Skid Steer Loader Overview

The first skid steer loader was developed in the 1950s, and was a self-propelled, open-seat, three-wheeled device that allowed the operator to lift heavy loads. The first model was used for farm work, in the clearing of manure on a turkey farm. The skid steer accelerated the work rate, much as a conventional front end loader, but the difference lay in its construction layout. The skid steer employed a unique steering system whereby the operator could turn inside a much tighter radius than a front end loader. It was the three-wheel design that enabled the skid steer to turn inside its own length, because the rear wheel was a caster wheel. More important than this, however, was the unique arm system-more on this shortly.

Modern skid steers have come a long way since their humble beginnings, but their handiness for a wide variety of jobs has not changed. Today, skid steer loaders almost always employ a full-body roll cage for the protection of the operator. Early models did not have this, and thus were somewhat dangerous for the operator. He could become entangled with the arms of the skid steer, especially when entering or exiting the vehicle, and there was the danger of getting a limb caught in the skid steer's arms when they were in motion. Today's models have eliminated this danger.

This introduces the other unique aspect of the skid steer loader, aside from its compact maneuverability. The skid steer owes its compact design and inherent mobility to its arm system. Unlike a conventional front end loader, the skid steer's arms are mounted on pivots toward the rear of the vehicle, instead of near the front. This means that the arms lay alongside the chassis of the skid steer when lowered, and this translates to a compact design. Extra length is eliminated with the rear mounting, without great loss of height ability.