Skid-steer loader
This "zero-turn" capability (the machine can turn around within its own length) makes them extremely maneuverable and valuable for applications that require a compact, powerful and agile loader or tool carrier in confined-space work areas.
[1] The Kellers built the loader to help a farmer, Eddie Velo, mechanize the process of cleaning turkey manure from his barn.
The light and compact machine, with its rear caster wheel, was able to turn around within its own length while performing the same tasks as a conventional front-end loader, hence its name.
The differential steering, zero-turn capabilities and lack of visibility often exacerbated by carrying loads with these machines means that their safe operation requires the operator have a good field of vision, good hand eye coordination, manual dexterity and the ability to remember and perform multiple actions at once.
Another thing to consider are beacon lights and reverse signal alarms that offer a warning to co-workers about the skid steer’s movements.
Use and continued maintenance of these alarms greatly reduce the risk of incidents involving running over and/or pinning co-workers between the machine and an obstacle.
Construction sites and their business contract requirements often call for landscapers to have operational skid steer reverse signal alarms and beacon lights.
[6] The extremely rigid frame and strong wheel bearings prevent the torsional forces caused by this dragging motion from damaging the machine.
As with tracked treads, the high ground friction produced by skid steers can rip up soft or fragile road surfaces.
The side screens prevent the operator from becoming wedged between the lift arms and the skid steer frame as well as from being struck by protrusions (such as limbs).
Rollover incidents and being crushed by moving parts are the most common causes of serious injuries and death associated with skid steer loaders.
Some examples include Dura Graders, backhoe, hydraulic breaker, pallet forks, angle broom, sweeper, auger, mower, snow blower, stump grinder, tree spade, trencher, dumping hopper, pavement miller, ripper, tillers, grapple, tilt, roller, snow blade, wheel saw, cement mixer, and wood chipper machine.
This allows a driver to change between a variety of terrain handling, shaping, and leveling tools without having to leave the machine, by using a hydraulic control mechanism to latch onto the attachments.
Static stability increases as the arms continue to rise, but raised loads are inherently less stable and safe for all machine types.
One downside of radial lift design is that when fully-raised the bucket is back closer to the machine, so it has relatively poor reach when trying to load trucks or hoppers or spreaders.
"Vertical lift" designs use additional links and hinges on the loader arm, with the main pivot points towards the center or front of the machine.
All loaders use multiple links (that all move in radial arcs) which aim to straighten the lift path of the bucket as it is raised.
Vertical lift designs have grown rapidly in popularity in the past thirty years and now make up a significant proportion of new skid loader sales.
When controls are activated, the loader or lift arm attachments can move and crush individuals who are within the range of the machinery.
