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Four Safety Tips to Use Your Skid Steer

Dec. 14 2021 Safety By Bobcat of New Hampshire

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Even if you have purchased the latest skid steer model with advanced safety features, there are still a few things you’ll need to consider for making your operations safer and more efficient.

In this guide, our experts at Bobcat® of New Hampshire have gathered up a few safety measures that you’ll want to familiarize yourself with before you start operating your machine. Read on to learn more, and for more information, come down to our dealership to chat with our friendly staff. We’re in Chichester and Hudson, NH, and we happily welcome our patrons from Manchester and Nashua.

1. Entrance and Exit

The first safety tip we recommend to our customers is to be more observant when entering and exiting their machines. Make sure that:

  • Your equipment’s attachment is flat on the ground.
  • Your lift arms are locked when starting the piece of equipment.
  • You follow the 3-point system—two hands, one foot—while mounting and dismounting your machinery.
  • You set the parking brake and shut off the engine before getting off your skid steer.

2. Check Your Vision

Another safety practice you’ll need to keep in mind when using a skid steer is to make sure there’s no one present in your field of operation. Be vigilant of your blind spots and let everybody working around you know about your equipment’s functioning. This will help prevent your workers from coming too close to your machine while it’s in operation. For extra safety, install rear-view mirrors or cameras to help minimize your blind spots.

3. Prevent Rollovers

If you overload your skid steer, it can become unstable, and it might tip to one side. That’s why you’ll want to make sure you don’t exceed its weight handing limits and be careful when driving it over rough and uneven surfaces. Check your owner’s manual for the maximum load limit of your specific model and evenly distribute the load on your attachment to prevent it from tipping over.

You’ll also want to be mindful of its speed and avoid driving it too fast over terrain where it can become unsteady, causing you to lose control of your loader.

4. Operate With Care

As a responsible operator, you’ll also need to make sure you:

  • Have a protective structure in place.
  • Perform routine maintenance on your skid steer.
  • Wear your seat belt, safety vest, and helmet while using your machine.
  • Drive carefully and avoid attempting excessive speeds.

We hope this guide helps you use your skid steer safely. If you need more advice or want to upgrade your machine to the latest model, visit Bobcat of New Hampshire. Our friendly team can address your concerns and help you select a skid steer model that matches your budget and requirements. We’re in Chichester and Hudson, NH, and we proudly serve those from Manchester and Nashua.