Skid Steer Loader Training in Saskatoon

The engine powered skid-steer loader consists of a small and rigid frame, outfitted together with lift arms which can attach to lots of industrial tools and attachments so as to execute several labor saving jobs. Usually, skid-steer loaders are four-wheel drive vehicles which have the left-hand side wheels working independent of the right-hand side wheels, though several models are outfitted along with tracks instead. On the four-wheel models, having each side independent of each other allows the rotation direction of the wheels and the wheel speed to know what direction the loader would turn.

The skid-steer loader is able to execute zero-radius turns or also called "pirouettes." This added feature enables the skid-steer loader to maneuver for certain applications which need a compact and agile loader.

The lift arms on the skid-steer loader are placed at the side of the driver with pivots at the rear of the driver's shoulders. These features makes the skid-steer loader different compared to the conventional front loader. Due to the operator's proximity to moving booms, early skid loaders were not as safe as traditional front loaders, specially through the operator's exit and entry. Modern skid-steer loaders at present have many features in order to protect the driver like for example fully-enclosed cabs. Like various front loaders, the skid-steer model can push materials from one site to another, is capable of loading material into a trailer or a truck and could carry material in its bucket.

More often than not a skid-steer loader is able to be used on a job location rather than a large excavator by digging a hole from within. First, the skid-steer loader digs a ramp leading to the edge of the desired excavation, and then it uses the ramp to excavate material out of the hole. As the excavation deepens, the machine reshapes the ramp making it longer and steeper. This is a remarkably functional method for digging below a building where there is not adequate overhead clearance for the boom of a large excavator. Like for instance, this is a common situation when digging a basement under an existing home or structure.

The skid-steer loader accessories add much flexibility to the equipment. For instance, conventional buckets on the loaders can be replaced attachments powered by their hydraulics consisting of snow blades, cement mixers, pallet forks, backhoes, tree spades, sweepers and mowers. Some other popular specialized attachments and buckets include wheel saws, snow blades, trenchers, angle booms, dumping hopper, wood chipper machines, grapples, tillers and stump grinders rippers.

In nineteen fifty seven, the first 3-wheeled, front-end loader was invented in Rothsay, in the state of Minnesota by brothers Cyril and Louis Keller. The brothers invented the loader in order to help a farmer mechanize the process of cleaning turkey manure from his barn. This particular machinery was light and compact and included a back caster wheel which allowed it to maneuver and turn around within its own length, allowing it to execute the same jobs as a traditional front-end loader.

The Melroe brothers of Melroe Manufacturing Company in Gwinner, N.D. obtained during the year 1958, the rights to the Keller loader. The business then hired the Keller brothers to help with development of the loader. The M-200 Melroe was actually the result of this partnership. This model was a self-propelled loader that was launched to the market during the year 1958. The M-200 Melroe featured a two independent front drive wheels, a rear caster wheel, a 12.9 HP engine and a 750 lb lift capacity. By the year 1960, they changed the caster wheel along with a rear axle and launched the very first 4 wheel skid steer loader which was referred to as the M-400.

The term "Bobcat" is used as a generic term for skid-steer loaders. The M-400 immediately after became the Melroe Bobcat. The M-440 version was powered by a 15.5 HP engine and has rated operating capacity of 1100 lbs. The company continued the skid-steer development into the mid 1960s and introduced the M600 loader.

Numerous makers have their own models of the skid steer loader that is just called a Skidsteer within the construction trade. Gehl Company, LiuGong, ASV, Hyundai, JCB, Catterpillar, Bobcat, Komatsu, Mustang, John Deere, JLG and New Holland are some for example, among some.

Click to Download the pdf