skid steer comparisons

Skid Steer Comparisons

Mark Novak2007 National AgrAbility

Workshop

Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons Today’s PresentationToday’s Presentation

ClassroomClassroom Some slides and discussion about skid steersSome slides and discussion about skid steers

Outdoor –> hands on Outdoor –> hands on Complete skid steer comparison tool data Complete skid steer comparison tool data

gathering sheetgathering sheet

Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons ClassroomClassroom

HistoryHistory Definition/UsesDefinition/Uses SafetySafety FeaturesFeatures ManufacturersManufacturers

Web sitesWeb sites MarketingMarketing

AttachmentsAttachments Discuss skid steer data gathering sheetDiscuss skid steer data gathering sheet

Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons OutdoorOutdoor

Have four skid steer modelsHave four skid steer models Break into groupsBreak into groups Take some measurements and fill out Take some measurements and fill out

skid steer data gathering toolskid steer data gathering tool No drivingNo driving Turn data gathering tool results at end of Turn data gathering tool results at end of

sessionsession

Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons HistoryHistory

11stst product was three-wheeled loader product was three-wheeled loader used to clean turkey barns in early 1950sused to clean turkey barns in early 1950s

Original rights sold to E.G. Melrose Co.Original rights sold to E.G. Melrose Co. In 1958, the “Bobcat skid-steer” loader In 1958, the “Bobcat skid-steer” loader

was introduced by the Melrose Co.was introduced by the Melrose Co. Change direction quicklyChange direction quickly Turn within its own wheelbaseTurn within its own wheelbase

In 1995, Ingersol Rand bought BobcatIn 1995, Ingersol Rand bought Bobcat

Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons History History

Today Bobcat Co. is a business unit of Today Bobcat Co. is a business unit of Ingersoll RandIngersoll Rand

Many companies have developed their Many companies have developed their own skid steer loaders for agricultural own skid steer loaders for agricultural and construction equipment useand construction equipment use

Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons Definition/Uses:Definition/Uses:

Skid steer, skid loader, skid-steer loader, etc. is a Skid steer, skid loader, skid-steer loader, etc. is a rigid frame, engine-powered machine with lift rigid frame, engine-powered machine with lift arms used to attach a wide variety of labor-saving arms used to attach a wide variety of labor-saving tools and attachments.tools and attachments.

The term “bobcat” is sometimes used as a The term “bobcat” is sometimes used as a generic term for skid-steer loaders.generic term for skid-steer loaders.

Four-wheel drive vehicles, with the left drive Four-wheel drive vehicles, with the left drive wheels independent of the right drive wheels, so wheels independent of the right drive wheels, so that wheel speed and rotation determine direction that wheel speed and rotation determine direction of the loader and allow the loader to turn within of the loader and allow the loader to turn within its own tracksits own tracks

Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons UsesUses

The safe operation of skid steer loaders The safe operation of skid steer loaders can address limitations including:can address limitations including:

LiftingLifting CarryingCarrying PushingPushing PullingPulling Use of only one handUse of only one hand WalkingWalking Reaching and bendingReaching and bending

Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons SafetySafety

Web is full of great resources on skid Web is full of great resources on skid steer loader safety and safe operationsteer loader safety and safe operation

Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons Safety Hazards (short list):Safety Hazards (short list):

Loader or loaded front mounted buckets, Loader or loaded front mounted buckets, roll over, tilt back and onto operatorroll over, tilt back and onto operator

Lots of control levers in a tight space, Lots of control levers in a tight space, easy to bump unintendedeasy to bump unintended

Lift arms close to operator’s areaLift arms close to operator’s area Pinch, shear and crush points close to Pinch, shear and crush points close to

the operator’s areathe operator’s area Entry and exit over the attachment and Entry and exit over the attachment and

past operator’s controlspast operator’s controls

Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons Safety FeaturesSafety Features

FOPS/ROPS (falling object protection, roll FOPS/ROPS (falling object protection, roll over protection)over protection)

Safety belt and/or restraint barSafety belt and/or restraint bar Lift arm lockouts or lift arm supportsLift arm lockouts or lift arm supports Seat interlocksSeat interlocks Back up sirensBack up sirens Read the operator instructionsRead the operator instructions

Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons FeaturesFeatures

Rigid frameRigid frame Operation (left independent of right)Operation (left independent of right) Mostly diesel motorsMostly diesel motors FOPS/ROPS (all new designs)FOPS/ROPS (all new designs) Cab, some enclosed with heat, AC, etc.Cab, some enclosed with heat, AC, etc. One or two lift armsOne or two lift arms Auxiliary hydraulicsAuxiliary hydraulics


Turn within their own wheel baseTurn within their own wheel base Most have hydrostatic (variable) speed Most have hydrostatic (variable) speed

transmissionstransmissions Low center of gravity (by design)Low center of gravity (by design) Most offer hand/foot control, or dual Most offer hand/foot control, or dual

hand only control for operationhand only control for operation Some also offer T-bar hand control and Some also offer T-bar hand control and

joystick controlsjoystick controls


Wheels versus tracksWheels versus tracks

Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons ManufacturersManufacturers

Some estimates say there are as many as 40 Some estimates say there are as many as 40 companies that “label or sell” skid steer loaderscompanies that “label or sell” skid steer loaders

Some of the more common names of skid steer Some of the more common names of skid steer loader companies in the United States:loader companies in the United States:

BobcatBobcat John DeereJohn Deere GehlGehl JCBJCB

MustangMustang New HollandNew Holland CaseIHCaseIH


Web sitesWeb sites http://www.bobcat.comhttp://www.bobcat.com http://www.deere.comhttp://www.deere.com http://www.gehl.comhttp://www.gehl.com http://www.jcb.comhttp://www.jcb.com http://www.mustangmfg.comhttp://www.mustangmfg.com http://www.newholland.comhttp://www.newholland.com http://www.caseih.comhttp://www.caseih.com


Examples of Skid Steer Loaders Examples of Skid Steer Loaders marketing brochuresmarketing brochures

Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons Attachments:Attachments:

Skid steer attachment list is almost Skid steer attachment list is almost endless and continues to growendless and continues to grow

Most attachments have specific purpose Most attachments have specific purpose (e.g., post hole digger, walk-way (e.g., post hole digger, walk-way sweeper, etc.)sweeper, etc.)

Newer skid steers include the hydraulic Newer skid steers include the hydraulic capability to operate these attachments, capability to operate these attachments, while older skid steers may not while older skid steers may not

Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons AttachmentsAttachments

Some of the more popular (even Some of the more popular (even standard) attachments are:standard) attachments are:

Bucket (different styles)Bucket (different styles) Forks (for pallet moving)Forks (for pallet moving) Blades (snow, dirt, etc.)Blades (snow, dirt, etc.) Brooms (snow, dirt, etc.)Brooms (snow, dirt, etc.) Jack hammer (for construction/demolition)Jack hammer (for construction/demolition)

Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons AttachmentsAttachments

At http://www.skidsteersolutions.comAt http://www.skidsteersolutions.comcounted about 60 kinds of attachments, counted about 60 kinds of attachments, some of the less well know might be:some of the less well know might be:

Brush mowersBrush mowers Log splittersLog splitters Post poundersPost pounders Rock sawRock saw Tree shearsTree shears

Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons Why did we develop the skid steer Why did we develop the skid steer

comparison tool data gathering sheetcomparison tool data gathering sheet Look at skid steer features that maybe Look at skid steer features that maybe

important to farmers and ranchers with important to farmers and ranchers with a disability a disability

As we’ve seen, this information is not As we’ve seen, this information is not typically found in standard marketing typically found in standard marketing brochure (i.e., number and placement of brochure (i.e., number and placement of hand holds/hand rails, etc.)hand holds/hand rails, etc.)

Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons What does the Skid Steer Comparison Tool What does the Skid Steer Comparison Tool

Data Gathering Sheet look like?Data Gathering Sheet look like? 7 pages long7 pages long First 3 pages have 13 questionsFirst 3 pages have 13 questions Last 4 pages have sample pictures to assist Last 4 pages have sample pictures to assist

with data collectionwith data collection Requires tape measure, pencil/pen, and Requires tape measure, pencil/pen, and

clipboardclipboard Suggest including a digital cameraSuggest including a digital camera Requires about 15 minutes to completeRequires about 15 minutes to complete

Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons Other Features Important to AgAbilityOther Features Important to AgAbility

Are there places to safely stepAre there places to safely step Are there multiple hand holds/hand railsAre there multiple hand holds/hand rails What are the operator’s opening (doorway or What are the operator’s opening (doorway or

door width and height) minimum and maximumdoor width and height) minimum and maximum What kind of foot room is allowedWhat kind of foot room is allowed What kind of issues might arise accessing the What kind of issues might arise accessing the

common service areas (e.g., filling with fuel, common service areas (e.g., filling with fuel, checking oil levels, etc.)checking oil levels, etc.)

Skid Steer Comparison Tool Data Gathering SheetSkid Steer Comparison Tool Data Gathering Sheet Skid steer manufacturers produce very detailed marketing brochures which you can review to compare one Skid steer manufacturers produce very detailed marketing brochures which you can review to compare one

brand of skid steer against another. The marketing brochures include everything from basic machine brand of skid steer against another. The marketing brochures include everything from basic machine measurements, turning radius, engine size, hydraulic flow, attachment capability, operating controls available measurements, turning radius, engine size, hydraulic flow, attachment capability, operating controls available (hand only, hand and foot, etc.) and whether the cab (ROPS/FOPS) is totally enclosed to allow it to be heated (hand only, hand and foot, etc.) and whether the cab (ROPS/FOPS) is totally enclosed to allow it to be heated and cooled. Armed with this information, if a user is interested in purchasing or recommending a skid steer and cooled. Armed with this information, if a user is interested in purchasing or recommending a skid steer they will have most of the information necessary to make an informed decision. they will have most of the information necessary to make an informed decision.

Almost all makes and models of skid steer require the operator to be able to climb into the skid steer from the Almost all makes and models of skid steer require the operator to be able to climb into the skid steer from the front of the machine in order to operate it. Therefore, the few questions gathered below are notes about the front of the machine in order to operate it. Therefore, the few questions gathered below are notes about the availability of hand holds, steps, and some general measurements which may affect an individual’s ability to availability of hand holds, steps, and some general measurements which may affect an individual’s ability to climb into and out of a skid steer, or do maintenance. Also, even with hand holds and steps, skid steers in climb into and out of a skid steer, or do maintenance. Also, even with hand holds and steps, skid steers in general are not easy to access and may not be the proper machine for individuals with severe mobility general are not easy to access and may not be the proper machine for individuals with severe mobility limitations. (limitations. (Please see the attached pictures for assistance with the questions and where/how to perform the Please see the attached pictures for assistance with the questions and where/how to perform the measurements below.)measurements below.)

Skid Steer Data Entry:Skid Steer Data Entry:

Skid Steer Manufacturer: ___________Model: ___________ Date: __________Skid Steer Manufacturer: ___________Model: ___________ Date: __________

1.1. Do you enter the skid steer from the front? ____ yes, ___ no Do you enter the skid steer from the front? ____ yes, ___ no (if yes, go to question #3)(if yes, go to question #3)

2.2. Do you enter the skid steer from the side? ____ yes, ___ no Do you enter the skid steer from the side? ____ yes, ___ no (if yes, go to question # 4)(if yes, go to question # 4)

3.3. If there is a bucket attached to the skid steer that you must step over to enter the skid steer, how high must If there is a bucket attached to the skid steer that you must step over to enter the skid steer, how high must you step (top of the bucket)? ___ inchesyou step (top of the bucket)? ___ inches

(Note: When recommending a skid steer, be sure you understand “all” the different types of (Note: When recommending a skid steer, be sure you understand “all” the different types of attachments [not just a bucket] that a farmer/rancher might wish to use and thus you may have to attachments [not just a bucket] that a farmer/rancher might wish to use and thus you may have to step over to enter and exit the operator’s area. If one of these attachments makes entering or step over to enter and exit the operator’s area. If one of these attachments makes entering or exiting the skid steer even more difficult when attached, this may help you decide to use a manual exiting the skid steer even more difficult when attached, this may help you decide to use a manual versus an automatic attachment mounting system. With an automatic mounting system, it should versus an automatic attachment mounting system. With an automatic mounting system, it should be easier to remove [and re-connect] any attachments, and without the attachments it may be be easier to remove [and re-connect] any attachments, and without the attachments it may be easier for the farmer/rancher to enter/exit the operator’s area.)easier for the farmer/rancher to enter/exit the operator’s area.)

5. Measure from the ground to here, the bottom of the doorway opening the operator must step across to enter the skid steer operator’s area.

4b. With or without the bucket attached, this would be an example of a second step or platform, on the side or front of the skid steer measured from the ground.

3. Measure from the ground to here, this is the first step if the bucket is attached.

4a. If the bucket was not attached, measure from the ground to here would be the first step.

9. Three sets of hand holds, one inside and two outside the ROPS/FOPS (located on both sides).

8. Doorway height.

7. Maximum doorway width.

6. Minimum doorway width is here, due to inside design of the door.

10. Notice the entrance and exit door latches, describe each.

11. Area to measure for operator’s feet.

11a. Width area for feet, front to back.

11b. Width area for feet, side to side.

Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons Pictures of things you may wish to Pictures of things you may wish to

look for if you are thinking about look for if you are thinking about purchasing a skid steer loader…purchasing a skid steer loader…

Skid Steer ComparisonsSkid Steer Comparisons

ReferencesReferences

A 100-Year March of Progress: AEM & A 100-Year March of Progress: AEM & ASABE. By James H. Ebbinghaus. ASABE. By James H. Ebbinghaus.

Web sites: Web sites: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skid_loaderhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skid_loaderhttp://www.agrabilityproject.org/http://www.agrabilityproject.org/

skid steer comparisons

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