What customers need to know
about skid-steer loaders

The name accurately describes the machine: a skid-steer loader is a highly maneuverable vehicle steered by locking one set of wheels. Today's models are simple to operate and extremely versatile.

Skid-steer loaders are used in general construction for excavation, carrying, spreading and loading just about any kind of loose material, grading, site cleanup, demolition, recycling operations, mining, road repair and construction, landscaping, commercial agricultural operations and snow removal.

Specialized buckets are available for handling all kinds of materials. A skid-steer loader can be used to power hydraulic tools such as breakers and tampers. Specialized attachments include backhoes, augers, concrete containers, pallet forks, bale spears, nursery jaws, tillers, stump grinders, rotary cutters, rakes, aeration equipment, brooms, trenchers and industrial grapples.

Track accessories increase flotation and improve traction in wet, muddy conditions.

The main specs to know about are bucket capacity, breakout force and horsepower. Compact models can work in places where larger machines cannot go. The most popular rental models, 36 to 50 hp and 4,500 to 5,500 pounds, have SAE* operating (lift) capacities ranging from 1,300 to 1,750 pounds.

Who rents skid-steer loaders?
Skid-steer loaders are standard equipment for general contractors and many specialist contractors, including road and bridge builders, landscaping firms, driveway and sidewalk contractors and demolition contractors.

They are used by ranchers and farmers, recycling operations, operators of golf courses and outdoor sports complexes, plant maintenance departments, and city, state, and federal governments, including park departments and the military. Compact models are especially popular among homeowners.

Users want capable, stable machines that are simple to operate and offer good visibility.

Operation
With so many brands and models on the market, it is all the more important for counter and yard personnel to be knowledgable about the equipment they rent.

Even contractors may not be familiar with the particular brand and model they rent, and thorough instructions, based on the manufacturer's published manual, should be provided every time a machine goes out. Operational videos also are helpful.

Users must be completely comfortable with controls and their functions. Those unfamiliar with equipment should practice operation in a safe area before they leave your yard, if at all possible. Abrupt movement of direction, stick, and bucket controls should be avoided. Buckets should be kept low while transporting loads - loader stability decreases with bucket height.

Asking customers about the intended use of equipment opens an opportunity for rental personnel to recommend the right equipment for work intended and also to recommend attachments.

Safety
Instruction to renters always should include steps for safe loading, tie-down, tranporting and unloading. Counter personnel should confirm that the towing vehicle is capable of handling the size and weight of the machine being rented. Give your customers the manufacturer's operator's manual and point out caution decals on equipment.

General safety guidelines:

• Exercise caution when loading and un-loading equipment; never permit onlookers near a machine or trailer.
• Move equipment around the job site with caution and always check to the rear before backing.
• Wear a seat belt during operation.
• Never carry riders on the machine.
• Do not use the bucket as a work platform to lift personnel.
• Don't allow bystanders in the work area.
• Don't overload the bucket.
• Keep the bucket as low as possible during transport. "Go low and slow" is good advice.
• Travel up or down grades with the heavy end of the machine on the up side of the slope.
• Always lower the bucket to the ground when leaving the machine.
• Set the parking brake when leaving the seat.
• Stop the engine before refueling.
• Don't make adjustments or perform maintenance while the engine is running.

And note that this is not a complete safety checklist - no list could ever cover all the potential problems. You can never be too safe, so make a session on safety part of every rental. Note too that attachments and accessories further increase risk, so be sure to cover them also.

Maintenance on the job
Short-term renters usually need do no more than refuel, monitor hydraulic and coolant fluid levels, perform basic lubrication and check tire pressure. Rental center personnel should make certain that renters know whether to use gasoline or diesel. Also make sure customers know how to check and add fluids. Show renters the lube points. Also, note that skid-steers are hard on tires. Many flats can be fixed on the spot, but often it's best to take the wheel to a repair shop.

Comments from the industry
Trak International, Port Washington, Wis., Bob Lessner: "Safety warnings are contained in the operator's manual and on warning decals on each unit. EMI [Equipment Manufacturers Institute] provides a good safety video and booklet."

JCB, White Marsh, Md., Jay Ulrich: "Skid-steer loaders should remain in rental service from two to four years."

Case Corp., Racine, Wis., Steve Barber: "If renters are not familiar with operation of a unit, they may experience reduced productivity. The renter always should receive proper operation instructions with an emphasis on safety. They should read the operator's manual. We also offer rental companies a videotape highlighting proper safety procedures."

Comments from attachment manufacturers
Ammbusher (rotary cutters), Dillsboro, Ind., Philip Holt: "Warnings and cautions are provided on the attachment. Because of the possibility of injury from thrown objects, extreme caution must be exercised when operating along roadways or other locations where people may be present."

McMillen Division, States Engineering Corp. (landscape and grading rakes, augers and earth drills), Fort Wayne, Ind., Todd Shepherd: "Concrete haulers mounted on skid-steer loaders allow concrete to be brought to areas inaccessible by larger equipment."

Sweepster (pick-up sweeper and angle sweeper attachments), Dexter, Mich., Jim Koch: "Renters should be instructed on brush adjustments, proper brush speed and wind considerations. Improper brush adjustment can result in poor performance and create heat in the skid-steer loader system."