Articulated and Skid Steer Loaders are specialized pieces of equipment which require experience and training to operate.
Articulated loaders have an articulated main frame that supports a front end attachment, such as a shovel bucket, fork lift tines or grapple.
Skid steer loaders are small, rigid frame machines with lift arms that can be used to complete a variety of tasks. Sometimes commonly referred to as "Bobcats", skid steer loaders may have tracks or wheels. Left and right wheels or tracks are operated at different speeds, which turns the machine by "skidding" across the ground.
The hazards of articulated loaders and skid steer loaders include getting crushed or pinched (by the mainframe in the case of articulated loaders and by the lift arms in the case of skid steer loaders), overloading and tipping, and falling or dropped loads.
For more details on articulated and skid steer loaders, click on the links below:
Only trained and authorized persons are permitted to operated articulated and skid steer loaders. Training is offered by Environmental Health and Safety and includes:
In addition to the EHS classroom training, hands-on operator certification is required for articulated and skid steer loaders.
To view the upcoming schedule and sign up for an training class, sign in to the Employee Learning Center.
Before getting in to operate an articulated or skid steer loader, there are several factors to consider:
Once all pre-operation tasks have been completed, the loader is ready to be operated. Follow these precautions during operation: