Here’s Mini Skid Steer Advice from Seven Manufacturers

Below, seven mini skid steer manufacturers offer tips on everything from buying and safety to operation and maintenance.

Reap the Benefits

Sam Dando, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Toro

Compact utility loaders [a.k.a. mini skid steers], like the Toro Dingo, typically provide 360-degree visibility and allow the operators to be highly aware of their surroundings. This alone can help minimize accidents on the jobsite. Secondly, ease of access is important. By removing the need to enter and exit a cab, operators have more control of their immediate environment and can quickly step off the machine and remove themselves from the area if any jobsite hazards are present. Finally, the controls are simple to use, which helps reduce the learning curve, ultimately protecting crews and contributing to a safe jobsite. These machines can instantly increase the productivity of any jobsite and, with intuitive controls, can be operated by almost anyone — decreasing labor challenges and ultimately increasing ROI.

Get Attached

Brant Kukuk, Product Manager at Ditch Witch

Stand-on skid steers, like the SK1750, offer the versatility of interchangeable attachments that allow professionals to switch tasks efficiently without needing multiple machines. For example, buckets help operators lift large piles of material or debris that need to be relocated or disposed of. Pallet forks are also popular for moving pallets and other large materials efficiently. Other attachments such as the stump grinder, backhoe and trencher help minimize the number of dedicated machines needed on a jobsite. Simply switching out attachments helps minimize the transportation and maintenance costs associated with additional machines. The versatility that attachments allow stand-on skid steer operators pays dividends on their investment. To increase safety and efficiency, it’s essential to match the skid steer’s size and weight with appropriate attachments and maintain a balanced load.

Safety First

Angie Ansorge, Channel Marketing Manager at Gravely

A good day on a compact utility loader is possible only when safety is factored into your bid. Start with machine-specific training from the dealer that sold or leased your equipment, even if you’re an experienced operator. Know how to operate the controls and your attachments, and what to do in an emergency. Next, survey. Digging to any depth requires an 811 call to mark for buried utilities. Striking underground cable or rupturing a gas line can lead to serious injury or death, and you could be held liable for damages. Also complete your own walkaround of the jobsite to know where to avoid unsafe terrain and hidden obstacles. Next, check the weather. If you see lightning or hear thunder, stop the machine, go inside and wait for it to pass. Finally, and above all, read. Your complete instructions for operating safely are detailed in the operator’s manual for your unit.

Before You Go

Rodderick Hamm, Sales Manager for Kanga North America

Before operating, thoroughly read the operator’s manual to understand the features, specifications and limitations of your mini loader. Check the tires to ensure they are properly inflated and in good condition. Conduct a visual inspection of the machine’s hydraulic lines and moving parts. Ensure your attachment is properly secured and its connection has been tested for operation before starting any work. Check that the loader’s engine oil, hydraulic fluid and fuel are at proper levels. When the machine is running, check that all of its controls are functioning properly. Also inspect the worksite. For example, check for any obstacles or hazards such as uneven ground, slopes or overhead hazards. Be mindful of overhead power lines and request through relevant authorities for underground services.

Gear Up

Trevor Koolmees, Product Group Sales Manager at Vermeer

A critical piece to operator safety when using mini skid steers is understanding personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements. Before operating any machine, operators should review the equipment manual for specific PPE requirements. Standard PPE includes OSHA-certified eye protection that wraps around the eyes, hard hats to protect from falling objects and safety shoes with toe and metatarsal guards. Hearing protection in the form of earplugs is required when operating equipment. Operators should never wear jewelry or loose-fitting clothing that could become catch points, and long hair must be confined. When working near traffic, high-visibility or reflective clothing is mandatory. Additionally, it’s important to review attachment manuals and decals to check if any additional PPE is required for specific attachments being used.

Optimal Operation

Doran Herritt, Product Marketing Team Leader for New Holland

Always use the handholds and steps provided to enter and exit the machine. Maintain three points of contact and avoid jumping from the machine. To prevent rollovers, operate the machine on stable, level ground whenever possible. Avoid abrupt turns and sudden stops. Do not exceed the machine’s speed limits. Be cautious operating on uneven terrain. Keep the load low and travel straight up or down slopes. Keep an eye out for obstacles, such as rocks, tree stumps and debris. Avoid sudden movements and balance the load properly. Avoid jerky movements that can destabilize the machine. Never exceed rated load capacities. Set all attachments on the ground before exiting. Always shut off the engine and remove the key when leaving the machine. Park on a stable, level surface away from traffic.

Maintenance Matters

Mike Fitzgerald, Marketing Manager for Bobcat

Owners and operators should familiarize themselves with the maintenance sections of their machine’s operation and maintenance manual. Routine daily service intervals for fluids, lubricants and filters should be followed during normal working conditions and temperatures. It is also important to perform visual checks of attachments used with your mini track loader. Check components such as cutting edges, attachment bits or teeth like on an auger, and hoses to determine if wear is developing or damage has occurred. Everything that engages with the ground should be looked at for wear and damage. If there is damage, repair or replace it before use. Following routine maintenance schedules will help ensure optimum operation of your machine and improve uptime.