A skid steer is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment on a farm or ranch because it is designed to maneuver easily in tight spaces and has a variety of attachments to complete multiple jobs. Injuries from skid steer incidents can be extremely severe and include amputations, crushing injuries, mangled limbs and death.

Center of gravity
The center of gravity for a skid steer constantly shifts depending on the job and attachment. Typically, the weight of the skid steer is concentrated at the rear of the machine between the wheels.

However, weight at the front of the skid steer, as when moving items with a bucket or an attachment, shifts the center of gravity forward and higher.

• When carrying a load, whether in the bucket or an attachment, carry the load low to maintain a lower center of gravity and to increase stability and improve visibility.

• When traveling uphill, remember to keep the heavy part of the machine and load pointed uphill.

• If you have an empty bucket you should back up a hill, but if the bucket is full, drive forward up the hill.

• Recommended travel for a skid steer is up and down a slope rather than across.

Recommended safety features
The “zone of protection” on a skid steer includes the rollover protective structure (ROPS), a falling object protective structure (FOPS), side screens and an operator restraint.

All of these features are meant to reduce the risk of operator injury or death. When the seat belt or seat-bar restraint is used, the operator remains securely in the operator seat.

If your skid steer is an older model, contact your local dealer to discuss the possibility of retrofitting your skid steer with these safety features.

Some skid loaders used on farms or ranches may not have reverse signal alarms and beacon lights. However, these safety features can be installed after-market. These features provide notice of your skid steer movement to other workers in the area.

Interlocks and attachments
An interlock device is an electrical or hydraulic system lock that is tied in to the operator restraint system to mechanically lock the lift arms.

Never disable this interlock and require everyone to use it because it prevents the engine from starting or the hydraulics from engaging if the operator restraint is not properly fastened or positioned.

To avoid the potential risk of a crushing injury, ensure that all operators engage the hydraulic cylinder lift-arm lockout device when the boom is in the upright position for any repairs or maintenance.

The lockout can be engaged from inside or outside the operator’s cab and should be inspected regularly to maintain proper operation.

A farmer or rancher may change attachments on the skid steer multiple times per day to complete different tasks. The safest way to secure the attachments to the skid loader is to turn off the skid loader, properly exit the machine and secure the locking levers.

If another person plans to secure the locking lever, you still must shut off the machine to avoid the potential risk of an injury to the helper.

All skid steer operators should be trained to properly secure the locking levers. If the locking levers are not properly locked, the attachment can become unfastened while in use or when the arms are raised, posing a risk to the operator and other workers.

Hydraulic system
The hydraulic pressure system, which often exceeds 2,000 psi, is an often-overlooked hazard. Hydraulic hoses can develop pinhole leaks. Never use your hands to search for a leak because hydraulic oil injected into a person’s skin requires immediate emergency medical treatment.

Amputation of a hand or an arm may result from lack of medical attention. The recommended method is to use a piece of cardboard or mirror to pass over the suspected leak.

Fix all leaks immediately but remember that hydraulic hoses and fittings can be hot enough to cause burns. Sense for excessive heat by placing your gloved hand near the component.

When connecting hydraulic hoses, they should be routed to avoid pinching of the hose between the lift arms and the bucket or attachment.

Always shut down the skid steer and relieve the system pressure before connecting or disconnecting hoses.

Personal protective equipment
Anyone operating a skid steer should wear a bump cap or hard hat, steel-toed shoes, long pants and gloves. Depending on the job and the machine, hearing and eye protection may also be necessary.

Eye protection should be worn when checking hydraulic hoses and connections or any other components that generate the potential for flying particles or sprayed or splashed liquids. PD

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—Excerpts from Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice article “Skid Steer Safety”