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Operation
A Skid Steer loader can sometimes be used in place of a large excavator by digging a hole from the inside. The skid loader first digs a ramp leading to the edge of the desired excavation. It then uses the ramp to carry material out of the hole. The skid loader reshapes the ramp making it steeper and longer as the excavation deepens. This method is particularly useful for digging under a structure where overhead clearance does not allow for the boom of a large excavator, such as digging a basement under an existing house.
The conventional bucket of many skid loaders can be replaced with a variety of specialized buckets or attachments, many powered by the loader's hydraulic system. These include backhoe, hydraulic breaker, pallet forks, angle broom, sweeper, auger, mower, snow blower, stump grinder, tree spade, trencher, dumping hopper, ripper, tillers, grapple, tilt, roller, snow blade, wheel saw, cement mixer, and wood chipper.
History
The first three-wheeled, front-end loader was invented by brothers Cyril and Louis Keller (manufacturer) in Rothsay, Minnesota, in 1957. The Kellers built the loader to help a farmer 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.
The Melroe brothers, of Melroe Manufacturing Company in Gwinner, N.D., purchased the rights to the Keller loader in 1958 and hired the Kellers to continue refining their invention. As a result of this partnership, the M-200 Melroe self-propelled loader was introduced at the end of 1958. It featured two independent front-drive wheels and a rear caster wheel, a 12.9-hp engine and a 750-lb. lift capacity. Two years later they replaced the caster wheel with a rear axle and introduced the M-400, the first four-wheel, skid-steer loader. It quickly became the Melroe Bobcat. The term "Bobcat" is sometimes used as a generic term for skid-steer loaders. The M-440 was powered by a 15.5-hp engine and had an 1100-lb. rated operating capacity. Skid-steer development continued into the mid-1960s with the M600 loader.
Many manufacturers have now made their variation of the skidloader, including: John Deere, Case, JLG, JCB, New Holland, Gehl, Mustang, ASV, Caterpillar and more.
Other Compact Equipment
Compact Excavator - The compact hydraulic excavator differs from other equipment. Movement and functions of the machine are accomplished with hydraulics. The compact excavator's work group and blade are driven by hydraulic cylinders, and the slew (rotation) and travel functions are activated by hydraulic motors.
With hydraulic powered attachments such as breakers, clamps, augers, and compactors, the excavator has uses other than excavation, and serves as an attachment tool carrier. Many excavators feature quick-attach mounting systems for attachment mounting, increasing the machine's utility.
Mini Loaders - Mini skid-steer loaders or compact utility loaders are smaller and include 'walk behind' cable or radio controlled skid loaders and the slightly larger platform skid loaders. Platform skid loaders have a small platform on the back instead of a seat for the operator to stand on.
Education
The National Association of Heavy Equipment Training Schools (NAHETS), established 2002, uses skid loader training schools and curriculum as a method to test and train users in the ability of skid loader use.
See also
External links
- How Skid Steer Loaders and Multi Terrain Loaders work - from HowStuffWorks.com
- U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Alert: Preventing Injuries and Deaths from Skid Steer Loaders. February 1998.
- National Skid Steer Loader Association Skidloader.org
- Skid Steer Loader Safety, Kansas State University
