heaviest weight up the hill.
•  With an empty bucket, back up the hill/slope.
•  With a full bucket, drive forward up the hill/slope.
 Safe Operation
–  Before moving the machine, be sure all persons or vehicles
are clear of the machine path.
–  Use signal person when backing if view is obstructed.
–  Never swing, lift or move a load overtop of anyone.
–  Lower the boom and bucket, stop the engine, and set the park
brake before dismounting the machine. Do this every time.
–  Prevent material rollback by securing loads in the bucket and
filling the bucket only to rated levels.
–  Avoid working with an embankment or pile that is taller than
the machine. A collapse could cause the operator station to
become buried.
–  Do not reach outside of the cab while the skid loader is
running. All adjustments and connections of attachments
should be made with the engine stopped.
Safe skid steer loader work requires attention to the machine,
the surroundings, and the work being done.
 Roadway Safety
Operating or traveling on public roads
–  Only when absolutely necessary.
–  Must have proper lighting and marking to assure visibility.
–  Additional light beacons, slow moving vehicle (SMV)
emblem or other devices may require installation.
–  Keep warning devices clean and in working condition.
–  Move equipment at off-peak hours, but in daylight when
possible.
–  Use escort vehicle when possible.
–  Keep loads and loader bucket low.
–  Stay alert for traffic and roadside obstacles.
 Skid  Loader    
Operator  Training  
For  quesTons  or  addiTonal  informaTon  
regarding  skid  loader  safety  
–  Contact  Kent  McGuire  –  CFAES  Health  and  Safety  
Coordinator  at  292-­‐0588    or  [email protected]  
–  Visit  OSU  Ag  Safety  and  Health  at  
www.agsafety.osu.edu    
Reference  
-­‐  NaJonal  Safe  Tractor  and  Machinery  OperaJon  Program,  
Hazardous  OccupaJons  Safety  Training  in  Agriculture.  
Penn  State  University,  Ohio  State  University,  and  
NaJonal  Safety  Council  
-­‐  OSHA    29CFR1910  and  29CFR1928  
 Skid  Loader    
Operator  Training  
•  Remember!  
–  Ader  taking  the  quiz,  provide  printed  
documentaJon  of  compleJon  for  this  online  
training,  to  your  supervisor.  
–  Complete  the  hands-­‐on  pracJcal  evaluaJon,  
conducted  by  your  supervisor,  to  complete  the  
training  course.  
–  Supervisors  must  maintain  documentaJon  of  
both  the  online  training  and  pracJcal  evaluaJon  
for  each  employee.  
 Skid  Loader    
Operator  Training  

You  have  completed  the  Skid  Loader  Operator  

Training,  click  below  to  begin  the  progression  
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