Is it hard to drive a skid steer?

Driving a skid steer loader, also known as a skid steer or skid loader, is not necessarily difficult but does require some specific skills and knowledge. In the opening paragraphs below, we will provide quick answers to common questions about the difficulty of operating these versatile machines.

Is prior experience needed to operate a skid steer?

No prior experience is needed to learn how to drive a skid steer, but getting proper training is highly recommended. Skid steer models do have basic controls like accelerator, brake, and steering levers that will feel familiar. However, the steering operates differently than a car since it pivots around a stationary rear axle. The controls also allow you to raise and tilt the loader arms and attachment. So training will teach you how to coordinate all the controls and safely handle loads.

How long does it take to learn to drive a skid steer?

With proper instruction, the average trainee can learn to operate a skid steer in less than a day. Roughly 4-8 hours of training is typical. Important skills like wheel orientation, lift capacity, and driving backwards are usually picked up quickly. But becoming fully skilled and comfortable handling challenging terrain or large loads will require more hours of practice.

What are the steps to operate a skid steer?

The basic steps to drive a skid steer loader are:

1. Conduct pre-operation inspection of machine
2. Fasten seatbelt
3. Start engine
4. Raise loader arms slightly off ground
5. Drive forward or reverse using drive control bars
6. Steer with steering levers
7. Use loader controls to lift, lower, and tilt attachment
8. Stop machine and lower implement to ground before exiting

What skills does an operator need to drive a skid steer successfully?

Key skills needed to drive a skid steer properly include:

• Coordination – Operators must be able to use foot pedals and hand levers simultaneously
• Spatial awareness – Knowing the dimensions of the machine and attachment are key for maneuvering
• Focus – Attention must be paid to the environment around the equipment at all times
• Judgment – Choosing appropriate speed and lift capacity for the terrain and loads
• Steadiness – Gentle control inputs are needed especially when traveling over uneven ground

What are the main controls and instruments?

Here are the key controls and features in a typical skid steer cab:

Control/Instrument	Function
Drive Control Levers	Independently control left and right wheel drive motors to steer and propel machine
Loader Control Levers	Raise, lower, and tilt loader arms and attachment
Foot Pedals	Operate brakes and accelerator
Seat Belt	Secure operator safety restraint
Engine Temperature Gauge	Monitor engine operating temperature
Fuel Level Gauge	Check fuel level
Hour Meter	Track engine operating hours for maintenance

What safety practices should operators follow?

Skid steer operators should always adopt these essential safety practices:

• Wear proper PPE like hard hat, gloves, eye and ear protection
• Perform pre-operation inspection and fix any issues
• Follow manufacturer procedures for startup and shutdown
• Keep arms and legs inside cab during operation
• Drive slowly over uneven terrain
• Do not exceed lift capacity
• Lower loader arms before exiting cab
• Look out for people and objects around machine

What are the advantages of skid steer loaders?

Skid steer loaders offer excellent advantages:

• Compact size – Small footprint allows access in tight spaces
• Maneuverability – Zero turning radius enables precise positioning
• Versatility – Interchangeable attachments suit many applications
• High lift capacity – Powerful hydraulic lifting for heavy materials
• Easy operation – Basic controls allow operators to quickly gain proficiency

What are the disadvantages of skid steers?

Potential drawbacks of skid steers include:

• Narrow wheelbase prone to tipping if operated incorrectly
• Needs counterweights for stability with heavy attachments
• Rough ride from stiff suspension designed for utility rather than comfort
• Possible difficulty accessing some indoor or elevated work sites
• Requires slow precise movements for smoothness of operation

What attachments can skid steers use?

Skid steers can utilize a wide variety of attachments for different jobs:

• Bucket – For digging, dozing, and material handling
• Auger – Drilling holes in soil for posts or planting trees
• Grapple – Gripping and transporting logs or brush
• Pallet forks – Lifting and moving pallets of materials
• Brush cutter – Trimming vegetation and clearing brush
• Trencher – Digging trenches for pipes or electrical lines
• Breaker – Cracking concrete or breaking up pavement
• Stump grinder – Removing tree stumps close to ground level
• Snow plow – Pushing snow and debris
• Broom – Sweeping construction sites or warehouses

What are the most common skid steer models and sizes?

Popular skid steer models and their operating capacities:

Make & Model	Rated Operating Capacity (lbs)
Bobcat S70	700
Caterpillar 239D	1,300
John Deere 317G	1,700
New Holland L218	1,800
Case SR175	1,750
Takeuchi TL8	1,800

Typical skid steer sizes range from 1,500 lb. capacity mini models up to 4,000 lb. capacity large frame models used for heavy duty construction, landscaping, and farming applications.

What maintenance is required?

Proper skid steer maintenance includes:

• Daily – Pre-operation inspection, refueling, check fluid levels
• Weekly – Clean machine, check tire pressure
• Monthly – Check battery and electrical components
• Every 100 hours – Change engine oil and filter
• Every 250 hours – Grease machine pivot points
• Every 500 hours – Replace fuel and hydraulic filters

Always follow the detailed maintenance schedule outlined in the manufacturer’s owner’s manual for a skid steer. Never skip oil and filter changes when due. Proper maintenance is essential to maximize longevity and avoid costly repairs.

What fuel do skid steers use?

Most modern skid steers are powered by diesel engines. Older models may use gasoline engines. Diesel fuel provides advantages for skid steers:

• Greater low-end torque to handle hard digging or pushing
• Improved fuel efficiency compared to gasoline engines
• Lower risk of ignition when handling dusty or flammable materials

Diesel skid steers require ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel. The owner’s manual will specify any necessary fuel additives depending on season or temperature. Gasoline models require regular unleaded fuel.

How much does a skid steer cost?

New skid steer loaders typically range from approximately $15,000 up to $60,000. Key factors impacting skid steer cost include:

• Engine horsepower – More powerful engines cost more but provide greater hydraulic flow and lift capacity
• Operating capacity – Heavier lift capacity machines have higher price tags
• Attachment versatility – Skid steers with quick connect attachments offer more utility but add cost
• Comfort features – Options like suspension seat, pressurized cab, and climate control increase price
• Brand – Premium nameplates like Caterpillar, John Deere, Bobcat may charge more

Purchasing a used skid steer can save 30-50% versus the cost of new – but evaluate hours, condition, and required repairs carefully first. Rental is also an option when use is only needed periodically.

Conclusion

Driving a skid steer loader has a learning curve but does not require extensive experience. Around a full day of quality training is needed to become capable handling basic maneuvers. Smooth coordination of the steering, drive, and hydraulic controls is the main challenge. But gaining competency on a skid steer opens up a huge range of construction, landscaping, farming, and industrial applications. Carefully evaluating different brands and models based on intended use, as well as proper maintenance and safe operating practices, enables leveraging these versatile machines effectively.