tailgate talks
skid steer safety
Points to Emphasize
Rollover protective structures and safety screens should be in place at all times.
Fasten seat belts and employ safety bars before starting skid steers.
Always carry loads low and keep arms lowered while travelling.
Point the loader's heavy end uphill when driving up and down a slope. Don't drive across a slope.
The skid steer bucket is not a "work platform".
Know your machine
Balance is the key to the stability and turning capability of a skid steer. With no load in the bucket,
roughly two-thirds of the weight is on the rear axles. Weight shifts to the front wheels when the
bucket is loaded.
Overloading can make a skid steer excessively front heavy. This reduces stability and handling
response.
Never attempt to operate the steering levers or any other hydraulic controls while standing outside
of the cab! The skid steer will respond instantly when the levers are engaged.
Operation of controls becomes almost instinctive for an experienced skid steer driver. Novices can
become confused as a result of having to perform a number of functions at one time. If this happens,
it is usually best to remove hands and feet from the controls. All machine functions will stop when
pressure on the controls is released.
Never remove the rollover protective structure from a skid steer. Keep side screens in place.
Always use the seat belt and seat bar whenever you are operating a skid steer.
Always make sure that attachment locking devices are in place, even if you are switching attachments
for only a few minutes. If not locked, an attachment could break free and roll back down the loader
arms, or fall onto a bystander.
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