Loader Cab

Loader Cab

Skid Steer Loader Basics

The skid loader is a rigid frame, engine powered machine with lift arms that are used to attach a wide variety of labor saving tools or attachments. Skid loaders are normally four wheel drive with left side drive wheels that are independent of right side drive wheels.  With each side being independent to the other, the wheel speed and direction of rotation of the wheels will determine which direction the loader turns.
Skid loaders are capable of turning in their own tracks, which makes them very maneuverable and valuable for jobs that require the use of compact, agile loader.
Unlike conventional front loaders, the lift arms lay beside the driver with the major pivot points located behind the shoulders of the operator.  Due to the operator being in close proximity to moving booms and buckets, earlier models of skid loaders weren't as safe as conventional front loaders, particularly during entering and exiting.

Skid loaders today have fully enclosed cabs and other safety features that will protect the operator from injury.  Just like other front loaders, the skid steer can scrape material from one location to another, carry material in a bucket, or load material on a truck or a trailer.

Operation
A skid loader can sometimes take the place of a large excavator by digging a hole out from the inside.  The skid loader will first dig a ramp that leads to the edge of the hole.  Then, the loader will use the ramp to carry material out of the hole. 
The skid loader will then reshape the ramp by making it steeper and longer as the excavation gets deeper.  This method is very useful for digging under an overhead structure where the overhead clearance doesn't allow for the boom of a large excavator, such as those situations where you are digging a basement under a house.
The bucket of most types of skid loaders can be replaced with several specialized buckets or attachments, many of which are powered by the hydraulic system of the loader. 

History
The first 3 wheeled front end loader was invented by two brothers, Cyril and Louis Keller in their machinist shop in Minnesota back in 1957.  The Kellers built the loader to help a nearby farmer clean turkey manure from his two story barn.  The light and compact loader, with the rear caster wheel, was able to turn around within the length of itself, while performing the very same tasks as conventional front end loaders.
Down the road, the Melroe manufacturing company in Gwinner, North Dakota, purchased the rights to the Keller loader in 1958 and hired the brothers to continue their loader invention.  Resulting from the partnership, the M-200 self propelled loader was introduced at the end of 1958.

The loader featured two independent front drive wheels and a rear caster wheel, a 12.9 engine and a 750 lb lift capacity.  Two years later, they ended up replacing the caster wheel with a rear axle and introduced the M-400 loader, which was the first four wheel skid steer loader in the world.

In 1962, the Bobcat name was added to describe the key features of the machine - touch, agile, and quick.  The M-440 was powered by a 15.5 HP engine and offered a 1100 lb rated operating capacity.  In the mid 1960s, the skid steer loader progressed with the introduction of the M600 loader.

Years later, the Bobcat skid steer loader experienced quite a few changes, including the development of a hydrostatic drive system, enforced cab structures, radius and vertical lift arm configurations, deluxe instrumentation, and even heating and air conditioning.
In addition to the rubber tire skid loaders of today, there are now all-wheel steer loaders and even compact track loaders. Compact track loads offer less ground disturbance and feature better traction and control in soft, muddy, wet, and even sandy ground conditions.

For additional information about skid steer loaders visit Save on Construction Heavy Equipment at The writer operates a website selling used construction equipment and providing information at http://www.saveonheavyequipment.com

About the Author

The writer operates a website selling construction heavy equipment and providing information at Construction Equipment Bargains

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1998 John Deere 410E 4x4 Backhoe Loader $11000 Enclosed Cab, Heater, A/C, 4x4, Extendable Stick, GP Loader Bucket, 36" Rear Bucket, Counterweight

1999 JCB 411B Wheel Loader $14000 Enclosed Cab, Heater, GP Loader Bucket. The engine ran after jump starting. The drivetrain engaged in forward and reverse. The engine was shut off during the inspection and would not restart on it's own. The hydraulic system was not checked. The main components appear to be in place.

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2008 Volvo L180F Wheel Loader $76000 Enclosed Cab, A/C, Heater, 26.5R25 Tires, GP Bucket

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Bruder Toys Transporter With Skid Steer Loader $45.5 This is a real working Roadmax Transporter with Skid Steer Loader. Ideal for your child's pretend and play. The truck features soft rubber, real tread tires, a transparent driver's cab that opens and a fully functional skid steer loader which can be placed in the rear transporter or played with independently. It can be used for indoor or outdoor play! Ages 4 and older. Measures 8 x 16.25 x 10.25 inches. Type: Cars & Trucks Gender: Male

Caterpillar 950 Wheel Loader $9000 Enclosed Cab, Heater, 3rd Valve, GP Bucket. After jump starting, the engine ran. The drivetrain engaged in forward and reverse. The hydraulic system was operational. The main components appear to be in place and operational. ***Only approved vendors may be used for teardown/loadout***

1998 Caterpillar 980G Wheel Loader $37000 Enclosed Cab, A/C, Heater, Command Control Steering, Autoshift, 29.5R25 Tires, GP Bucket, Scales.

1999 Caterpillar 980G Wheel Loader $42000 Enclosed Cab, A/C, Heater, Caterpillar 3406 Engine, Powershift, 29.5R25 Tires, GP Bucket

2005 Prentice 384D Log Loader $16000 Enclosed Cab (missing glass), A/C, Heater, Grapple, Delimber, T/A Trailer Chassis, Air Brakes

Caterpillar 992C Wheel Loader $33000 Enclosed Cab, A/C, Heater, 45/65R45 Tires, The engine started and ran. The drivetrain engaged in forward and reverse. The hydraulic system was operational. The main components appear to be in place and operational. The bucket is missing.***This is an active mining site, Buyer’s transportation company will be required to provide proof of insurance of $1,000,000, wear personal protection equipment and be subject to site specific orientation.***

2002 Caterpillar 938G Wheel Loader $28000 Enclosed Cab, A/C, Heater, Caterpillar 3126 Engine, Powershift, 20.5R25 Tires, Hydraulic Coupler, 8' 8" GP Bucket, 56" Forks

2003 Komatsu WA800-3LC Wheel Loader $150000 Enclosed Cab, A/C, Heater, Ride Control, Spade Nose Bucket, 45/65R45 Tires *** See Maintenance Record link below for seller supplied document(s) ***

2007 Caterpillar 988H Wheel Loader $170000 Enclosed Cab, A/C, Heater, Joy Stick Steering, Ride Control, Boom Suspension, Self-Leveling Bucket, Spade-Nose Bucket

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2004 Case 590SR-4PS Backhoe Loader $13000 Enclosed Cab, Heater, CNH Diesel Engine, 4x4, Powershift Transmission, Standard Stick, Manual Rear Coupler, 320/80R18 Front Tyres, 480/80R26 Rear Tyres. CE certificate available from seller - CE mark on machine.

2005 New Holland LW130.B Wheel Loader $20000 Enclosed Cab, A/C Components, Heater, 20.5-25 Tires, Hydraulic Coupler, GP Bucket

1999 John Deere 260 Skid-Steer Loader $6000 Enclosed Cab (Door missing), Heater, Auxiliary Hydraulic Plumbing, 14-17.5 Tires, Manual Coupler, GP Bucket

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